Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder among older adults in the USA

Addiction

Cannabis use has increased among older adults (≥65 years) and to better describe cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) in this population researchers used the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2021 to 2024. Overall, 8.9% of older adults reported past 12-month use and 6.0% reported past 30-day use. Among those who reported past 12-month use, 11.4% met criteria for CUD (76% mild, 20.1% moderate, and 3.9% severe). Those with lifetime arrest, past-year mental illness, tobacco use, other drug use, frequent cannabis use (>300 days in last year), and males were more likely to have CUD.  Of note, 19.9% of older adults reporting cannabis use reported it had been recommended by a doctor. The authors suggest clinicians should be screening for unhealthy cannabis use in this population and early intervention could be of benefit as many have mild CUD. 

 

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