Cannabis and Crime Revisited: Method-Specific Use and Its Association With Criminal Activity Among Adults

Abstract

Previous research links cannabis use with crime, however, most studies examining the association between cannabis use and crime were conducted prior to expansions in cannabis legalization. Due to changes in cannabis policies, most states now allow individuals to purchase cannabis products legally and a wide variety of cannabis products are now available via dispensaries. Unfortunately, little is known about whether crime patterns vary by type of cannabis use. In order to address this gap in the literature, this study uses a large sample of adult cannabis users from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) to examine associations between a variety of cannabis products and criminal involvement. Results indicate differential patterns of associations between different forms of cannabis use and crime. The findings identify cannabis product types that are associated with higher levels of criminal involvement and may help inform future research and targeted prevention strategies.