State nonmedical cannabis laws and US young adults' cannabis-related experiences.
Background: This study investigated associations between cannabis retail laws and relevant experiences (e.g., advertising exposure) among young adults, who have the highest use prevalence.
Methods: Three categories of non-medical cannabis retail-related laws were examined: 1) operational restrictions (e.g., operating hours, zoning restrictions), 2) advertising restrictions (by media channels, health claims, giveaways/discounts), and 3) required warnings (in ads, at retailers). Dependent variables were from surveys of US young adults in 19 states with non-medical cannabis retail (June-Nov 2023), including: frequency of cannabis retailer visits, advertising exposure, driving post-use, and (for those with past-year retailer visits and past-month use), noticing minimum-age signage, health claims, giveaways, and discounts at retailers. Multivariable analyses examined retail-related laws in relation to relevant outcomes.
Results: Among all participants (n=1,847), associations were found between: retail license limits and fewer retailer visits; restricting billboard ads and less billboard ad exposure; and requiring driving-related warnings in ads and less likely driving post-use. Among those who visited retailers (n=843), there were associations between: zoning restrictions for youth-oriented facilities (but not schools) and noticing minimum-age signage; restricting health claims on products and lower health claim exposure; restricting giveaways and less often noticing giveaways; and restricting discounts and more often noticing discounts. There were no other significant associations (e.g., restricting online advertising and exposure, required warnings with risk perceptions).
Conclusions: Certain laws were associated with anticipated experiences among young adults; however, other laws showed no association with outcomes. Ongoing research assessing population impact and industry compliance is needed to inform regulations and implementation.