Impulsivity, Cannabis Use, and Gambling in a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Adults

Session Title

Poster session

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Start Date

27-5-2026 12:00 AM

Abstract

Cannabis use and gambling are often comorbid, with studies finding that those who use cannabis are more likely to be problem gamblers (Hammond et al., 2020). A study found that over 50% of gamblers indicated using cannabis in the past year, and those who experienced greater problem gambling severity were more likely to also endorse cannabis use (McGrath et al., 2023). Even though this comorbidity has been established, limited research has examined how impulsivity may play a role in cannabis use and problem gambling. It is known that impulsivity facets, such as negative urgency are consistent predictors of problem gambling and severity (Hodgins and Holub 2015; Blain et al., 2015). Because impulsivity is related to negative outcomes such as greater gambling severity and suicidality (Valle Frias et al., 2025; Vintro-Alcaraz et al., 2022), it is essential to examine how it plays a role in cannabis use and gambling behavior. This study will examine cannabis use frequency (past year), impulsivity (SUPPS-P scale), gambling severity (PGSI scale), and gambling frequency (past year) in a nationally representative U.S. sample of 4,363 adults. The project seeks to answer the following questions: Does impulsivity mediate the relationship between cannabis use frequency and gambling severity and frequency? Is impulsivity and cannabis use a predictor of gambling outcome? Understanding the role of impulsivity in cannabis use and gambling aims to inform treatment and prevention strategies.

Author Bios

Karen Valle Frias is a 2nd-year Clinical Psychology PhD student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Karen completed her Bachelor's degree at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia where she studied Psychology and Chemistry. Karen's research interests center around substance use, problem gambling and gambling disorder, and behavioral addictions broadly in underrepresented and minoritized populations such as Hispanics/Latinos and U.S. Veterans.

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May 27th, 12:00 AM

Impulsivity, Cannabis Use, and Gambling in a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Adults

Cannabis use and gambling are often comorbid, with studies finding that those who use cannabis are more likely to be problem gamblers (Hammond et al., 2020). A study found that over 50% of gamblers indicated using cannabis in the past year, and those who experienced greater problem gambling severity were more likely to also endorse cannabis use (McGrath et al., 2023). Even though this comorbidity has been established, limited research has examined how impulsivity may play a role in cannabis use and problem gambling. It is known that impulsivity facets, such as negative urgency are consistent predictors of problem gambling and severity (Hodgins and Holub 2015; Blain et al., 2015). Because impulsivity is related to negative outcomes such as greater gambling severity and suicidality (Valle Frias et al., 2025; Vintro-Alcaraz et al., 2022), it is essential to examine how it plays a role in cannabis use and gambling behavior. This study will examine cannabis use frequency (past year), impulsivity (SUPPS-P scale), gambling severity (PGSI scale), and gambling frequency (past year) in a nationally representative U.S. sample of 4,363 adults. The project seeks to answer the following questions: Does impulsivity mediate the relationship between cannabis use frequency and gambling severity and frequency? Is impulsivity and cannabis use a predictor of gambling outcome? Understanding the role of impulsivity in cannabis use and gambling aims to inform treatment and prevention strategies.