New Study Reveals Link Between Cannabis Retail Stores and Oregonians’ Consumption Habits
A recent study conducted by Oregon State University (OSU) has found a significant correlation between living near cannabis retail stores and the frequency of cannabis use among Oregonians. The study, which analyzed data from over 60,000 adult Oregonians, discovered that individuals residing near more licensed cannabis retailers were more likely to use cannabis 10 or more days per month. Conversely, those living closer to these retailers were less likely to engage in heavy alcohol consumption.
The study, led by OSU scientist David Kerr, used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a nine-year telephone survey directed by the Oregon Health Authority. By linking participants’ ZIP codes with addresses of licensed retailers, the researchers were able to determine the proximity of residents to cannabis stores without relying on self-reported data.
Kerr, a professor of psychological science, noted that the effects were most pronounced among two age groups: 21-24 and 65 and over. In the younger age group, the brain is still developing, making it more susceptible to the toxic effects of cannabis. Kerr emphasized the need for age-informed, multilevel prevention efforts, citing the peak onset period for cannabis use disorder among young adults.
In the older age group, perceptions about the risk of regular cannabis use have decreased, potentially leading to a greater likelihood of using cannabis for medicinal purposes without evidence-based support. Kerr emphasized the importance of balancing the goals of cannabis legalization with potential harms.
The study’s findings suggest that increased access to cannabis retailers may influence residents’ behavior, rather than individuals choosing where they live based on the number of retailers nearby. The research highlights the need for policymakers to consider a range of approaches to regulate retail access to cannabis products, including policies that address the marketing of high-potency products to young adults.
The study was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and is set to be published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
