Racial Disparities in Patterns and Modes of Current and Daily Marijuana Use among Adults Living with Children

Abstract

Objective: This study sought to examine racial disparities in marijuana use among U.S. adults living with children.

Methods: Data are drawn from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to examine the prevalence of current (past month) and frequent (≥20 days in the last 30 days) marijuana use along with the mode of marijuana use by 7 racial and ethnic groups (non-Hispanic [NH] White, NH-Black, Hispanic, NH American Indian or Alaskan Native [AI/AN], NH-Asian, NH Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander only [NH/PI], and other/multiple races, n=22,659).

Results: Compared to NH White adults with children, NH Black adults had a higher prevalence of current marijuana use (23.1% vs. 16.9%, p=0.003) and NH AI/AN adults had two times higher prevalence of frequent use (17.3% vs. 8.4%, p=0.0003). Adults living in recreational marijuana legal states (vs. no) were also more likely to report marijuana use, and there were significant age × race/ethnicity and education × race/ethnicity interactions (p<0.05) on marijuana use. Regarding the mode of use, racial minority users except Asians also reported a higher prevalence of smoking marijuana than their White counterparts.

Conclusions and relevance: Substantial racial disparities in marijuana use patterns among adults who live with children highlight a potential risk for adolescents' health. Addressing these differences is essential for promoting equitable health outcomes in diverse communities.

Keywords: BRFSS; adults; current marijuana use; frequent marijuana use; racial disparities.