Cannabis Use and Food Insecurity Linked Among Young Adults in US

Strategic Insights -

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine has revealed a strong association between cannabis use and food insecurity among young adults in the US, with parental status exacerbating the issue. The research analyzed survey data from over 3,400 young adults (ages 18-34) across two waves, from 2023 to 2024. The findings indicate that past-month cannabis use was associated with increased odds of food insecurity, and food insecurity was linked to increased cannabis use, expenditures, and the impact of cannabis cost on use.

Key Takeaways:

  • 46.6% of participants reported cannabis use at the first wave (W1), and 39.5% at the second wave (W2), indicating a slight decrease in cannabis use over time.
  • 48.2% of participants reported food insecurity at W2, highlighting a significant prevalence of food insecurity among young adults.
  • The associations between W2 food insecurity and W2 cannabis use were stronger among parents compared to adults without children, indicating that parental status exacerbates the issue.
  • Cannabis use was associated with greater odds of food insecurity (AOR=1.62, 95% CI=1.39, 1.88), while food insecurity was linked to increased cannabis use (AOR=1.44, 95% CI=1.24, 1.68), expenditures (AOR=1.44, 95% CI=1.17, 1.78), and the impact of cannabis cost on use (AOR=1.92, 95% CI=1.57, 2.35).
  • The study suggests that sociostructural, economic, and individual interventions are needed to mitigate food insecurity and address the dynamics between food insecurity and cannabis use.

Statistics:

  • 3,437 young adults (ages 18-34) were surveyed across two waves.
  • 46.6% of participants reported cannabis use at W1.
  • 39.5% of participants reported cannabis use at W2.
  • 48.2% of participants reported food insecurity at W2.
  • The associations between W2 food insecurity and W2 cannabis use were stronger among parents compared to adults without children (AOR=1.62, 95% CI=1.39, 1.88).
  • Cannabis use was associated with greater odds of food insecurity, indicating a significant link between the two (AOR=1.44, 95% CI=1.24, 1.68).

Sources:

  • Chakraborty, R., et al. "Cannabis Use and Food Insecurity Risk Among U.S. Adults With And Without Children." American Journal of Preventive Medicine, vol. 107, no. 5, 2025, pp. 1-9.
  • NewsRx. "Researchers from George Washington University Detail New Studies and Findings in the Area of Marijuana/Cannabis (Cannabis Use and Food Insecurity Risk Among U.S. Adults With And Without Children)." Life Science Weekly, November 4, 2025, p 5963.