Associations between adult cannabis use and chronic health conditions in a nationally representative sample of the United States

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background This study examined associations between cannabis use among U.S. adults with chronic health conditions in a nationally representative sample. Methods Four cross-sectional waves of data from the BRFSS were used, spanning 2017–2020. Multivariate logistic regression analyses assessed (a) whether number of self-reported chronic health conditions was associated with current cannabis use in the past 30-days, and (b) whether type of major chronic health conditions reported was associated with using cannabis for medical reasons in the past 30-days. Results From 2017 to 2020, the prevalence of past month cannabis use increased among all age groups, with the largest percent change occurring in the middle-aged adult group (6.5% to 10.8%). Individuals with more chronic health conditions had higher odds of using cannabis in the past month. Individuals who had arthritis, cancer (other than skin cancer), HIV/AIDS, COPD, and/or depressive disorder had higher odds of using cannabis for medical reasons. Conclusions As states across America weigh the implications of making medical and/or recreational cannabis use legal, future research should specifically explore persons with chronic diseases who are cannabis users, as these individuals may represent a high-risk population that is self-medicating to mask symptoms and may need more attention from medical and public health professionals.