# Associations Among Minority Stress, Relaxation and Tension-Reduction Motives, and Cannabis Use Among a Sample of Sexual and Gender Minority Adults in Oklahoma. > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/minority-stress-cannabis-use-sgm-adults-oklahoma/ > **Published:** 2026-03-24T19:02:02-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:40:17-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore minority stress cannabis use patterns and relaxation motives among sexual and gender minority adults in Oklahoma, highlighting key clinical insights. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #56Monitored Relevance  Early-stage or contextual signal requiring further evidence before action. 🔬 Evidence Watch  |  CED Clinic Mental Health[Cannabis Use Disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/)Health DisparitiesSubstance UseAnxiety Journal Substance use & addiction journal Study Type Clinical Study Population Human participants Why This Matters Sexual and gender minority adults show documented disparities in [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) patterns, but the underlying mechanisms driving these differences remain poorly understood. This study provides important insights into how minority stress experiences specifically influence [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) motivations and problematic use patterns in this vulnerable population. Clinical Summary This cross-sectional survey of 430 SGM adults in Oklahoma examined relationships between minority stress factors (discrimination, internalized stigma, community safety) and cannabis use patterns. Among female participants, experiences of discrimination were associated with increased relaxation/tension-reduction cannabis use motives, which in turn correlated with daily/near-daily use and possible [cannabis use disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/). The study design limits causal inferences, and the Oklahoma setting may not represent SGM experiences in more cannabis-friendly jurisdictions. Dr. Caplan’s Take “This confirms what I observe clinically – patients using cannabis to manage social stress often develop concerning use patterns. The gender differences suggest we need tailored approaches when discussing cannabis use with SGM patients.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should routinely assess minority stress experiences when evaluating cannabis use in SGM patients, particularly focusing on relaxation motives as a potential red flag for problematic use development. Consider referring patients using cannabis primarily for minority stress management to culturally competent mental health resources alongside cannabis guidance. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Associations%20Among%20Minority%20Stress%2C%20Relaxation%20and%20Tension-Reduction%20Motives%2C%20an...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41837570/)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41837570/)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Associations%20Among%20Minority%20Stress%2C%20Relaxation%20and%20Tension-Reduction%20Motives%2C%20an...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41837570/)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41837570/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41837570/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[Are sexual and gender minority adults at higher risk for cannabis use disorders?](#Are_sexual_and_gender_minority_adults_at_higher_risk_for_cannabis_use_disorders) - [How does discrimination affect cannabis use patterns in SGM individuals?](#How_does_discrimination_affect_cannabis_use_patterns_in_SGM_individuals) - [Should clinicians screen SGM patients differently for cannabis use disorders?](#Should_clinicians_screen_SGM_patients_differently_for_cannabis_use_disorders) - [Are there gender differences in how minority stress affects cannabis use among SGM individuals?](#Are_there_gender_differences_in_how_minority_stress_affects_cannabis_use_among_SGM_individuals) - [What treatment considerations are important for SGM patients with cannabis use concerns?](#What_treatment_considerations_are_important_for_SGM_patients_with_cannabis_use_concerns) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### Are sexual and gender minority adults at higher risk for cannabis use disorders? Yes, this study confirms well-documented cannabis use disparities among SGM adults compared to heterosexual and cisgender populations. The research found that minority stress factors, particularly discrimination, are associated with increased relaxation/tension-reduction cannabis use motives, which in turn correlate with higher rates of daily/near-daily use and possible cannabis use disorder, especially among SGM females. #### How does discrimination affect cannabis use patterns in SGM individuals? Discrimination experiences among SGM adults are associated with increased use of cannabis for relaxation and tension-reduction purposes. This coping mechanism can lead to problematic use patterns, including daily or near-daily consumption and higher risk for developing cannabis use disorder, particularly in SGM females. #### Should clinicians screen SGM patients differently for cannabis use disorders? Clinicians should be aware that SGM patients may face unique minority stressors that increase their risk for problematic cannabis use. Screening should include assessment of discrimination experiences, internalized stigma, and community safety concerns, as these factors may drive cannabis use as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. #### Are there gender differences in how minority stress affects cannabis use among SGM individuals? Yes, this study found that the association between minority stress and cannabis use outcomes was particularly pronounced among SGM females. Female SGM adults showed stronger correlations between discrimination experiences, relaxation/tension-reduction motives, and problematic cannabis use patterns compared to males. #### What treatment considerations are important for SGM patients with cannabis use concerns? Treatment approaches should address underlying minority stress factors including discrimination and internalized stigma, not just the cannabis use itself. Providers should consider how community acceptance, safety concerns, and access to affirming SGM spaces may impact treatment outcomes and recovery processes. {“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “ScholarlyArticle”, “headline”: “Associations Among Minority Stress, Relaxation and Tension-Reduction Motives, and Cannabis Use Among a Sample of Sexual and Gender Minority Adults in Oklahoma.”, “url”: “https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41837570/”, “about”: “substance use addiction journal clinical study”, “isPartOf”: “Substance use & addiction journal”} [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [The Effects of Extended Cannabis Abstinence in Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder.](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cessation-ptsd-dual-diagnosis-effects/) Explore how extended cannabis abstinence impacts individuals with [PTSD and cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-anxiety-young-sexual-minority-women/) use disorder, providing insights into recovery challenges. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cessation-ptsd-dual-diagnosis-effects/) [Perceived Safety of Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Changes in Perception over Time (2017-2021): A National Survey of US Adults.](https://cedclinic.com/perceived-cannabis-safety-pregnancy-survey-2017-2021/) Review national survey data on changing perceptions of [cannabis safety](https://cedclinic.com/respiratory-effects-inhalational-marijuana/) during pregnancy, highlighting public health considerations. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/perceived-cannabis-safety-pregnancy-survey-2017-2021/) [Sanitation of medical cannabis flowers (Cannabis sativa L., flos): comparing current technologies and non-thermal plasma novelties from safety and quality perspectives.](https://cedclinic.com/medical-cannabis-sanitation-technologies-safer-flowers/) An in-depth comparison of sanitation technologies for [medical cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/) flowers, focusing on safety and quality improvements. [Explore Now](https://cedclinic.com/medical-cannabis-sanitation-technologies-safer-flowers/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).