Comparing older nonmedical and medical cannabis users: health-related characteristics, cannabis use patterns, and cannabis sources

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: US epidemiologic data show that nearly one in 10 individuals aged 50+ report past-year cannabis use, and nearly one in five users report medical use. However, research on older cannabis users, especially medical cannabis users, is scant. Objectives: We examined medical and nonmedical cannabis users aged 50+ on health-related characteristics, cannabis use patterns, and cannabis sources. Hypotheses were that compared to nonmedical users, medical users are more likely to have physical and mental health problems, use healthcare services, discuss their drug use with a healthcare professional, use cannabis more frequently, and purchase cannabis from a medical dispensary and other sources rather than obtain it as a gift, share someone else’s, or use other means. Methods: We used 2018 and 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data (N = 17,685 aged 50+; male = 8,030; female = 9,655). Hypotheses were tested using logistic regression analysis. Results: The past-year cannabis use rate was 8.9%. Of past-year users, 18.5% reported medical use. Compared to nonmedical use, medical use was associated with lower odds of alcohol use disorder but higher odds of discussing drug use with a healthcare professional (AOR = 4.18, 95% CI = 2.53–6.89), high-frequency use (e.g., AOR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.35–4.86 for 200–365 days), and purchase at a medical cannabis dispensary (AOR = 4.38, 95% CI = 2.47–7.76). Conclusion: Medical and nonmedical users did not differ on physical and most behavioral health indicators. Most obtained cannabis from private/informal sources. Some medical users are likely to self-treat without healthcare professional consultation. Healthcare professionals should engage older adults in discussions of cannabis use and behavioral health needs.