Despite having the highest prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), people of color remain critically underrepresented in clinical research. A recent study (Reid et al., 2025) reveals that this "inclusion gap" has seen no improvement in over thirty years, highlighting a deep-seated systemic problem.
This lack of representation has real-world consequences. Because most CUD interventions are developed and tested on predominantly White samples, they often prove less effective for people of color. Without accounting for the unique cultural and social stressors these communities face, treatments remain non-generalizable and inequitable.
To bridge this gap, the scientific community must prioritize racial diversity. Only by including those most impacted by CUD can researchers develop treatments that are truly effective for everyone.
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