Medically Recommended Cannabis Use for U.S. Adolescents.

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Health
• Public Health
• Cannabis Research

Background:

• Increasing legalization of medical cannabis has led to growing interest in its use among adolescents.
• This study addresses the need for data on the prevalence and correlates of medically recommended cannabis use in this age group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of medically recommended cannabis use in adolescents (aged 12-17).
• To examine associations between medically recommended cannabis use and adverse outcomes, including cannabis use disorder (CUD) and other substance use.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cross-sectional data from the 2021-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
• Identified adolescents reporting past-year cannabis use and distinguished between medically recommended and non-medical use.
• Employed multivariable-adjusted logistic regression to analyze differences in sociodemographics, CUD, and other substance use.

Main Results:

• 5.2% of adolescents reporting past-year cannabis use reported medically recommended use.
• Medically recommended users were more likely to be male, Black non-Hispanic, and have public insurance (Medicaid/Medicare).
• Medically recommended users showed higher frequency of use, increased odds of moderate-to-severe CUD, and higher rates of past-year opioid, stimulant, and cocaine use.

Conclusions:

• Medical cannabis use in adolescents may be linked with moderate-to-severe CUD and concurrent use of other substances.
• Practitioners should carefully consider and monitor potential risks before recommending medical cannabis to adolescents.