What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: THC.

Where was this research published?

Published in Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities on January 30, 2026.

Unmasking Hidden Disparities in Cannabis Marketing and Law Enforcement

Q: What did this research study find?

**Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ individuals report higher perceptions of unfair cannabis possession treatment**

Disparities in Exposure to Cannabis Marketing and Perceptions of Inequalities in Possession Treatment: Differences Across Intersections of Sociodemographic Subgroups.

Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities • January 30, 2026 • Relevant

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AI Summary

This groundbreaking study reveals significant disparities in cannabis marketing and law enforcement experiences across different social identity groups in the United States. Researchers surveyed 4,031 young adults aged 18-34 to understand how sociodemographic intersectionality impacts perceptions of cannabis-related treatment and exposure to marketing.

The research uncovered profound inequalities in cannabis marketing and legal experiences, particularly among marginalized communities. Black, Hispanic, transgender, nonbinary, and sexual minority individuals consistently reported higher perceptions of unfair treatment related to cannabis possession. Notably, Black transgender and Black sexual minority individuals demonstrated the strongest associations with perceived unequal treatment, highlighting the complex intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation in cannabis-related experiences.

Marketing and exposure patterns also varied dramatically across different demographic groups. Black and Hispanic individuals reported more exposure to cannabis-related risk information and advertisements, while transgender and sexual minority groups experienced less informational exposure. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted regulatory interventions to address systemic inequities in cannabis marketing and enforcement practices.

💡 Key Findings

Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ individuals report higher perceptions of unfair cannabis possession treatment

High

85%

Black transgender individuals show strongest associations with perceived unequal cannabis-related experiences

Good

75%

Cannabis marketing and risk information exposure varies significantly across demographic groups

High

80%

📄 Original Abstract

Cannabis-related concerns include young adult use and sociodemographic disparities. We examined sociodemographic subgroup perceptions of targeted cannabis-related law enforcement and marketing. US young adults (N = 4,031) aged 18-34 were recruited via Facebook in 2023 to participate in an online survey. Multivariable linear regressions examined gender, sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity in relation to (1) perceived unfair treatment of certain groups for cannabis possession, (2) perceived cannabis industry targeting of certain groups, (3) noticing promotions targeting certain groups, (4) exposure to cannabis-related risk information, and (5) exposure to cannabis-related advertisements. We also examined potential groups that may be at higher risk (moderation). Black (vs. White), Hispanic (vs. not), transgender (vs. cisgender male), nonbinary (vs. cisgender male), and sexual minority (vs. heterosexual) individuals tended to perceive more unfair treatment of cannabis possession. Moderation findings indicated strong associations regarding perceptions of unfair possession treatment among Black transgender (simple slope=-0.60) and Black sexual minority individuals (simple slope=-0.18). Black (vs. White) and Hispanic (vs. not) individuals had more past 6-month exposure to cannabis-related risk information, while transgender (vs. cisgender male), nonbinary (vs. cisgender male), and sexual minority (vs. heterosexual) had less. Black (vs. White) individuals also had more past 6-month cannabis advertisement exposure, perceived more industry targeted marketing, and noticed cannabis-related promotions targeting certain groups more frequently (particularly strong among cisgender female Asians [simple slope = 0.28] and Black sexual minority individuals [simple slope=-0.30]). Cannabis-related inequities, particularly among racial minorities and LGBTQ individuals, suggest the need for regulatory and intervention efforts to reduce disparities.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities
Published: January 30, 2026
PMID: 41618021
DOI: 10.1007/s40615-026-02866-7

Authors (5)

Cassidy R LoParco Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA. Cassidy.LoParco@gwu.edu.
Katelyn F Romm TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Health Sciences Center, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Yuxian Cui Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Patricia A Cavazos-Rehg Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Carla J Berg Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.