# Racial Diversity in Cannabis Use Disorder Research: A Systematic Review > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/racial-diversity-cannabis-use-disorder-research/ > **Published:** 2026-03-25T21:57:47-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:39:12-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore racial diversity cannabis use disorder research revealing underrepresentation and treatment gaps affecting people of color with CUD. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #100High Clinical Relevance  Strong evidence or policy relevance with direct clinical implications. 🔬 Evidence Watch  |  CED Clinic [Cannabis Use Disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/)Health EquityBehavioral HealthResearch MethodologyCultural Competency Journal Drug and alcohol dependence Study Type [Randomized Trial](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cannabinoids-therapeutic-applications-review/) Population Human participants Why This Matters This [systematic review](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-safety-efficacy-mental-health-study/) exposes a critical gap in [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) disorder research representation that directly impacts clinical care equity. With people of color experiencing higher CUD prevalence and severity yet being dramatically underrepresented in treatment trials, we lack evidence-based interventions tailored to the populations most affected. Clinical Summary Researchers systematically reviewed 14 behavioral health RCTs for [cannabis use disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/) conducted in the US from 1994-2025, analyzing racial representation and cultural adaptation. White participants comprised 64% of study populations despite representing a much smaller proportion of actual CUD cases – included at rates 49 times greater than their disease burden would suggest. Black participants made up 19% of study populations, Latiné participants 5%, with other racial groups representing less than 1% each. Notably, zero studies incorporated culturally adapted interventions despite evidence that people of color face unique CUD-related challenges including racial discrimination. Dr. Caplan’s Take “This research highlights a fundamental problem I see repeatedly – our treatment evidence base doesn’t reflect the patients who need it most. When the populations with highest CUD burden are systematically excluded from trials, we’re essentially practicing medicine based on incomplete data.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should recognize that current CUD treatment protocols may not optimally serve patients of color due to this research gap. While we apply existing evidence-based treatments universally, we must remain attentive to cultural factors and treatment barriers that standard interventions may not address. Advocacy for more inclusive research design is essential for advancing equitable [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/essential-oils-industrial-hemp-antimicrobial-benefits/). 💬 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/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Racial%20diversity%20in%20cannabis%20use%20disorder%20research%3A%20A%20systematic%20review.%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41456522/)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41456522/)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Racial%20diversity%20in%20cannabis%20use%20disorder%20research%3A%20A%20systematic%20review.%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41456522/)[📷 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/41456522/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41456522/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[Are people of color adequately represented in cannabis use disorder treatment research?](#Are_people_of_color_adequately_represented_in_cannabis_use_disorder_treatment_research) - [Do people of color experience cannabis use disorder differently than White individuals?](#Do_people_of_color_experience_cannabis_use_disorder_differently_than_White_individuals) - [Are current CUD treatments culturally adapted for diverse populations?](#Are_current_CUD_treatments_culturally_adapted_for_diverse_populations) - [How many high-quality CUD treatment studies have been conducted in the US?](#How_many_high-quality_CUD_treatment_studies_have_been_conducted_in_the_US) - [What are the clinical implications of this research gap for treating CUD in diverse populations?](#What_are_the_clinical_implications_of_this_research_gap_for_treating_CUD_in_diverse_populations) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### Are people of color adequately represented in cannabis use disorder treatment research? No, this [systematic review](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-safety-efficacy-mental-health-study/) found significant underrepresentation of people of color in CUD behavioral health research. White people comprised ~64% of participants and were included at rates 49 times greater than their actual share of CUD cases, while Black people represented only ~19%, and other racial/ethnic groups had even lower representation rates. #### Do people of color experience cannabis use disorder differently than White individuals? Yes, several groups of people of color have higher prevalence rates and more severe cases of [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) disorder compared to White people. They also face unique challenges such as racial discrimination, which research has linked to an increased likelihood of developing CUD. #### Are current CUD treatments culturally adapted for diverse populations? No, this review found that none of the 14 identified CUD behavioral health randomized controlled trials were culturally adapted for people of color. This represents a significant gap in treatment development despite the unique challenges faced by these populations. #### How many high-quality CUD treatment studies have been conducted in the US? Only 14 out of 966 studies met criteria for CUD behavioral health randomized controlled trials implemented in the United States for adults from 1994 to 2025. This small number highlights the limited evidence base for CUD behavioral interventions, particularly for diverse populations. #### What are the clinical implications of this research gap for treating CUD in diverse populations? The lack of culturally adapted interventions and underrepresentation in research means current CUD treatments may not be optimally effective for people of color who experience higher prevalence and severity. Clinicians should be aware of these limitations and advocate for more inclusive, culturally responsive treatment approaches. {“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “ScholarlyArticle”, “headline”: “Racial diversity in cannabis use disorder research: A systematic review.”, “url”: “https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41456522/”, “about”: “drug alcohol dependence [randomized trial](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cannabinoids-therapeutic-applications-review/) racial”, “isPartOf”: “Drug and alcohol dependence”} [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 [Potency-related effects of smoked cannabis on simulated driving performance: a randomized, controlled crossover trial.](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-driving-impairment-effects-potency-safety/) This study examines how different cannabis potencies affect driving performance, providing insights into safety and impairment risks. [Read Study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-driving-impairment-effects-potency-safety/) [Rescheduling marijuana would open the doors for researchers to study THC and CBD.](https://cedclinic.com/rescheduling-marijuana-research-barriers-thc-cbd-studies/) Explore how marijuana rescheduling could enhance research opportunities on cannabinoids and their therapeutic potential. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/rescheduling-marijuana-research-barriers-thc-cbd-studies/) [Should cannabis be used for mental illnesses? – indica News](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-efficacy-for-mental-health/) An overview of the current evidence and debates surrounding cannabis use for mental health conditions. [Explore Article](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-efficacy-for-mental-health/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), 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).