How recreational marijuana ads and stores shape young adults' choices

Recreational Marijuana Marketing and Young Adult Consumer Behavior

NIH-funded research George Washington University · NIH-11262866

This project looks at how recreational marijuana advertising and retail practices influence marijuana use and attitudes among young adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorge Washington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11262866 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you are a young adult, researchers will track marijuana shops, online and in-store ads, and promotions to see what you are exposed to. They will survey and talk with diverse young adults about their marijuana use, beliefs, and where they hear about products. The team will build and use tools to monitor marketing and identify whether certain groups are being targeted. The findings will be shared with regulators to help reduce harmful marketing aimed at vulnerable communities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants are young adults (roughly ages 18–30), especially those living in states with legalized recreational marijuana and from diverse racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic backgrounds.

Not a fit: People under 18, those living where recreational marijuana is not legal, or older adults may not directly benefit from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to rules and tools that reduce targeted marijuana marketing and lower risky use in young adults.

How similar studies have performed: Marketing surveillance has helped shape tobacco and alcohol policy, but applying these methods to recreational marijuana is newer and less tested.

Where this research is happening

Washington, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.