Cannabis consumption is on the rise in the United States, propelled by increased legalization and growing public acceptance. A recent study led by experts from the Texas A&M University School of Public Health highlights a notable trend among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men with chronic health conditions. This research reveals that these populations are increasingly using cannabis as either a recreational or medicinal option to alleviate various symptoms.
The study, published in the Journal of Community Health in March 2025, is among the first to specifically examine cannabis use in these demographics. According to lead researcher Benjamin Montemayor, the study sheds light on a group that often faces higher rates of chronic illness and may be leaning towards cannabis as an alternative to traditional medications. Montemayor emphasized the importance of understanding the motivations behind cannabis use, particularly given the prevalence of chronic conditions such as arthritis, cancer, depression, and anxiety among these men.
Socioeconomic factors complicate the health landscape for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men. Issues such as limited access to healthcare, distrust in medical institutions, and cultural expectations around masculinity can hinder effective management of chronic illnesses. While some individuals turn to cannabis for relief, heavy use can lead to complications, including memory issues and cannabis use disorder. Montemayor noted, “Cannabis use disorder not only makes quitting difficult but also can affect financial stability, emotional well-being, and physical health.”
The research team surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,982 men aged 40 and older who reported having at least one chronic condition. Participants disclosed their cannabis usage over the past 30 days and whether they had been diagnosed by a healthcare professional with any of 19 chronic health issues. These included chronic pain, cancer, and anxiety, all conditions commonly treated with cannabis.
The findings indicated that approximately 21% of the surveyed men, or 422 individuals, reported cannabis use in the preceding month. Notably, almost half of these users engaged in recreational cannabis consumption. The most frequent diagnoses among these men included chronic pain (37%), depression or anxiety (32%), and arthritis (30%).
Additionally, the analysis uncovered a correlation between the number of chronic conditions and cannabis use. Current cannabis users tended to be younger, had lower educational levels, and reported reduced annual household incomes compared to non-users. They also experienced a lower quality of life, characterized by more days of poor physical and mental health, heightened physical pain, and increased stress.
Montemayor suggested that the relationship between cannabis use and health status could be reciprocal. “Individuals with declining health or more chronic conditions may be likely to use cannabis, but cannabis use itself could also contribute to worsening physical and mental health over time,” he stated.
The study’s authors propose strategies for increasing awareness and reducing cannabis-related harm among high-risk populations. They stress the importance of ongoing research into the safety and effectiveness of cannabis, especially as policies surrounding its legality continue to evolve. Montemayor remarked, “As more people are diagnosed with chronic conditions and concerns about managing multiple prescriptions grow, important questions about cannabis use remain.”
The research team included Texas A&M faculty members Ledric Sherman, Matthew Lee Smith, doctoral student Sunghyun Chung, and undergraduate student Arham Hassan, alongside collaborators from the University of Cincinnati, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and Indiana University.
This study contributes significantly to the understanding of cannabis use within specific demographic groups, highlighting the need for tailored public health interventions and policies.
