State nonmedical cannabis laws and US young adults' cannabis-related experiences

Carla J. Berg, Milken Institute School of Public Health, Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University, 850 New Hampshire St, Washington, DC, 20052, USA; GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, 800 22nd St NW, #7000C, Washington, DC, 20052, USA. Electronic address: carlaberg@gwu.edu.
Sabrina Ruchelli, Center for Public Health Law Research, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
Elizabeth Platt, Center for Public Health Law Research, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
Patricia Cavazos-Rehg, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8134, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
Katelyn F. Romm, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine; TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
Yan Wang, Milken Institute School of Public Health, Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University, 850 New Hampshire St, Washington, DC, 20052, USA; GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, 800 22nd St NW, #7000C, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
Cassidy R. LoParco, Milken Institute School of Public Health, Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University, 850 New Hampshire St, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
Yuxian Cui, Milken Institute School of Public Health, Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University, 850 New Hampshire St, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
Y Tony Yang, GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, 800 22nd St NW, #7000C, Washington, DC, 20052, USA; School of Nursing, George Washington University, 1919 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20006, USA.
Hannah S. Szlyk, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8134, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
Scott Burris, Center for Public Health Law Research, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-11-2025

Journal

American journal of preventive medicine

DOI

10.1016/j.amepre.2025.107939

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated associations between cannabis retail laws and relevant experiences (e.g., advertising exposure) among young adults, who have the highest use prevalence. METHODS: Three categories of non-medical cannabis retail-related laws were examined: 1) operational restrictions (e.g., operating hours, zoning restrictions), 2) advertising restrictions (by media channels, health claims, giveaways/discounts), and 3) required warnings (in ads, at retailers). Dependent variables were from surveys of US young adults in 19 states with non-medical cannabis retail (June-Nov 2023), including: frequency of cannabis retailer visits, advertising exposure, driving post-use, and (for those with past-year retailer visits and past-month use), noticing minimum-age signage, health claims, giveaways, and discounts at retailers. Multivariable analyses examined retail-related laws in relation to relevant outcomes. RESULTS: Among all participants (n=1,847), associations were found between: retail license limits and fewer retailer visits; restricting billboard ads and less billboard ad exposure; and requiring driving-related warnings in ads and less likely driving post-use. Among those who visited retailers (n=843), there were associations between: zoning restrictions for youth-oriented facilities (but not schools) and noticing minimum-age signage; restricting health claims on products and lower health claim exposure; restricting giveaways and less often noticing giveaways; and restricting discounts and more often noticing discounts. There were no other significant associations (e.g., restricting online advertising and exposure, required warnings with risk perceptions). CONCLUSIONS: Certain laws were associated with anticipated experiences among young adults; however, other laws showed no association with outcomes. Ongoing research assessing population impact and industry compliance is needed to inform regulations and implementation.

Department

Prevention and Community Health

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