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

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-30-2026

Journal

Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities

DOI

10.1007/s40615-026-02866-7

Keywords

Cannabis; Disparity; Gender; Intersectionality; Race; Sexual orientation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cannabis-related concerns include young adult use and sociodemographic disparities. We examined sociodemographic subgroup perceptions of targeted cannabis-related law enforcement and marketing. METHODS: 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). RESULTS: 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]). DISCUSSION: Cannabis-related inequities, particularly among racial minorities and LGBTQ individuals, suggest the need for regulatory and intervention efforts to reduce disparities.

Department

Prevention and Community Health

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS