Marijuana use among cancer survivors: Quantifying prevalence and identifying predictors

More and more U.S. states are legalizing marijuana use for both recreational and medical purposes. This study estimated the prevalence of current marijuana use and identified its individual-level predictors among adult cancer survivors (CS) living in 15 U.S. states and territories.

U.S. nationally representative, cross-sectional data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey (BRFSS) Marijuana Use module were used. A total of 9325 CS was included. Analyses were weighted to account for BRFSS's complex survey design with results generalizable to 4.02 million CS. The outcome was current (past 30-day) marijuana use. Weighted prevalence estimates were computed. Multivariable logistic regression examined individual-level demographic, socio-economic, clinical, and behavioral predictors associated with marijuana use.

Weighted analysis indicated that 9.2% reported current marijuana use, 50.5% of which used it for medical reasons with smoking being the main method of administration, 71.3%. Among racial/ethnic groups, non-Hispanic blacks had the highest prevalence of marijuana use (18.6%). The prevalence of current marijuana use decreased with age (P < .001). CS were more likely to use marijuana if they were male, non-Hispanic black (versus non-Hispanic whites), not married, uninsured, current and former tobacco smoker, binge drinker, ever having depressive disorder, and those who had fair/poor health.

Marijuana use is prevalent among CS and certain subgroups are at higher risk for marijuana use. With the proliferation of marijuana legalization, identifying high-risk CS for marijuana use and informing them about its risks and safety is critical.