Living near cannabis retail stores has a surprising impact on our habits. A recent study reveals a unique relationship between proximity to these stores and our consumption choices. The closer you are, the more likely you are to use cannabis frequently, but the less likely you are to indulge in heavy drinking.
This eye-opening research, led by David Kerr from Oregon State University, analyzed data from over 60,000 adult Oregonians. It found that those living near licensed cannabis retailers were more prone to using cannabis at least 10 days a month. But here's the twist: they were also less likely to engage in heavy alcohol consumption.
The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, utilized an ongoing telephone survey directed by the Oregon Health Authority. Participants' ZIP codes were linked to the addresses of licensed retailers, revealing an intriguing pattern.
"The findings are clear: Oregonians with easier access to cannabis retailers are more likely to use cannabis regularly," Kerr explained. "But the reduced alcohol consumption is an interesting counterpoint."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines heavy drinking as 8 or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more for men. This study suggests that easier access to cannabis may influence adults to choose cannabis over alcohol.
Kerr and his team, including OSU graduate student Haley Hummel and Multnomah County's Julia Dilley and Erik Everson, noted that this effect was most pronounced in two age groups: 21-24-year-olds and those aged 65 and over.
"For the younger group, the brain is still developing, and the toxic effects of cannabis can be more detrimental," Kerr said. "This age range also sees the highest onset of cannabis use disorder, which can lead to social and interpersonal problems and even dangerous situations like driving under the influence."
For the older age group, Kerr explained, perceptions of the risks of regular cannabis use have decreased, especially among those with chronic diseases who may use cannabis medicinally without fully understanding the potential risks.
"It's a complex situation," Kerr added. "While cannabis can be effective for certain conditions like chronic pain and poses less risk than opioids, we need to ensure that access to cannabis products and retail stores is regulated responsibly."
Kerr doubts that people choose their residence based on cannabis retailer proximity, but rather that increased access may influence behavior. Retail sales of recreational cannabis products began in Oregon in 2015, and state law allows counties and cities to ban retail cannabis operations, though county bans only apply to unincorporated areas.
"Regulating retail access to cannabis products requires careful consideration at various levels of government," Kerr said. "We must balance the goals of cannabis legalization with potential harms and develop effective prevention efforts."
This study highlights the need for age-informed, multilevel prevention strategies. Communities can benefit from a range of policies that address the growing evidence of cannabis products and retail stores appealing to young adults, many of whom have easy access and may purchase high-potency products.
And this is the part most people miss: the potential impact of cannabis on our health and behavior. It's a controversial topic, and we'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you think easier access to cannabis influences our choices? Should there be more regulation, or is this a natural progression with legalization? Let us know in the comments!
