Childhood Religious Affiliation Type Is Associated with Alcohol, but Not Cannabis Use in Adults

The Impact of religiosity/spirituality on slowing the progression of substance use: Based on the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC-III)

“…Recent findings from a Pew Research Center survey of US adults also show that religious affiliation and levels of religiosity impact individuals' perspectives on the legality of cannabis, with religiously affiliated and highly religious individuals shown to be less likely to favor broad legalization of cannabis (Pew Research Center, 2010). Furthermore, affiliation with religious institutions that have explicit rules against cannabis use, or are in regions that legally restrict cannabis, can possibly prevent problematic use (Enriquez et al, 2022). This suggests that the use of cannabis and perspectives on whether it should be used entirely are partly influenced by religious beliefs.…”

“…These results suggest that there are important distinctions in alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use characteristics in relation to religiosity. Honing in on cannabis specifically, a possible explanation for this discrepancy may be due to the differences in social acceptability and cultural views of cannabis historically, as compared to alcohol and tobacco (Enriquez et al, 2022). According to the authority perspective theory, individuals who consider themselves religious may be more likely to adhere to laws governing substance use.…”