Profiles of cannabis use and expense-related factors among US young adults

Given the changing cannabis policy and retail environment, this study examined profiles of young adults with differing cannabis cost-related behaviors and perceptions (e.g., products used, impact of cost) and their associations with use-related outcomes.

Using 2024 survey data among 1,359 US young adults reporting past-month cannabis use (M_age = 26.95, 61.4 % female, 20.7 % Hispanic, 17.9 % Black, 7.7 % Asian), latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted; indicators were perceived cost of cheapest product ($1-10; >$10), impact of cost on use (low; moderate; high), monthly cannabis expenditures ($0-25, $26-100, >$100), past-month use days (1-5; 6-20; ≥21), and product type (bud/herb; edibles; oils/vape; concentrates/other). Multivariable analysis assessed sociodemographics in relation to class (multinomial logistic regression), then class in relation to use-related outcomes (next-year use intentions, problematic use; linear regression).

LCA identified 4 classes: 1) 'Price-insensitive, low-spend, low-level bud/edible use' (36.1 %); 2) 'Semi-price-sensitive, high-spend, high-level bud/oil/concentrate use' (31.9 %); 3) 'Semi-price-sensitive, moderate-spend, mid-level oil/other product use' (24.1 %); and 4) 'Price-sensitive, high-spend, mid-level mixed product use' (7.9 %). Compared to Class 1 (referent): Class 2 was older, more likely < bachelor's (vs. ≥ bachelor's) degree educated, cohabitating (vs. single/other), and parents, but less likely Asian (vs. White); Class 3 was more likely Black and < bachelor's degree educated, but less likely with other (vs. full-time) employment; and Class 4 was more likely Black and food insecure. In multivariable regression, relative to Class 1, other classes had higher use intentions and more problematic use.

Regulatory and educational efforts must address young adults with higher risk indicators and potentially related disparities.