“The bottom line is that Oregonians who lived near more licensed cannabis retailers, and in closer proximity to them, were more likely to use cannabis 10 or more days per month than people living in areas with fewer retailers,” said lead author of the study, David Kerr, a professor of psychological science at Oregon State University, in a press release.
“Another key finding was that adults living closer to cannabis retailers were less likely to report heavy drinking,” he added.
For the study, researchers analyzed survey data from over 60,000 adults in Oregon. Data was gathered between 2014 and 2022 and included how often participants used cannabis as well as measures of binge drinking and heavy alcohol use. Participants' survey responses were matched with a geospatial density measure of local cannabis retail access using their ZIP codes.
Ultimately, the researchers found that the observed effects- higher cannabis use with lower alcohol consumption- were strongest in two age groups; those aged between 21 and 24, and those aged 65 and over. The associations between retail access and cannabis use were significant in all adult age groups apart from 18-20 year olds.
“These and other findings suggest that age-informed, multilevel prevention efforts are needed. Communities would benefit from a range of policies that respond to the growing evidence that cannabis products and retail stores are marketed in ways that are appealing to young adults, many of whom live in areas with lots of retail access and who are more apt to buy high-potency products,” said Kerr.
"“Careful consideration should be given to policies and prevention efforts that balance the goals of cannabis legalization against potential harms," he added.
Sources: EurekAlert, American Journal of Preventive Medicine
