Objective
Blunt smoking presents unique public health concerns relative to other methods of marijuana use, including greater exposure to toxins and carcinogens as well as increased risk for cannabis use disorder. This study examines correlates of self-reported daily blunt use among a nationally representative sample of adult blunt users in the United States.
Method
We pooled and analyzed 5 years of cross-sectional data from n= 10,826 adult blunt smokers in the United States using the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2014–2018). Multiple logistic regression analysis examined correlates of daily blunt use among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic African American, and Hispanic/Latino adult blunt users in the United States. Next, multiple logistic regression analyses stratified by race/ethnicity were conducted. This study examined:(a) socio-demographic (age, sex, and income);(b) behavioral (alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use);(c) intrapersonal (depression); and (d) regulatory (marijuana laws) factors.
Results
African Americans had the greatest prevalence of daily blunt use (24.2%), relative to Whites (9.1%) and Hispanic/Latinos (13.9%)(p<. 001). African Americans aged 26–34 years old (adjusted odds ratio [Adj OR]: 1.37) and living in medical marijuana states (Adj OR: 1.28) were more likely to be daily blunt users; these factors were not associated with daily blunt use in the full sample or in stratified models of Whites or Hispanic/Latinos. Alcohol use was negatively associated with daily blunt use among Whites and Hispanic/Latinos but not African Americans.
Conclusions
Socio-demographic, behavioral, and regulatory factors appear differently associated with daily blunt use across racial/ethnic groups.(PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)