Cannabis Use Among Older Adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Substance Use Disorders

Background:

• Little is known about the patterns and factors associated with cannabis use among older veterans (aged 65 and older).
• Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing targeted interventions and support.
• Previous research has not sufficiently addressed the unique needs and experiences of this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of past 30-day cannabis use in older veterans.
• To identify sociodemographic, behavioral, and health-related factors associated with cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) in this population.
• To examine the relationship between specific forms of cannabis consumption and CUD.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 4503 community-dwelling older adults (aged 65-84) receiving Veterans Health Administration care.
• Data collected through interviews on sociodemographic, behavioral, and health characteristics.
• Weighted multivariable logistic regressions used to assess past 30-day cannabis use and CUD based on DSM-5 criteria.

Main Results:

• Over half of participants (58.2%) had ever used cannabis, with 10.3% reporting past 30-day use.
• Common reasons for use included pain, mood, and sleep issues.
• Factors associated with recent use included younger age, economic hardship, tobacco/illicit drug use, and residing in a state with legal recreational cannabis.
• 36.3% of recent users screened positive for CUD, with higher odds linked to frequent and inhaled use.

Conclusions:

• Cannabis use is prevalent among older veterans, with a significant proportion experiencing CUD.
• Risk factors for cannabis use in this group mirror those in other populations.
• Inhaled and frequent cannabis use are associated with increased odds of CUD.
• Routine screening for cannabis use is recommended within VA clinical settings to identify and support older adults with potential issues.