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MacQuarrie AL, Brunelle C. Profiles of cannabis users and impact on cannabis cessation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305088. [PMID: 38861510 PMCID: PMC11166302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Although cannabis was legalized in Canada in 2018 and is one of the most used substances in Canada, few studies have examined how individuals with different patterns of cannabis use differ in their attempts to decrease or abstain from cannabis. The current study examined how groups of cannabis users, which were formed on the basis of demographic characteristics, substance use patterns, mental health symptoms, and self-reported quality of life differed on their experiences with cannabis cessation. A sample of 147 Canadian adult participants who had attempted to decrease or quit cannabis were recruited from the community (n = 84, 57.14%) and crowdsourcing (n = 63, 42.86%). Four profiles of cannabis users emerged using a Latent Profile Analysis: low-risk (n = 62, 42.18%), rapidly escalating high-risk (n = 40, 27.21%), long-term high severity (n = 35, 23.81%), and long-term lower severity (n = 10, 6.80%). Individuals in the rapidly escalating profile had attempted to decrease their cannabis use more times compared to other profiles. More participants in the long-term high severity group found their use stayed the same or got worse after their last cessation attempt, compared to the low-risk group where more individuals indicated their use stopped. The results of the current study indicate that cannabis users differ in their attempts at reducing or ceasing cannabis use and that they may benefit from different intensity of cannabis interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L. MacQuarrie
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick Saint John, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Caroline Brunelle
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick Saint John, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
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Lee RM, Donnan J, Harris N, Garland SN. A Cross Sectional Survey of Factors Related to Cannabis Use as a Sleep Aid Among Canadian Cancer Survivors. Behav Sleep Med 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38804699 DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2024.2361015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Poor sleep is a common side effect of cancer. Cannabis is increasingly used to manage cancer treatment-related symptoms, including sleep. This study investigated factors related to cannabis use for sleep among Canadian cancer survivors. METHOD Adult Canadian cancer survivors (N = 940) were recruited via the Angus Reid Institute and completed an online, cross-sectional survey. Univariate and multiple binomial logistic regression models identified factors associated with cannabis use for sleep. RESULTS Of the participants (Mage = 64.5 yrs; Women = 51.1%; White = 92.9%), 25.1% (n = 236) currently use cannabis for sleep. Participants were at greater odds of using cannabis for sleep if they identified as a gender other than man or woman (AOR = 11.132), were diagnosed with multiple medical conditions (2:AOR = 1.988; 3+:AOR = 1.902), two psychological conditions (AOR = 2.171), multiple sleep disorders (AOR = 2.338), insomnia (AOR = 1.942), bone (AOR = 6.535), gastrointestinal (AOR = 4.307), genitourinary (AOR = 2.586), hematological (AOR = 4.739), or an unlisted cancer (AOR = 3.470), received hormone therapy only (AOR = 3.054), drink heavily (AOR = 2.748), or had mild insomnia (AOR = 1.828). Older participants (AOR=.972) and those with sleep apnea were less likely to use cannabis for sleep (AOR=.560). CONCLUSION Given its prevalence, research is needed to understand how factors associated with cannabis use as a sleep aid among Canadian cancer survivors may influence its use and effectiveness and whether these factors are barriers to accessing evidence-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Lee
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
- Pharmacy, Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jennifer Donnan
- School of Pharmacy, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Nick Harris
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Sheila N Garland
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
- Pharmacy, Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Discipline of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
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Farrelly KN, Keough MT, Wardell JD. Indirect Associations Between PTSD Symptoms and Cannabis Problems in Young Adults: The Unique Roles of Cannabis Coping Motives and Medicinal Use Orientation. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:1431-1439. [PMID: 38750663 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2352621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Background: Cannabis use in young adulthood has been associated with exposure to traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Coping motives for cannabis use represent one mechanism linking PTSD with cannabis problems, yet some individuals with PTSD consider their cannabis use to be medicinal in nature. While a medicinal orientation to cannabis overlaps conceptually with coping motives, it could be associated with unique cannabis outcomes. Objectives: This study examined trauma-related coping motives and medicinal cannabis orientation as mediators of the association between PTSD symptoms and cannabis outcomes in young adults. Method: Data came from an online survey of 212 university students (M age = 19.41; 70.3% Women; 43.4% White) who used cannabis in the past month and endorsed a traumatic life event. Path analyses examined associations of PTSD symptoms with past month cannabis frequency and problems through medicinal cannabis orientation (i.e., number of mental health symptoms that cannabis is used to manage) and trauma-related coping motives. Results: PTSD symptoms were associated with trauma-related coping motives but not with medicinal cannabis orientation. Both trauma-related coping motives and medicinal cannabis orientation were uniquely associated with greater cannabis use frequency, but only trauma-related coping motives were associated with greater cannabis problems. There were significant indirect relationships from PTSD symptoms to cannabis use frequency and problems through trauma-related coping motives but not through medicinal cannabis orientation. Conclusions: Results support unique contributions of trauma-related coping motives and medicinal cannabis orientation to cannabis outcomes and suggest that trauma-related coping motives are specifically implicated in the link between PTSD and cannabis problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra N Farrelly
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew T Keough
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey D Wardell
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Wallez S, Kousignian I, Hecker I, Rezag Bara SF, Andersen AJ, Melchior M, Cadwallader JS, Mary-Krause M. Factors associated with the use of cannabis for self-medication by adults: data from the French TEMPO cohort study. J Cannabis Res 2024; 6:19. [PMID: 38600591 PMCID: PMC11005193 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-024-00230-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical cannabis, legalized in many countries, remains illegal in France. Despite an experiment in the medical use of cannabis that began in March 2021 in France, little is known about the factors associated with the use of cannabis for self-medication among adults. METHODS Data came from the French TEMPO cohort and were collected between December 2020 and May 2021. Overall, 345 participants aged 27-47 were included. Cannabis for self-medication was defined using the following questions: 'Why do you use cannabis?' and 'In what form do you use cannabis?'. The penalized regression method "Elastic net" was used to determine factors associated with the use of cannabis for self-medication, with the hypothesis that it is mainly used for pain in individuals who have already used cannabis. RESULTS More than half of the participants reported having ever used cannabis (58%). Only 10% used it for self-declared medical reasons (n = 36). All self-medication cannabis users, except one, were also using cannabis for recreational purposes. The main factors associated with cannabis use for self-medication vs. other reasons included cannabis use trajectories, the presence of musculoskeletal disorders, tobacco smoking, and parental divorce. CONCLUSIONS Engaging in cannabis use during adolescence or early adulthood may increase the likelihood of resorting to self-medication in adulthood. Due to the propensity of individuals with cannabis use during adolescence to resort to uncontrolled products for self-medication, this population should be more systematically targeted and screened for symptoms and comorbidities that may be associated with cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solène Wallez
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Sociale, ERES, Paris, 75012, France
| | - Isabelle Kousignian
- Université Paris Cité, Unité de Recherche « Biostatistique, Traitement Et Modélisation Des Données Biologiques » BioSTM - UR 7537, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Irwin Hecker
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Sociale, ERES, Paris, 75012, France
| | - Selma Faten Rezag Bara
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Sociale, ERES, Paris, 75012, France
| | - Astrid Juhl Andersen
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Sociale, ERES, Paris, 75012, France
| | - Maria Melchior
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Sociale, ERES, Paris, 75012, France
| | - Jean-Sébastien Cadwallader
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Sociale, ERES, Paris, 75012, France
- Sorbonne Université, Faculté de Médecine Saint-Antoine, Département de Médecine Générale, Paris, 75012, France
| | - Murielle Mary-Krause
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Sociale, ERES, Paris, 75012, France.
- Sorbonne Université - Faculté de Médecine, Site Saint-Antoine, UMR-S 1136 - N° BC 2908, Équipe Cohorte TEMPO, 27 Rue Chaligny, 75012, Paris, France.
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Dawson D, Stjepanović D, Lorenzetti V, Cheung C, Hall W, Leung J. The prevalence of cannabis use disorders in people who use medicinal cannabis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 257:111263. [PMID: 38493566 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of cannabis use disorders (CUDs) in people who use cannabis recreationally has been estimated at 22%, yet there is a dearth of literature exploring CUDs among people who use medicinal cannabis. We aimed to systematically review the prevalence of CUDs in people who use medicinal cannabis. METHODS In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we followed PRISMA guidelines and searched three databases (PsychInfo, Embase and PubMed) to identify studies examining the prevalence of CUDs in people who use medicinal cannabis. Meta-analyses were calculated on the prevalence of CUDs. Prevalence estimates were pooled across different prevalence periods using the DSM-IV and DSM-5. RESULTS We conducted a systematic review of 14 eligible publications, assessing the prevalence of CUDs, providing data for 3681 participants from five different countries. The systematic review demonstrated that demographic factors, mental health disorders and the management of chronic pain with medicinal cannabis were associated with an elevated risk of CUDs. Meta-analyses were conducted on the prevalence of CUDs. For individuals using medicinal cannabis in the past 6-12 months, the prevalence of CUDs was 29% (95% CI: 21-38%) as per DSM-5 criteria. Similar prevalence was observed using DSM-IV (24%, CI: 14-38%) for the same period. When including all prevalence periods and using the DSM-5, the prevalence of CUDs in people who use medicinal cannabis was estimated at 25% (CI: 18-33%). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of CUDs in people who use medicinal cannabis is substantial and comparable to people who use cannabis for recreational reasons, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to monitor the prevalence of CUDs in people who use medicinal cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Dawson
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, 31 Upland Road, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia.
| | - Daniel Stjepanović
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, 31 Upland Road, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Valentina Lorenzetti
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural & Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Australian Catholic University, Daniel Mannix Building, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Christy Cheung
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, 31 Upland Road, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Wayne Hall
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, 31 Upland Road, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Janni Leung
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, 31 Upland Road, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
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Pota V, Sansone P, De Sarno S, Aurilio C, Coppolino F, Barbarisi M, Barbato F, Fiore M, Cosenza G, Passavanti MB, Pace MC. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Pain: A Narrative Review from Pain Assessment to Therapy. Behav Neurol 2024; 2024:1228194. [PMID: 38524401 PMCID: PMC10960655 DOI: 10.1155/2024/1228194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most frequent neurodegenerative disease of the motor system that affects upper and lower motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle weakness, spasticity, atrophy, and respiratory failure, with a life expectancy of 2-5 years after symptom onset. In addition to motor symptoms, patients with ALS have a multitude of nonmotor symptoms; in fact, it is currently considered a multisystem disease. The purpose of our narrative review is to evaluate the different types of pain, the correlation between pain and the disease's stages, the pain assessment tools in ALS patients, and the available therapies focusing above all on the benefits of cannabis use. Pain is an underestimated and undertreated symptom that, in the last few years, has received more attention from research because it has a strong impact on the quality of life of these patients. The prevalence of pain is between 15% and 85% of ALS patients, and the studies on the type and intensity of pain are controversial. The absence of pain assessment tools validated in the ALS population and the dissimilar study designs influence the knowledge of ALS pain and consequently the pharmacological therapy. Several studies suggest that ALS is associated with changes in the endocannabinoid system, and the use of cannabis could slow the disease progression due to its neuroprotective action and act on pain, spasticity, cramps, sialorrhea, and depression. Our research has shown high patients' satisfaction with the use of cannabis for the treatment of spasticity and related pain. However, especially due to the ethical problems and the lack of interest of pharmaceutical companies, further studies are needed to ensure the most appropriate care for ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Pota
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Sansone
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Sara De Sarno
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Aurilio
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Coppolino
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Manlio Barbarisi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marco Fiore
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Cosenza
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Passavanti
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Pace
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
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Livne O, Budney A, Borodovsky J, Shmulewitz D, Walsh C, Struble CA, Habib M, Aharonovich E, Hasin DS. Age differences in patterns of cannabis use among an online US sample of adults who consume cannabis frequently. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2024; 50:242-251. [PMID: 38640463 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2024.2309340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Background: Cannabis use is increasing among middle-aged and older US adults, populations that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of cannabis. Risks for adverse effects differ by cannabis use patterns, which have become increasingly heterogeneous. Nevertheless, little is known about age differences in such patterns.Objective: To investigate age differences in cannabis use patterns, comparing younger (age 18-49), middle-aged (age 50-64), and older adults (age ≥65).Methods: A total of 4,151 US adults with past 7-day cannabis consumption completed an online survey (35.1% male; 60.1% female; 4.8% identified as "other"). Regression models examined age differences in cannabis use patterns.Results: Compared to younger adults, middle-aged and older adults were more likely to consume cannabis during evening hours (50-64: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.98, 95% CI 2.24-3.96; ≥65: aOR = 4.23, 95 CI 2.82-6.35); by only one method (50-64: aOR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.34-2.09; ≥65: aOR = 3.38, 95 CI 2.24-5.09); primarily by smoking as the only method (50-64: aOR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.29-1.78; ≥65: aOR = 2.12, 95 CI 1.64-2.74); but less likely to consume concentrated cannabis products (concentrates) with extremely high %THC (50-64: aOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.93; ≥65: aOR = 0.30, 95 CI 0.16-0.55). Age differences in cannabis use patterns were also observed between middle-aged and older adults.Conclusion: Findings suggest that middle-aged and older adults may engage in less risky cannabis use patterns compared to younger groups (e.g. lower likelihood of consuming highly potent concentrates). However, findings also underscore the importance of recognizing risks unique to these older demographics, such as smoking-related health events. Consequently, prevention strategies targeting such use patterns are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofir Livne
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alan Budney
- Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Data Sciences, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Hanover, NH, Lebanon
| | - Jacob Borodovsky
- Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Data Sciences, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Hanover, NH, Lebanon
| | - Dvora Shmulewitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claire Walsh
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cara A Struble
- Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Data Sciences, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Hanover, NH, Lebanon
| | - Mohammad Habib
- Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Data Sciences, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Hanover, NH, Lebanon
| | - Efrat Aharonovich
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deborah S Hasin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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MacCallum CA, Lo LA, Boivin M. Clinical Application of Cannabis Vaporization: Examining Safety and Best Practices. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38394323 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis vaporization is useful for individuals requiring fast-acting method of cannabis administration and for individuals using smoked cannabis as a harm reduction tool. There is a need for guidance on how to assess if a patient is a vaporization candidate and how to safely initiate and monitor cannabis vaporization. Methods: An overview of safe cannabis vaporization, including practical guidance and tactics to promote the lowest-risk use, is provided. This review was developed through a combination of expert clinical opinion and reviewing the available literature. Results: Dried cannabis vaporizers and metered-dose inhalers are recommended to be used over other vaporization devices. Assessing the benefit versus risks of vaporized cannabis and providing guidance for choosing a vaporization device, choosing a cannabis chemovar, and employing a mindful vaping technique are important steps in the safe utilization of vaporized cannabis. Dosing optimization and monitoring to limit adverse events and improve symptom control are essential. Discussion: The utilization of cannabis vaporization presents an important opportunity for clinicians and other health professionals to help facilitate safer cannabis administration and reduce the prevalence of smoked cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A MacCallum
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lindsay A Lo
- Department of Public Health Science, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Hayaki J, Abrantes AM, Anderson B, Stein MD. Chronic Pain and Cannabis Use Frequency, Intensity, and Severity in Young Adults. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:576-582. [PMID: 38017655 PMCID: PMC10922830 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2287240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use is common among young adults and is associated with many physical and mental health problems. Persons with chronic pain may be particularly susceptible to using cannabis at high rates, including for analgesic purposes, thus exposing themselves to greater risk of cannabis-related problems. However, little research has examined connections between chronic pain and cannabis use in the young adult population. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants were young adults from the community who were recruited for a larger health behaviors study. The present sample included 403 persons from this larger sample who reported cannabis use in the past 90 days. Participants completed measures of demographic characteristics, cannabis and alcohol use, and chronic pain. RESULTS This young adult sample reported using cannabis on an average of 47.1 of the past 90 days, and 20.1% reported chronic pain. Chronic pain was associated with greater cannabis use frequency (IRR = 1.35, 95%CI 1.15; 1.57, p < 0.001), intensity (IRR = 1.61, 95%CI 1.18; 2.21, p = 0.003), and negative consequences (IRR = 1.23, 95%CI 1.02; 1.48, p < 0.030). DISCUSSION In this sample of young adults who use cannabis, chronic pain was significantly associated with frequent, intense cannabis use, as well as more cannabis-related negative consequences. These findings suggest that chronic pain may be a marker for a particularly high-risk pattern of cannabis use in this age group, thus identifying an especially vulnerable subset of young adults who may require heightened research and clinical attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumi Hayaki
- Department of Psychology, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ana M. Abrantes
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Behavioral Medicine and Addiction Research Unit, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Bradley Anderson
- Behavioral Medicine and Addiction Research Unit, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael D. Stein
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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Esmaeili A, Dismuke-Greer C, Pogoda TK, Amuan ME, Garcia C, Del Negro A, Myers M, Kennedy E, Cifu D, Pugh MJ. Cannabis use disorder contributes to cognitive dysfunction in Veterans with traumatic brain injury. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1261249. [PMID: 38292293 PMCID: PMC10824930 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1261249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background While emerging evidence supports a link between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and progressive cognitive dysfunction in Veterans, there is insufficient information on the impact of cannabis use disorder (CUD) on long-term cognitive disorders. This study aimed to examine the incidences of cognitive disorders in Veterans with TBI and CUD and to evaluate their relationship. Methods This retrospective cohort study used the US Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense administrative data from the Long-term Impact of Military-Relevant Brain Injury Consortium-Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium Phenotype study. Diagnoses suggesting cognitive disorders after a TBI index date were identified using inpatient and outpatient data from 2003 to 2022. We compared the differential cognitive disorders incidence in Veterans who had the following: (1) no CUD or TBI (control group), (2) CUD only, (3) TBI only, and (4) comorbid CUD+TBI. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to estimate the overall cognitive disorders incidence in the above study groups. The crude and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for cognitive disorders. Results A total of 1,560,556 Veterans [82.32% male, median (IQR) age at the time of TBI, 34.51 (11.29) years, and 61.35% white] were evaluated. The cognitive disorder incidence rates were estimated as 0.68 (95% CI, 0.62, 0.75) for CUD only and 1.03 (95% CI, 1.00, 1.06) for TBI only per 10,000 person-months of observations, with the highest estimated cognitive disorder incidence observed in participants with both TBI and CUD [1.83 (95% CI, 1.72, 1.95)]. Relative to the control group, the highest hazard of cognitive disorders was observed in Veterans with CUD+TBI [hazard ratio (HR), 3.26; 95% CI, 2.91, 3.65], followed by those with TBI only (2.32; 95 CI%, 2.13, 2.53) and with CUD (1.79; 95 CI%, 1.60, 2.00). Of note, in the CUD only subgroup, we also observed the highest risk of an early onset cognitive disorder other than Alzheimer's disease and Frontotemporal dementia. Discussion The results of this analysis suggest that individuals with comorbid TBI and CUD may be at increased risk for early onset cognitive disorders, including dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryan Esmaeili
- Health Economics Resource Center (HERC), Ci2i, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Clara Dismuke-Greer
- Health Economics Resource Center (HERC), Ci2i, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Terri K. Pogoda
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Megan E. Amuan
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Carla Garcia
- Health Economics Resource Center (HERC), Ci2i, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Ariana Del Negro
- Health Economics Resource Center (HERC), Ci2i, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Maddy Myers
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Eamonn Kennedy
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - David Cifu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Mary Jo Pugh
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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11
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Ciesluk B, Erridge S, Sodergren MH, Troup LJ. Cannabis use in the UK: a quantitative comparison of individual differences in medical and recreational cannabis users. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1279123. [PMID: 38259543 PMCID: PMC10802163 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1279123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a paucity of research, especially in the UK, that investigates individual differences in both medical and recreational cannabis users. A cross-sectional survey study design was used to assess recreational cannabis users and medical cannabis users currently living in the UK. Recreational cannabis users were invited to take part via social media. Medical cannabis users were recruited from Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK, which provides treatment with prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products. Demographic data and cannabis use frequency, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PCL-5), depression symptoms (Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale), trait and state anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and cannabis use motives [Comprehensive Marijuana Motives Questionnaire (CMMQ)] were collected. The Chi-square and independent-sample t-tests were used for the comparison of categorical variables and normally distributed continuous variables. Data were analyzed using analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and t-tests. Statistical significance was considered where the value of p was <0.05. The survey was completed by 161 participants. Medical cannabis users were older, consumed cannabis more often, had a higher "Sleep" motive on the CMMQ, and had a higher prevalence in self-reporting current diagnoses of neurological problems, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders (p < 0.05). Recreational cannabis users had higher scores on several motives for use (e.g., "Enjoyment," "Coping," "Experimentation," "Boredom," and "Celebration") and higher state anxiety scores (p < 0.05). The most common motives for cannabis use in both groups were "Enjoyment," "Low Risk," and "Sleep." There were no differences between groups in gender, "Low-Risk" motive, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, depression scores, trait anxiety scores, self-reported prevalence of substance use-related disorders, and past consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine (p > 0.05). The current study not only demonstrates a difference in age and motivations for cannabis consumption between recreational and medical cannabis users but also shows areas of potential overlap, including mental health outcomes, past substance use, and gender. These UK-specific findings indicate that recreational cannabis users experience higher state anxiety, highlighting the need for further evaluation of potential anxiogenic/anxiolytic properties of cannabis. These findings demonstrate the importance of researching individual differences in cannabis users and hold significant implications for future research, clinical practice, and legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Ciesluk
- Division of Psychology, School of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Erridge
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mikael H. Sodergren
- Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, United Kingdom
- Curaleaf International, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy J. Troup
- Division of Psychology, School of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
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12
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Wilds KM, Riddell JR. Cannabis Policy and Consumption: Taking into account Substitution Effects. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 59:97-109. [PMID: 37781770 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2262012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Previous studies examining the cannabis-alcohol substitution effect have found that medical cannabis policies may result in substituting the use of cannabis in place of alcohol use. Objectives: This study adds to the literature on cannabis-alcohol substitution by analyzing the effect of decriminalization, medicinal cannabis, and adult-use legalization cannabis policies (2002-2019) on cannabis and alcohol use and substance substitution for all 50 states and the District of Columbia (N=867). Results: Results support the notion that liberalized cannabis policies can increase the prevalence of cannabis use. An adult-use legalization specific analysis yielded findings suggesting a complex and heterogenous effect of such laws on cannabis-alcohol complementation. Conclusion: Given the lack of clarity and heterogenous effects of cannabis laws, policy makers should carefully take into consideration the benefits of medical cannabis laws, along with the risks of decriminalization and adult-use legalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Wilds
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States
| | - Jordan R Riddell
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Missouri State University, Springfield, United States
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13
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Okey SA, Waddell JT, Shah RV, Kennedy GM, Frangos MP, Corbin WR. An Ecological Examination of Indica Versus Sativa and Primary Terpenes on the Subjective Effects of Smoked Cannabis: A Preliminary Investigation. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:857-866. [PMID: 36648357 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The legal cannabis landscape has greatly outpaced scientific knowledge. Many popular cannabis claims, such as cultivar (colloquially referred to as strain) classification and terpene content producing different subjective effects, are unsubstantiated. This study examined, for the first time, whether cultivar classification (sativa/indica) and terpene content (caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene, pinene, and terpinolene) were associated with subjective cannabis effects (i.e., pain levels, low-arousal ["indica-like"] effects, high-arousal ["sativa-like"] effects, and negative effects). Methods: Regular cannabis users (n=101) took part in a 2-week long ecological momentary assessment study in which they responded to questions about their cannabis use, stated their preference for sativa versus indica, and reported their in-the-moment subjective effects within 30 min of smoking cannabis. Cultivars were coded for sativa versus indica classification and primary terpene content using Leafly, a popular search engine. Linear mixed-effect models then examined subjective response by sativa/indica and primary terpene. Covariates included demographics (age, sex, race, income), cannabis use (medical use, cannabis use frequency, stated preference for sativa/indica, global expected cannabis effects), morning pain ratings, and specific smoked cannabis occasions (hour of day, minutes since use, context, number of hits, and tetrahydrocannabinol). Results: The majority of participants (78.3%) had a preference for either sativa or indica and reported reasons for their preference that aligned with industry claims. After controlling for covariates, findings revealed that cultivars classified as indica dominant were associated with greater low-arousal (e.g., sluggish, slow) effects relative to the unweighted mean of all cannabis cultivars (b = 0.44, SE=0.16, p=0.01). Cultivars with primary caryophyllene were associated with greater pain ratings (b = 0.53, SE=0.24, p=0.03) and negative effects (b = 0.22, SE=0.08, p=0.01) relative to the mean of all other terpene types. Cultivars with primary pinene were associated with less negative effects (b = -0.35, SE=0.18, p=0.04). Conclusions: Cultivars classified as indica dominant were associated with greater low-arousal effects in models that accounted for both within- and between-person variation, despite the scientific challenges distinguishing between sativa and indica. Preliminary findings also suggest terpenes may play a role in subjective effects. These results emphasize the need for further research, particularly controlled lab studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Okey
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Jack T Waddell
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Rishika V Shah
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Gillian M Kennedy
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Maria P Frangos
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - William R Corbin
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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14
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Jacobs W, Merianos AL, Quinn P, Barrington-Trimis J, Leventhal A. Association of self-reported use of cannabis for the purpose of improving physical, mental, and sleep health with problematic cannabis use risk. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1560. [PMID: 37587415 PMCID: PMC10429075 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16324-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about health-focused cannabis use purposes and their associations with risk for problematic cannabis use. This cross-sectional study examined three broad cannabis use purposes and association with risk for problematic use among young adult cannabis users who report using for > 1 health reasons. METHODS Young adults completed an electronic survey as part of an ongoing study on substance use and health. Those who self-reported past 6-month use of ≥ 1 cannabis products-smoking, vaping, dabbing, eating, and blunts-were included in the analysis. Their purposes for use were coded into three categories: sleep, mental, and physical health. Problematic cannabis use (PCU) was measured with the three-level structure Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST-3). Adjusted multivariable regression models were used to estimate use purposes associated with with problematic cannabis use at the p < 0.05 level. RESULTS Participants (n = 954) were mostly female (63.94%) and Hispanic (54.93%). Mental health was the most endorsed reason (73.38%) for use among study sample. Among participants, 36.3% were classified as being at severe risk (CAST-3 score ≥ 8). There was a significant association between PCU risk and reporting cannabis use for physical health (p < 0.01), mental health, and sleep health (p < 0.01) purposes. Those who used cannabis for physical heath purposes had about four times the risk (adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR) = 4.38, 95% CI = 3.06-6.69), those who used for mental health had about three times the risk (aRRR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.86-4.72), and those who used for sleep health had almost two times the risk (aRRR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.17-2.63) for severe PCU. CONCLUSION All cannabis use purposes examined increased risk of problematic cannabis use. Physical health use purposes was associated with highest PCU risk. This study demonstrates the risk for cannabis use disorder associated with self-medicating with cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wura Jacobs
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, 1025 E. 7th St., SPH 116, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | | | - Patrick Quinn
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, 1025 E. 7th St., SPH 116, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | | | - Adam Leventhal
- Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, California, USA
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15
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Parisi CE, Wang Y, Varma DS, Vaddiparti K, Ibañez GE, Carrillo LC, Cook RL. Changes in frequency of cannabis use among people with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-methods study to explore the underlying reasons for change. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:470-480. [PMID: 36898081 PMCID: PMC10695005 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2176234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Background: People with HIV (PWH) report higher rates of cannabis use than the general population. It is unclear how cannabis use among PWH has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications for the health and wellbeing of PWH.Objectives: To describe changes in frequency of cannabis use among a sample of PWH during the pandemic, reasons for those changes, and implications of the findings.Methods: The data are cross-sectional and come from questions asked in a follow-up phone survey administered to a prospective cohort of PWH in Florida between May 2020 and March 2021. Participants who used cannabis were asked about changes in their frequency of cannabis use in a quantitative survey and reasons for changes in a qualitative open-ended question. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Among 227 PWH (mean age 50, 50% men, 69% Black/African American, 14% Hispanic/Latino), 13% decreased frequency of cannabis, 11% increased frequency, and 76% reported no change. The most common reasons for increasing frequency of cannabis use were reducing anxiety/stress, trying to relax, coping with grief or reducing symptoms of depression, and reducing boredom during the pandemic. Supply or access issues, health concerns, and having already wanted to reduce cannabis use were common reasons for decreased frequency.Conclusion: Nearly 25% of the sample changed their cannabis use frequency during the pandemic. These findings shed light on the behaviors and motivations of PWH who use cannabis and can inform clinical practice and interventions during public health emergencies and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Deepthi S. Varma
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | | | - Gladys E. Ibañez
- Department of Epidemiology, Florida International University, Miami, FL USA
| | | | - Robert L. Cook
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
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16
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Coelho SG, Wardell JD. Characterizing heterogeneity among people who use cannabis for medicinal reasons: A latent class analysis of a nationally representative Canadian sample. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 117:104076. [PMID: 37247474 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many individuals who use cannabis report doing so for medicinal reasons. Few studies have explored heterogeneity within this population, which may be important to inform targeted interventions. This study used latent class analysis to identify subgroups of people who use cannabis for medicinal reasons and their sociodemographic and cannabis-risk-related correlates. METHOD Data were drawn from the 2019 Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey, which is a representative survey of Canadians ages 15 years and older. Data from 814 individuals reporting past-year use of cannabis for medicinal or mixed medicinal and non-medicinal reasons were included. Latent class analysis was conducted with forms of cannabis used, cannabis use frequency, concurrent non-medicinal cannabis use, and the medical conditions and symptoms cannabis was used to manage as indicators. RESULTS Four distinct latent classes of medicinal cannabis use were identified: a non-daily cannabis flower for mental health and sleep class (39.56% of the sample), a non-daily cannabis flower for pain class (26.41% of the sample), a non-daily cannabis oil for physical health class (20.15% of the sample), and a daily multi-form cannabis for mental health and non-medical reasons class (13.88% of the sample). Sociodemographic factors and risk level for cannabis-related harms were associated with latent class membership. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study reveal considerable heterogeneity among people reporting medicinal cannabis use and suggest that the distinct patterns of cannabis use behaviors and motives observed may be important for understanding risk for cannabis-related harms in this population. Findings underscore a need for harm reduction interventions tailored toward specific patterns of medicinal cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey D Wardell
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
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17
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Dekeseredy P, Brownstein H, Haggerty T, Sedney CL. Using Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain: A Social-Ecological Framework. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023. [PMID: 37155681 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Early studies suggest medical cannabis (MC) has the potential to benefit people who suffer from chronic pain by offering a less addictive alternative to opioids; however, most investigators agree more research is indicated. Today, in 2023, cannabis remains a Schedule I drug and is an illegal substance in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Despite this designation, as of February 2022, 37 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia allowed using cannabis products to treat certain painful medical conditions. The contradictory status of federal and state legislation regarding cannabis use has resulted in delays and restrictions on relevant research. As a result, an inadequate foundation of knowledge exists needed to inform policy, program, and practice decisions concerning MC to treat pain. Implementing and controlling access to MC is influenced by overlapping individual, interpersonal, community, and organizational influences that all fall under the umbrella of federal and state policies. Increasingly, the legalization and expanded access to MC necessitates the integration of evidence, policy, and social-ecological reality. To adequately delineate these complex factors to anticipate and plan future interventions at multiple levels, we propose a social-ecological framework (SEF) for using MC to treat pain. This SEF assumes the transactional relationship between the individual and the environment and that no single factor can predict behavior or health outcomes. Our framework illustrates five dynamic levels of analysis that interact between dimensions. Key elements and intersections are discussed at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Dekeseredy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Henry Brownstein
- Sociology and Anthropology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Treah Haggerty
- Department of Family Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Cara L Sedney
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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18
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Livingston NR, Hetelekides E, Bravo AJ, Looby A. Negative Affect Regulation and Marijuana Use in College Students: Evaluating the Mediating Roles of Coping and Sleep Motives. J Psychoactive Drugs 2023; 55:203-212. [PMID: 35341474 PMCID: PMC9512938 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2022.2054747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Negative affect regulation models suggest that marijuana may be used to reduce negative affect. Extant research has provided support for these models, indicating that specific motives for marijuana use, particularly coping motives (i.e., using to alleviate negative affects), mediate relations between affective vulnerabilities and marijuana outcomes. However, sleep motives (i.e., using to promote sleep) have been neglected from such models, despite their theoretical relevance. The present study tested two multiple mediation models in a large sample of marijuana-using college students (N = 1,453) to evaluate the indirect effects of coping and sleep motives in paths from depressive and anxiety symptoms to marijuana outcomes (use, consequences, and cannabis use disorder [CUD] symptoms). Both coping and sleep motives mediated the effects of depressive/anxiety symptoms on each marijuana variable. Moreover, significant double mediated effects were found, such that higher affective symptoms were associated with greater motives; which were associated with more marijuana use; which was related to more negative consequences and CUD symptoms. The findings provide support for sleep motives as a relevant pathway between affective vulnerabilities and marijuana outcomes. Additional research is needed to evaluate the potential benefits of interventions targeting specific marijuana motives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adrian J. Bravo
- Department of Psychological Sciences, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA USA
| | - Alison Looby
- Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY USA
| | - Stimulant Norms and Prevalence (SNAP) Study Team
- This project was completed by the Stimulant Norms and Prevalence Study (SNAP) Team, which includes the following investigators (in alphabetical order): Adrian J. Bravo, William & Mary (Co-PI); Bradley T. Conner, Colorado State University; Mitch Earleywine, University at Albany, State University of New York; James Henson, Old Dominion University; Alison Looby, University of Wyoming (Co-PI); Mark A. Prince, Colorado State University; Ty Schepis, Texas State University; Margo Villarosa-Hurlocker, University of New Mexico
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19
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Gonzalez JE, Shea SA, Bowles NP. Daily cannabis use is associated with sleep duration differentially across ages. Sleep Health 2023; 9:181-184. [PMID: 36404265 PMCID: PMC10122692 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between frequency of cannabis use and sleep duration across age in a large US population (235,667 people). METHODS Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between the frequency of cannabis use and sleep duration using cross sectional data from the 2016-2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. RESULTS When adjusted for sociodemographic factors, health related variables, and stratified by age we found that young adults (18-44 years) who reported daily-use (≥16 uses a month) had an increased risk ratio (RR [95% CI]) for either short or long sleep (1.22 [1.06-1.40] and 1.52 [1.07-2.16]); midlife adults (45-64 years) who reported daily-use had an increased prevalence of long sleep (1.71 [1.03-2.82]); and older adults (≥65 years) who reported daily-use had an increased prevalence of short sleep (1.61 [1.05-2.49]). CONCLUSIONS Compared to those who reported no cannabis use, individuals who reported daily cannabis use demonstrated a greater prevalence for either short or long sleep duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua E Gonzalez
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Steven A Shea
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Nicole P Bowles
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
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20
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Davis S, Betz ME, Hill LL, Eby DW, Jones VC, Mielenz TJ, Molnar LJ, Strogatz D, Clancy K, Li G, DiGuiseppi CG. Associations of cannabis use with motor vehicle crashes and traffic stops among older drivers: AAA LongROAD study. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2023; 24:307-314. [PMID: 36939676 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2023.2180736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute cannabis use is associated with a higher risk of motor vehicle crashes (MVC). This study aimed to determine if self-reported past-year cannabis use is associated with MVC or traffic stops among older drivers. METHODS This cross-sectional analysis used data from a multi-center study enrolling active drivers aged 65-79 years. Data regarding cannabis use, MVC, and traffic stops (i.e., being pulled over by police, whether ticketed or not) within the previous 12 months were collected through participant interviews. Log-binomial regression models examined associations of past-year cannabis use with MVC and traffic stops, adjusting for site and sociodemographic and mental health characteristics. RESULTS Of 2,095 participating older drivers, 186 (8.88%) used cannabis in the past year but only 10 (<0.5%) within an hour before driving in the last 30 days; 11.41% reported an MVC and 9.45% reported a traffic stop. Past-year cannabis users had a higher prevalence of MVC (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.38; 95%CI: 0.96, 2.00; p = 0.086) and traffic stops (aPR = 1.58; 1.06, 2.35; p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS Past-year cannabis use was associated with increased traffic stops, which are correlated modestly with increased MVC in past studies and may indicate impaired driving performance. We did not find a statistically significant association of past-year cannabis use with MVC, which may indicate limited sustained effects on driving performance from periodic use among older adults, who report rarely driving immediately after use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Davis
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Marian E Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Linda L Hill
- School of Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - David W Eby
- University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Vanya C Jones
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Thelma J Mielenz
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Center for Injury Science and Prevention, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Lisa J Molnar
- University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - David Strogatz
- Bassett Research Institute, Bassett Healthcare Network, Cooperstown, New York
| | - Kate Clancy
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Guohua Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Center for Injury Science and Prevention, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Carolyn G DiGuiseppi
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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21
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Rezag Bara SF, Mary-Krause M, Wallez S, Cadwallader JS. Experience of Cannabis Use from Adolescence to Adulthood in France: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4462. [PMID: 36901478 PMCID: PMC10002113 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Levels of cannabis use are high during adolescence, but the proportion of cannabis users among adults is also progressing, often for medical reasons. This study describes the reasons and motivations for using medical cannabis among adults over 30 years old in France. This qualitative study was performed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis. People with a history of cannabis use or current cannabis users were recruited from the TEMPO cohort. Homogeneous purposive sampling was applied among those using medical cannabis. Twelve participants, among thirty-six who reported using cannabis for medical reasons, were selected and interviewed. Five superordinate themes were identified in the analysis: 1-soothing a traumatic experience through cannabis use; 2-an ambivalent relationship with the user and cannabis and with the user and close relatives; 3-cannabis, a known soft drug comparable to alcohol or tobacco, leading to an illogical demonization; 4-recreational use in the context of experimentation; and 5-a paradoxical desire for exemplary parenting. In this first recent study to describe the reasons and views adults have in order to continue using cannabis after 30 years of age, we identified ways to explain this consumption. The internal appeasement provoked by cannabis stems from a struggle to appease a violent external situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Faten Rezag Bara
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), F75012 Paris, France
| | - Murielle Mary-Krause
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), F75012 Paris, France
| | - Solène Wallez
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), F75012 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Sébastien Cadwallader
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), F75012 Paris, France
- Department of General Practice, Sorbonne University, F75012 Paris, France
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22
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Barbalat G, Liu S. Long-Term Impact of Medical Marijuana Laws on the Burden of Cannabis Use Disorders in US Male and Female Adolescents and Young Adults. Community Ment Health J 2023; 59:391-399. [PMID: 36036345 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-01018-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Deregulation of cannabis use has raised concerns regarding its potential effects on health, particularly in adolescents and young adults. Here, we extracted data from the Global Burden of Disease database to estimate the long-term effect (> 5 years) of medical marijuana laws (MML) on 2019 cannabis use disorders Disability Adjusted Life Years (2019 CUD DALYs) in US male and female adolescents (15-19 years old) and young adults (20-24 years old). Socio-cultural, demographic and economic characteristics were used as baseline covariates. To improve the robustness of estimation, we took advantage of machine learning techniques. We found no significant effect of MML on 2019 CUD DALYS in each of our four age/sex groups. Estimates from a marginal structural model taking into account age and sex strata in the same model were also non-significant. Our findings suggest that MML may have a negligible effect (if any) on cannabis use disorders in this population group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Barbalat
- Centre ressource de réhabilitation psychosociale et de remédiation cognitive, Hôpital Le Vinatier, Pôle Centre rive gauche, Université de Lyon, CNRS & Université Lyon, UMR, 5229, France.
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, 10065, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Sze Liu
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, 10065, New York, NY, USA
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23
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Denson RK, Hedeker D, Mermelstein RJ. Association between affect and cannabis use varies by social context. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 243:109750. [PMID: 36634576 PMCID: PMC9884136 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use is rising globally, underscoring the importance of understanding contextual factors related to cannabis use. Although much work has retrospectively examined cannabis use patterns and effects, fewer studies have evaluated cannabis use in natural environments. METHODS The present study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine the subjective experience of cannabis use (i.e., positive and negative affect) and how cannabis' mood effects are modified by the social context, defined as being alone or with others, in which use occurs. Associations between cannabis' mood effects and cannabis use disorder symptomatology were additionally examined. Participants (N = 200) completed baseline assessments and two 7-day waves of EMA data collection. Mixed-effects models examined between- and within-subject effects for positive and negative affect at cannabis use and nonuse times and interactions between cannabis use and social context. RESULTS Positive affect was elevated at cannabis use times, compared to nonuse times, regardless of social context. The relationship between cannabis use and negative affect was moderated by social context, such that negative affect was elevated at cannabis use times when participants were alone and reduced at cannabis use times when participants were with others. Higher levels of cannabis use disorder symptomatology and cannabis use frequency were both associated with lower negative affect at cannabis use times. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that elevated positive affect is consistent across cannabis use times regardless of social context, but negative affect may vary more by the presence of others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Denson
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA.
| | - Donald Hedeker
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, USA
| | - Robin J Mermelstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA; Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
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24
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Olson J, Brophy H, Turk T, Jones A, Yamamoto SS, Yacyshyn E, Sadowski CA, Paul P. Perceptions of Cannabis Use: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Rheumatology Patients. J Prim Care Community Health 2023; 14:21501319231194974. [PMID: 37632365 PMCID: PMC10467286 DOI: 10.1177/21501319231194974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES Some rheumatology patients use or contemplate using cannabis, however, may not be transparent about use with their providers. The objective of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe beliefs, perceptions, and learning needs of adults with rheumatic conditions regarding the use of cannabis products. METHODS Purposive sampling was conducted through a rheumatology clinic and sought participants who were using or thinking about using cannabis. Two online focus groups based on cannabis use patterns (non-users and users) were conducted separately. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Three research team members read the transcripts independently to identify initial codes and themes. Data saturation was reached with the interviews. RESULTS We recruited 12 participants between 52 and 85 years old. The first theme was pain and desperation. Stigma was the second theme with a perception of physician opposition to cannabis, and the reluctance of many participants to discuss cannabis use with physicians. The final theme was a need for information and a general lack of trustworthy and credible sources. Users were willing to try cannabis even if they still had questions. CONCLUSION Rheumatology patients are open to using cannabis due to the burden and suffering associated with pain. They remain silent on the topic, however, because of stigma and lack of engagement from health care professionals, particularly physicians. Patients voiced a strong need for information regarding cannabis and want healthcare providers to initiate discussion. These findings are clinically relevant to the management of rheumatic conditions and the promotion of therapeutic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tarek Turk
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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25
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Clobes TA, Palmier LA, Gagnon M, Klaiman C, Arellano M. The impact of education on attitudes toward medical cannabis. PEC INNOVATION 2022; 1:100009. [PMID: 37364019 PMCID: PMC10194214 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2021.100009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Objective This research explores the impact of patient education on reducing historical and current stigma. Methods Participants were recruited through social media, parenting with community organizations, and snowball sampling. A pretest posttest method was utilized. Participants viewed five balanced educational videos about medicinal cannabis. Attitudes toward medical cannabis were measured with a modified version of the medical component of the Recreational and Medical Cannabis Attitudes Scale (RMCAS). In total, 111 participants completed all requirements of the study. Results Results of a Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test demonstrated a significant increase in the modified medical component of the RMCAS (1.18, p = 0.029). Conclusion Health education is an effective intervention to reduce stigma associated with medical cannabis. Future health policies must take a balanced, education-focused, and proactive stance in reducing barriers to care that exist due to the negative stigma associated with cannabis use.Innovation: Historically, patient education has focused on areas such as tobacco, automobile safety, vaccinations, obesity, and the like. This research applied patient education to the area of medical cannabis to improve attitudes toward it and improve patient access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Clobes
- California State University, Channel Islands 1 University Dr., Camarillo, CA 93012, USA
| | - Lauren A. Palmier
- The University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis 1 Pharmacy, Pl, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Matin Gagnon
- California State University, Channel Islands 1 University Dr., Camarillo, CA 93012, USA
| | - Colby Klaiman
- California State University, Channel Islands 1 University Dr., Camarillo, CA 93012, USA
| | - Mya Arellano
- California State University, Channel Islands 1 University Dr., Camarillo, CA 93012, USA
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26
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Clobes TA, Gagnon M. Demographic factors that impact attitudes toward medical cannabis. PEC INNOVATION 2022; 1:100085. [PMID: 37213732 PMCID: PMC10194315 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2022.100085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Objective This study aims to identify pertinent demographic characteristics that influence attitudes toward medical cannabis. Methods Survey respondents were recruited through social media posts, partnering with community organizations, and snowball sampling. Attitudes were measured with a modified version of the medical component of the Recreational and Medical Cannabis Attitudes Scale (MMCAS). Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA or one-way Welch ANOVA to determine differences within demographic characteristics. A Tukey-Kramer, or Games-Howell, post-hoc analysis was conducted to determine specific groups within the independent variables that significantly impacted medical cannabis attitudes. Results A total of 645 participants completed the survey. Significant variation in MMCAS was noted between groups based on race, political party affiliation, political view, religion, state legal status, and past/current cannabis use. There were no significant variations noted in MMCAS for apolitical factors. Conclusion Political, religious, and legal demographic factors impact attitudes toward medical cannabis. Innovation The use of health education targeted at the groups of people who continue to harbor antiquated attitudes toward medical cannabis will help to improve patient access and, thus, patient outcomes. Cannabis advocates can innovatively apply health education efforts to groups of people who are aligned with the demographic factors identified in this current work.
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27
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MacNair L, Kalaba M, Peters EN, Feldner MT, Eglit GML, Rapin L, El Hage C, Prosk E, Ware MA. Medical cannabis authorization patterns, safety, and associated effects in older adults. J Cannabis Res 2022; 4:50. [PMID: 36131299 PMCID: PMC9494878 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-022-00158-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Use of medical cannabis is increasing among older adults. However, few investigations have examined cannabis use in this population. Methods We assessed the authorization patterns, safety, and effects of medical cannabis in a sub-analysis of 201 older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) who completed a 3-month follow-up during this observational study of patients who were legally authorized a medical cannabis product (N = 67). Cannabis authorization patterns, adverse events (AEs), Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale-revised (ESAS-r), and Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI-SF) data were collected. Results The most common symptoms for which medical cannabis was authorized were pain (159, 85.0%) and insomnia (9, 4.8%). At baseline and at the 3-month follow-up, cannabidiol (CBD)-dominant products were authorized most frequently (99, 54%), followed by balanced products (76, 42%), and then delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-dominant products (8, 4.4%). The most frequent AEs were dizziness (18.2%), nausea (9.1%), dry mouth (9.1%), and tinnitus (9.1%). Significant reductions in ESAS-r scores were observed over time in the domains of drowsiness (p = .013) and tiredness (p = .031), but not pain (p = .106) or well-being (p = .274). Significant reductions in BPI-SF scores over time were observed for worst pain (p = .010), average pain (p = .012), and overall pain severity (p = 0.009), but not pain right now (p = .052) or least pain (p = .141). Conclusions Overall, results suggest medical cannabis was safe, well-tolerated, and associated with clinically meaningful reductions in pain in this sample of older adults. However, the potential bias introduced by the high subject attrition rate means that all findings should be interpreted cautiously and confirmed by more rigorous studies.
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28
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Gunn MP, Rabinovich NE, Martens KM, Lindt JD, Gilbert DG. Effects of Cannabis-Delivered THC on mood and negative attentional bias in the context of positive vs. neutral Alternatives-a pilot study. Hum Psychopharmacol 2022; 37:e2844. [PMID: 35451099 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess: (1) the acute effects of smoked marijuana (MJ) on negative attentional bias (NAB), (2) moderation of these effects by positive versus neutral alternatives, and (3) the associations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced changes in NAB with changes in affect. METHODS Fourteen MJ users (1-4 uses/wk) smoked a THC cigarette on 1 day and a placebo cigarette on the other counterbalanced day. After smoking, participants freely gazed back and forth at a series of two side-by-side pictures pairs presented for 3000 ms (one negative, while the other was either positive or neutral) while eye gaze was tracked. RESULTS The effects of THC relative to placebo varied across time such that THC increased NAB during the early temporal component of threatening picture viewing, 333-858 ms after dual-picture onset, regardless of alternative picture valance. However, contrary to the attentional bias-causes affect hypothesis, during the early viewing phase THC-enhanced positive affect (PA) correlated positively with THC-induced NAB. In contrast, during the late phase (891-3000 ms) THC-enhanced PA did not correlate significantly with NAB, though THC-induced negative affect (NA) change did correlate positively with THC-induced change in NAB in the positive alternative condition. CONCLUSIONS We replicated findings of others showing that THC can enhance NAB during the early stages of threatening picture viewing. We extended previous results by demonstrating the THC-induced NAB is associated with increased PA during initial threat viewing, but with increased NA during later processing if positive alternatives are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Gunn
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - Norka E Rabinovich
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - Kris M Martens
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA.,Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - John D Lindt
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - David G Gilbert
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
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29
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Clobes TA, Arellano M, Gagnon M, Klaiman C. Differences in Attitudes Toward Medical Cannabis With Humanized Patient Scenarios. Cureus 2022; 14:e28354. [PMID: 36168378 PMCID: PMC9507077 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Attitudes toward medical cannabis are shaped by a number of factors, such as religion, previous use, and political affiliation. Individuals with less supportive beliefs toward cannabis, in general, may be more open to its therapeutic applications in a humanized patient scenario (PS). Methods A modified medical cannabis attitude scale was used to measure participants' attitudes toward medical cannabis. Two humanized patient scenarios were presented to the participants, and their level of agreement with the patient having access to medical cannabis was measured. After the scales were standardized, a Wilcoxon signed-rank test (WSR) was utilized to determine whether a difference between medical cannabis attitudes and approval of medical cannabis use in the humanized PS exists. Results A total of 645 participants completed the full survey and were included in the data analysis. Most participants were supportive of the patients in the humanized scenarios having access to medical cannabis; 76.1% and 75.7% of respondents, in each of the scenarios, selected the highest level of approval. There was a significantly higher approval for medical cannabis with the PS than attitudes toward medical cannabis in general (Z=-17.415, p<0.0005). Conclusion Individuals were more supportive of patient access to medical cannabis when exposed to humanized PS than their general attitudes toward medical cannabis indicated. Applying the results of this current research, a viable plan to reduce the stigma surrounding cannabis is to use patient testimonials in public-facing advocacy efforts regarding medical cannabis.
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30
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Lo LA, MacCallum CA, Yau JC, Barr AM. Differences in those who prefer smoking cannabis to other consumption forms for mental health: what can be learned to promote safer methods of consumption? J Addict Dis 2022:1-5. [PMID: 35975780 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2022.2107332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Smoking cannabis in medical users is associated with exposure to harmful toxins. It is important to characterize cannabis-use profiles and risk-factors for medical cannabis users who smoke cannabis. 100 members of a medical cannabis dispensary with mental health concerns were interviewed in detail about their cannabis use. Forty seven percent of participants preferred smoking only, 18% preferred vaporizing, 25% preferred both smoking and vaping, and 10% preferred oral ingestion methods. Smokers differed from other users in multiple ways, including a greater preference for THC-dominant chemovars, and more frequent and greater amount of cannabis consumption. Smoking was also associated with greater rates of alcohol use disorder. These results may inform harm-reduction approaches to decrease the number of individuals smoking cannabis and use less harmful methods of medical cannabis ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Lo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Caroline A MacCallum
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jade C Yau
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alasdair M Barr
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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31
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Baumbusch J, Sloan Yip I. Older adults experiences of using recreational cannabis for medicinal purposes following legalization. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 108:103812. [PMID: 35930902 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Legalization of recreational, or non-medical, cannabis in Canada in 2018 was followed by significant increase in use among older adults. Non-medical cannabis is often used medicinally in this population for issues such as pain, insomnia, and appetite stimulation. The purpose of this study was to explore new cannabis use among older adults within an evolving socio-legal context. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Normalization theory provided the theoretical foundation and qualitative description was the guiding methodology. A convenience sample of twelve participants (ten women, two men) aged 71 to 85 years old was recruited. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. RESULTS Findings illustrate factors that influenced participants' beliefs and contributed to their decisions to begin using cannabis in later life. The most important factor was legalization, which sparked a shift in beliefs around using cannabis and shaped the beginning of de-stigmatization around using this substance. Increasing acceptance in their social networks and visibility of cannabis in the media also informed decision-making. However, using cannabis for non-medicinal or social reasons remained stigmatized. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS This research indicates that older adults' beliefs about cannabis use are shifting and this is likely related to legalization and broader social acceptance of cannabis. As a consequence, increased public health education is needed to improve health literacy about cannabis use during this stage of the life-course.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel Sloan Yip
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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32
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Mauro PM, Philbin MM, Greene ER, Diaz JE, Askari MS, Martins SS. Daily cannabis use, cannabis use disorder, and any medical cannabis use among US adults: Associations within racial, ethnic, and sexual minoritized identities in a changing policy context. Prev Med Rep 2022; 28:101822. [PMID: 35620050 PMCID: PMC9127402 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Daily cannabis use, disorder, and medical use were higher among sexual minoritized adults. Magnitudes of association were comparable across racial and ethnic subgroups. Associations with cross-sectional MCL status differed by racial, ethnic, and sexual minoritized subgroup. Cannabis outcome prevalences were generally higher in states with MCLs.
Differences in cannabis use patterns among racial, ethnic and sexual minoritized identity subgroups have been attributed to marginalized identity stressors. However, associations at the intersection of these minoritized identities remain underexplored in a changing medical cannabis law (MCL) context. We estimated medical cannabis and daily cannabis use, and cannabis use disorder (CUD) by intersecting racial, ethnic and sexual minoritized identity subgroups. We included 189,800 adults in the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health identifying as non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic Black, or Hispanic and self-reported heterosexual, gay/lesbian, or bisexual sexual identity. We estimated the adjusted odds of past-year: (a) any medical cannabis, (b) daily cannabis use (i.e., 300 + days/year), and (c) DSM-5-proxy CUD by sexual identity, stratified by race and ethnicity. Cannabis measures were higher among sexual minoritized groups than heterosexual adults across racial and ethnic subgroups. Bisexual adults had higher odds of any medical cannabis use than their heterosexual counterparts: non-Hispanic white (6.4% vs. 1.8%; aOR = 2.6, 95% CI = [2.5–3.5]), non-Hispanic Black (4.1% vs. 1.7%; aOR = 2.7, 95% CI = [1.6–4.5]), and Hispanic adults (5.3% vs. 1.8 %; aOR = 2.6, 95% CI = [1.9–3.3]). We found heterogeneous associations with state MCL status across subgroups stratified by race and ethnicity. Bisexual adults in MCL states had higher odds of any medical cannabis use among non-Hispanic white (aOR = 2.0, 95% CI = [1.4–2.9]) and Hispanic (aOR = 3.6, 95% CI = [1.2–10.2]) adults compared to their non-MCL counterparts, but this was marginal among non-Hispanic Black bisexual adults (aOR = 1.6, 95% CI = [1.0–2.6]). Studies should assess intended and unintended cannabis policy effects among racial, ethnic, and sexual identity subgroups.
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Bragard E, Giorgi S, Juneau P, Curtis BL. Daily diary study of loneliness, alcohol, and drug use during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:1539-1551. [PMID: 36018325 PMCID: PMC9429816 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research conducted during the COVID-19 Pandemic has identified two co-occurring public health concerns: loneliness and substance use. Findings from research conducted prior to the pandemic are inconclusive as to the links between loneliness and substance use. This study aimed to measure associations of loneliness with three different types of substance use during COVID-19: daily number of alcoholic drinks, cannabis use, and non-cannabis drug use. METHOD Data were obtained between October 2020 and May 2021 from 2,648 US adults (Mage = 38.76, 65.4% women) diverse with respect to race and ethnicity using online recruitment. Participants completed baseline surveys and daily assessments for 30 days. A daily loneliness measure was recoded into separate within- and between-person predictor variables. Daily outcome measures included the number of alcoholic drinks consumed and dichotomous cannabis and non-cannabis drug use variables. Generalized linear multilevel models (GLMLM) were used to examine within- and between-person associations between loneliness and substance use. RESULTS The unconditional means model indicated that 59.0% of the variance in the daily number of alcoholic drinks was due to within-person variability. GLMLM analyses revealed that, overall, people drank more on days when they felt a particularly high or particularly low degree of loneliness (positive quadratic effect). There was a negative and significant within-person association between daily loneliness and the likelihood of cannabis use. There was also a positive and significant within-person association between daily loneliness and the likelihood of non-cannabis drug use. CONCLUSIONS Associations between loneliness and substance use vary with substance type and whether within- or between-person differences are assessed. These findings are relevant to the persistence of substance use disorders and thus of potential clinical importance. Individuals who do not experience severe loneliness at intake but who show daily increases in loneliness above baseline levels are at heightened risk of alcohol and non-cannabis drug use. Future research could profitably examine just-in-time adaptive interventions that assess fluctuations in loneliness to prevent the development or exacerbation of substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Bragard
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse
| | - Salvatore Giorgi
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Computer and Information Science Department, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Paul Juneau
- Division of Data Services, NIH Library, Office of Research Services, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA/Contractor- Zimmerman Associates, Inc., Fairfax, VA, USA
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34
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Leung J, Lim CC, Chiu V, Chung J, Mekonen T, Dawson D, Hall WD, Chan GC. Prevalence and correlates of cannabis use for medicinal reasons – An Australian cross-sectional study. Addict Behav Rep 2022; 15:100436. [PMID: 35662918 PMCID: PMC9160481 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2022.100436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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Phillips KT, Pedula KL, Choi NG, Tawara KAK, Simiola V, Satre DD, Owen-Smith A, Lynch FF, Dickerson J. Chronic health conditions, acute health events, and healthcare utilization among adults over age 50 in Hawai'i who use cannabis: A matched cohort study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 234:109387. [PMID: 35279458 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on cannabis-related health outcomes in diverse older adults is limited. The current study utilized a matched cohort study design to compare older adults in Hawai'i with identified cannabis diagnoses and matched controls on chronic health conditions, acute health events, and healthcare utilization from 2016 to 2020. METHOD Patients age 50 + were identified using ICD-10 diagnostic codes for cannabis use, abuse, and dependence using electronic health record data from an integrated health system (Kaiser Permanente Hawai'i). Those with cannabis diagnoses (n = 275) were compared to matched non-using controls (n = 275; based on age, sex) on chronic health conditions (coronary heart disease, hypertension, COPD, chronic non-cancer pain), acute health events (myocardial infarction, respiratory symptoms, stroke, persistent or cyclic vomiting, injuries), and healthcare utilization (outpatient, inpatient, and emergency department visits) following case identification for two years. RESULTS Participants were 19.3% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 24.4% Asian, 47.8% White, and 8.5% Other/Unknown, with an average age of 62.8 years (SD=7.3). Adjusting for covariates as possible, participants with a cannabis diagnosis had significantly greater risk of coronary heart disease, chronic non-cancer pain, stroke, myocardial infarction, cyclic vomiting, and injuries, over time, compared to controls. Cannabis use was associated with any and greater frequency of outpatient, inpatient, and emergency department visits. CONCLUSIONS In a diverse sample, older adults who used cannabis had worse health conditions and events and used more health services over a two-year period. Future studies should evaluate cannabis-related health outcomes, effects of cannabis problem severity, as well as implications for healthcare in aging populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina T Phillips
- Center for Integrated Health Care Research, Kaiser Permanente Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA.
| | - Kathryn L Pedula
- Hawai'i Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Namkee G Choi
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Kylee-Ann K Tawara
- Center for Integrated Health Care Research, Kaiser Permanente Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA; School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Vanessa Simiola
- Center for Integrated Health Care Research, Kaiser Permanente Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Derek D Satre
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA; Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Ashli Owen-Smith
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Frances F Lynch
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, OR, USA; OCHIN Research, Portland, OR, USA
| | - John Dickerson
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, OR, USA
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Brammer WA, Conn BM, Iverson E, Lankenau SE, Dodson C, Wong CF. Coping Motives Mediate the Association of Trauma History with Problematic Cannabis Use in Young Adult Medical Cannabis Patients and Non-Patient Cannabis Users. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:684-697. [PMID: 35193442 PMCID: PMC11148629 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2026970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: Despite evidence of the contribution of childhood trauma to the development of problematic cannabis use, its mediating pathways are largely unknown. Given the link between cannabis motives with trauma and problematic cannabis use, motives of use may represent a construct through which trauma impacts problematic cannabis use. Methods: A sample of 339 medical cannabis patient and non-patient young adult users from the Los Angeles area were sampled at baseline and one year later. The current study examined the impact of childhood trauma on problematic use through a variety of cannabis use motives. Results: Controlling for age, socioeconomic status, perceived stress, and baseline problematic use, endorsing the use of cannabis to cope with distress at baseline uniquely mediated the associations between different childhood trauma types (e.g., physical abuse, neglect, sexual trauma) and problematic use one year later. Experience of any childhood trauma was positively associated with coping motives, whereas emotional and physical abuse were positively associated with pain motives, and sexual abuse was positively associated with sleep motives. Using cannabis for coping and increasing attention/focus were also positively associated with higher problematic use, whereas using cannabis for sleep was inversely associated with problematic use one year later. Conclusions: The motives of coping with distress and inattention may represent intermediate constructs through which trauma leads to later problematic cannabis use. Results highlight the need to clarify the pathways between health and non-health-oriented motives and cannabis use over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney A Brammer
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bridgid M Conn
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ellen Iverson
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stephen E Lankenau
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chaka Dodson
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carolyn F Wong
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Research on Children, Youth, & Families, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Mills L, Lintzeris N, O'Malley M, Arnold JC, McGregor IS. Prevalence and correlates of cannabis use disorder among Australians using cannabis products to treat a medical condition. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:1095-1108. [PMID: 35172040 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prior research has examined the prevalence and correlates of cannabis use disorder (CUD) in people who use cannabis; however, these are poorly described for people using cannabis for medical reasons. METHODS Data came from a 2018 to 2019 online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey of Australians reporting using either illicit or licit cannabis for medical reasons within the past year. Included were questions on demographics, current and lifetime patterns of cannabis use, clinical conditions for which medical cannabis was used, and individual criteria for CUD and cannabis withdrawal syndrome. Bayesian Horseshoe logistic regression models were used to identify covariates associated with meeting CUD DSM-5 conditions for any-CUD (≥2/11 criteria) and moderate-severe-CUD (≥4/11). RESULTS A total of 905 participants were included in the analysis. The majority (98%) used illicit cannabis products. Criteria for any-CUD criteria were met by 290 (32.0%), and 117 (12.9%) met criteria for moderate-severe-CUD. Tolerance (21%) and withdrawal (35%) were the most commonly met criteria. Correlates with the strongest association with CUD were inhaled route of administration [odds ratio (OR) = 2.96, 95% credible interval 1.11, 7.06], frequency of cannabis use (OR = 1.24, 1.11-1.35), proportion of cannabis for medical reasons (OR = 0.83, 0.74, 0.94), frequency of tobacco use (OR = 1.10, 1.03, 1.17), age (OR = 0.75, 0.64, 0.90) and pain as main clinical indication (OR = 0.58, 0.36, 1.00). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of CUD in medical cannabis users appears comparable to 'recreational' users, with many similar correlates. CUD was associated with using cannabis to treat mental health rather than pain conditions and inhaled over other routes of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Llewellyn Mills
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South East Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, Sydney, Australia.,National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicholas Lintzeris
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South East Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael O'Malley
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South East Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Wallis D, Coatsworth JD, Mennis J, Riggs NR, Zaharakis N, Russell MA, Brown AR, Rayburn S, Radford A, Hale C, Mason MJ. Predicting Self-Medication with Cannabis in Young Adults with Hazardous Cannabis Use. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031850. [PMID: 35162872 PMCID: PMC8834899 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Using cannabis to reduce psychological and physical distress, referred to as self-medication, is a significant risk factor for cannabis use disorder. To better understand this high-risk behavior, a sample of 290 young adults (ages 18–25; 45.6% female) were recruited from two U.S. universities in January and February of 2020 to complete a survey about their cannabis use and self-medication. Results: seventy-six percent endorsed using cannabis to reduce problems such as anxiety, sleep, depression, pain, loneliness, social discomfort, and concentration. When predicting reasons for self-medication with cannabis, logistic regression models showed that lower CUDIT-R scores, experiencing withdrawal, living in a state where cannabis was illegal, and being female were all associated with higher rates of self-medication. Withdrawal symptoms were tested to predict self-medication with cannabis, and only insomnia and loss of appetite were significant predictors. To further explore why young adults self-medicate, each of the original predictors were regressed on seven specified reasons for self-medication. Young adults experiencing withdrawal were more likely to self-medicate for pain. Participants living where cannabis is legal were less likely to self-medicate for anxiety and depression. Living where cannabis is illegal also significantly predicted self-medicating for social discomfort—though the overall model predicting social discomfort was statistically non-significant. Finally, female participants were more likely to self-medicate for anxiety. These results suggest widespread self-medication among young adults with likely CUD and underscore the complexity of their cannabis use. The findings have implications for understanding why young adults use cannabis in relation to psychological and physical distress and for accurately treating young adults with cannabis use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Wallis
- Center for Behavioral Health Research, College of Social Work, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, 1618 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (N.Z.); (C.H.)
- Correspondence: (D.W.); (J.D.C.); (M.J.M.)
| | - J. Douglas Coatsworth
- Center for Behavioral Health Research, College of Social Work, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, 1618 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (N.Z.); (C.H.)
- Correspondence: (D.W.); (J.D.C.); (M.J.M.)
| | - Jeremy Mennis
- Department of Geography and Urban Studies, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - Nathaniel R. Riggs
- CSU Prevention Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (N.R.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Nikola Zaharakis
- Center for Behavioral Health Research, College of Social Work, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, 1618 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (N.Z.); (C.H.)
| | - Michael A. Russell
- Biobehavioral Health, Penn State College of Health and Human Development, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Aaron R. Brown
- Department of Social Work, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC 28723, USA;
| | - Stephanie Rayburn
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Aubrie Radford
- CSU Prevention Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (N.R.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Christopher Hale
- Center for Behavioral Health Research, College of Social Work, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, 1618 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (N.Z.); (C.H.)
| | - Michael J. Mason
- Center for Behavioral Health Research, College of Social Work, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, 1618 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (N.Z.); (C.H.)
- Correspondence: (D.W.); (J.D.C.); (M.J.M.)
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Waddell JT. Age-varying time trends in cannabis- and alcohol-related risk perceptions 2002-2019. Addict Behav 2022; 124:107091. [PMID: 34461500 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol- and cannabis-related risk perceptions are strong predictors of use behavior. Studies suggest that attitudes toward cannabis are becoming increasingly permissive, however studies have yet to comprehensively a) compare time trends in cannabis-related attitudes to those of other commonly used substances, such as alcohol, and b) test whether trends significantly differ by age. METHOD Public access data from the National Study on Drug Use and Health from 2002 to 2019 were used (N = 1,005,421). Structural Equation Models tested whether study year (linear trend), was associated with alcohol- and cannabis-related risk perceptions (correlated outcomes), and whether age (adolescence [12-17], emerging adulthood [18-25], adulthood [26-35], middle adulthood [36-49], and older adulthood [50+]) moderated time trends. Sex, race/ethnicity, and use frequency were covaried. RESULTS The linear trend of study year was associated with decreased cannabis-related risk perceptions (p < .001). There was also a significant interaction of age by study year for cannabis-related risk perceptions, such that adults, emerging adults, and middle adults had the largest decrease in attitudes over time. For alcohol-related risk perceptions, the linear trend of study year was significantly associated with increased risk perceptions (p = .001), but the interaction of time by age was non-significant; alcohol-related effects were extremely small (b < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that cannabis-related risk perceptions are becoming more permissive with time across ages, but particularly in adults, emerging adults, and middle adults. In contrast, alcohol-related risk perceptions have stayed relatively stable over time, with only negligible increases. Findings underscore the importance of targeting permissive cannabis-related attitudes via prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack T Waddell
- Arizona State University, 900 S McAllister, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA.
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40
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Tumati S, Lanctôt KL, Wang R, Li A, Davis A, Herrmann N. Medical Cannabis Use Among Older Adults in Canada: Self-Reported Data on Types and Amount Used, and Perceived Effects. Drugs Aging 2021; 39:153-163. [PMID: 34940961 PMCID: PMC8696251 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-021-00913-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Medical cannabis use is growing among older adults. In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess the characteristics of older medical cannabis users including the indications, type and amount of cannabis used, perceived changes in symptoms after cannabis use, change in dose of concurrent medications, and adverse effects. Methods Data were collected between October 2014 and October 2020 from patients who were consulting the Canada-wide network of clinics of a medical cannabis provider and who were willing to answer questionnaires based on their medical status. The current study included older adults (≥ 65 years) who completed questionnaires at intake and first follow-up visits. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics, which were compared between men and women with t tests or chi-squared tests. Tests of proportions assessed categorical responses for perceived effects after cannabis use. Logistic regression was used to assess trends in cannabis usage. Results Data included that from 9766 older adult users at intake (mean ± SD age = 73.2 ± 6.8 years, females = 60.0%), among whom 4673 (females = 61.4%) returned for follow-up after 90.6 ± 58 days. The most common primary indication for which medical cannabis was sought was pain (67.7%), which was more common in women, whereas oncological and neurological conditions were more common in men. At follow-up, cannabis oil was used by 81.0% of older adults, among whom compositions containing only or mostly cannabidiol (CBD) had been used by 83.6%. Adverse effects reported by older adults at the follow-up visit included dry mouth (12.8%), drowsiness (8.6%), and dizziness (4.0%). The majority of older adults reported improvements in pain (72.7%, z = 1482.6, p < 0.0001, compared to worsening or no change), sleep (64.5%, z = 549.4, p < 0.0001), and mood (52.8%, z = 16.4, p < 0.0001), with 35.6% reporting use of a reduced dose of opioids and 19.9% a reduced dose of benzodiazepines. Interpretation Among older adults, medical cannabis is used more often by women, with CBD-containing cannabis oils being the most commonly used. Users reported improved pain, sleep, and mood symptoms at follow-up after cannabis use. This study describes the patterns of use of medical cannabis by older adults and highlights the need for research to determine appropriate indications, precise doses of active ingredients, and short- and long-term outcomes among older adults. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40266-021-00913-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Tumati
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Krista L Lanctôt
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - RuoDing Wang
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Abby Li
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew Davis
- Department of Economics, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Ross J, Slawek DE, Zhang C, Starrels JL, Levin FR, Sohler NL, Minami H, Arnsten JH, Cunningham CO. First-Year Trajectories of Medical Cannabis Use Among Adults Taking Opioids for Chronic Pain: An Observational Cohort Study. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 22:3080-3088. [PMID: 34411246 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe first-year trajectories of medical cannabis use and identify characteristics associated with patterns of use in a cohort of adults using opioids for chronic pain. DESIGN Latent class trajectory analysis of a prospective cohort study using data on the 14-day frequency of medical cannabis use. SETTING A large academic medical center and four medical cannabis dispensaries in the New York City metropolitan area. SUBJECTS Adults with chronic pain using opioids and newly certified for medical cannabis in New York between 2018 and 2020. METHODS Using latent class trajectory analysis, we identified clusters of participants based on the 14-day frequency of medical cannabis use. We used logistic regression to determine factors associated with cluster membership, including sociodemographic characteristics, pain, substance use, and mental health symptoms. RESULTS Among 99 participants, the mean age was 53 years; 62% were women, and 52% were White. We identified three clusters of medical cannabis use: infrequent use (n = 30, mean use = 1.5 days/14-day period), occasional use (n = 28, mean = 5.7 days/14-day period), and frequent use (n = 41, mean = 12.1 days/14-day period). Within clusters, use patterns did not vary significantly over 52 weeks. Differences were observed in two sociodemographic variables: Frequent (vs infrequent) use was associated with non-Hispanic White race/ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio 4.54, 95% confidence interval 1.49-14.29), while occasional (vs infrequent) use was associated with employment (adjusted odds ratio 13.84, 95% confidence interval 1.21-158.74). CONCLUSIONS Three clusters of medical cannabis use patterns emerged and were stable over time. Results suggest that structural factors related to race/ethnicity and employment may be major drivers of medical cannabis use, even among adults certified for its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Ross
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Deepika E Slawek
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Chenshu Zhang
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Joanna L Starrels
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Frances R Levin
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, NY State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Nancy L Sohler
- Department of Community Health and Social Medicine, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Haruka Minami
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Julia H Arnsten
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Chinazo O Cunningham
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, USA
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42
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Chan G, Chiu V, Sun T, Connor JP, Hall WD, Leung J. Age-related trends in cannabis use in Australia. Findings from a series of large nationally representative surveys. Addict Behav 2021; 123:107059. [PMID: 34365087 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM We examine age-related trends in past-year cannabis use in a series of nationally representative surveys in Australia. METHODS We analysed data from the largest nationally representative survey in Australia collected between 2001 and 2019 (National Drug Strategy Household Survey [NDSHS]; N = 157,151). Prevalence of past-year daily/occasional (non-daily)/non-use of cannabis use were estimated using weighted multinomial logistic regression and predicted marginal probabilities. Difference-in-difference analysis was used to examine if trends of cannabis use across age groups were different. RESULTS The youngest age group (14-17 s) witnessed the largest increase in past-year abstinence rate from 79% to 92% from 2001 to 2019 (p < .003); the increase in abstinent rate among the 18-24 and 25-39 were relatively moderate (from 68 to 76% and from 81% to 84% respectively; p < .003). The abstinent rate among the 40-54 s and 55-74 s decreased significantly from 93% to 90% and from 99% to 95% respectively (p < .003). There were similar diverging trends in occasional and daily cannabis use, with decreases in both patterns of use observed among the younger age group (14-17 s and 18-25 s) but increases among the older age group (40-54 s and 55-74 s). CONCLUSION There is a diverging trend in cannabis use among younger and older age groups in Australia between 2001 and 2019. Cannabis use substantially decreased among the youngest age group (14-17 s) but modestly increased among older people (55-74 s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Chan
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Vivian Chiu
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tianze Sun
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason P Connor
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wayne D Hall
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Janni Leung
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Schlienz NJ, Scalsky R, Martin EL, Jackson H, Munson J, Strickland JC, Bonn-Miller MO, Loflin M, Vandrey R. A Cross-Sectional and Prospective Comparison of Medicinal Cannabis Users and Controls on Self-Reported Health. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2021; 6:548-558. [PMID: 33998852 PMCID: PMC8713273 DOI: 10.1089/can.2019.0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Despite widespread legalization, the impact of medicinal cannabis use on patient-level health and quality of life (QOL) has not been carefully evaluated. The objective of this study was to characterize self-reported demographics, health characteristics, QOL, and health care utilization of Cannabis Users compared with Controls. Methods: A longitudinal, cross-sectional web-based survey study was completed between April 2016 and February 2018. Study participants (n=1276) were a convenience sample of either patients with a diagnosed health condition or caregivers of a patient with a diagnosed health condition registered with the Realm of Caring Foundation (a nonprofit organization dedicated to therapeutic cannabis research and education). Participants were invited through e-mail to complete follow-up assessments every 3 months with 33% of participants completing one or more prospective follow-ups. Assessments included self-reported demographics, health care utilization, medication use, pain, anxiety, depression, sleep, and QOL. Cannabis Users (n=808) were compared with Controls (n=468) using negative binomial regression and linear mixed effects models testing the effect of initiation, cessation, and maintenance of medicinal cannabis use. Results: Cannabis Users self-reported significantly better QOL [t(1054)=-4.19, p<0.001], greater health satisfaction [t(1045)=-4.14, p<0.001], improved sleep [children: t(224)=2.90, p<0.01; adults: [t(758)=3.03, p<0.01], lower average pain severity [t(1150)=2.34, p<0.05], lower anxiety [t(1151)=4.38, p<0.001], and lower depression [t(1210)=5.77, p<0.001] compared with Controls. Cannabis Users reported using fewer prescription medications (rate ratio [RR]=0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77-0.96) and were less likely to have a past-month emergency department visit (RR=0.61; 95% CI: 0.44-0.84) or hospital admission (RR=0.54; 95% CI: 0.34-0.87). Controls who initiated cannabis use after baseline showed significant health improvements at follow-up, and the magnitude of improvement mirrored the between-group differences observed at baseline. Conclusions: Cannabis use was associated with improved health and QOL. Longitudinal testing suggests that group differences may be due to the medicinal use of cannabis. Although bias related to preexisting beliefs regarding the health benefits of cannabis in this sample should be considered, these findings indicate that clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of defined cannabinoid products for specific health conditions are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas J. Schlienz
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ryan Scalsky
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Erin L. Martin
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Joel Munson
- Realm of Caring Foundation, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
| | - Justin C. Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marcel O. Bonn-Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mallory Loflin
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Health care System, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ryan Vandrey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Okey SA, Castro SA, Waddell JT, Jones CB, Blake AJ, O'Rourke HP, Davis MC, Meier MH. Are recreational cannabis laws associated with declining medical cannabis program enrollment in the U.S.? An analysis of cardholder enrollment and demographic characteristics from 2013 to 2020. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 100:103531. [PMID: 34818602 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is speculation that enrollment in U.S. state medical cannabis programs differs depending on whether adult recreational cannabis use is legal. If true, this could have implications for public health and policy. METHODS Using medical cannabis registry data from U.S. states with a mandatory registry between 2013 and 2020 (N = 23 states), this study examined time-trends in medical cannabis cardholder enrollment and tested whether enrollment trends differed depending on adult recreational cannabis legalization. RESULTS Multilevel models showed that time-trends for registered active medical cardholders differed during years when adult recreational cannabis use was legal versus not legal (time*recreational cannabis law interaction: b = -0.004, p < 0.01, 95% CI = -0.005, -0.003). The population prevalence of registered active medical cardholders increased over time in years when recreational cannabis was not legal (i.e., medical-only years; b = 0.004, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.003, 0.004, corresponding to an increase of 380 cardholders per 100,000 people per year), and decreased in years when recreational cannabis was legal (i.e., recreational years; b = -0.001, p < 0.001, 95% CI = -0.002, -0.001, corresponding to a decrease of 100 cardholders per 100,000 people per year). Time-trends were similar for each sex (male, female) and age group (18-30/35, 30/35+), with each cardholder group showing increases in medical-only years and decreases in recreational years. In medical-only years, there were no differences in enrollment time-trends across sex, but older cardholder (30/35+) enrollment increased at a faster rate than younger cardholder enrollment (18-30/35) (F = 16.199, p < 0.001). In recreational years, male cardholder enrollment decreased at a faster rate than female cardholder enrollment (F = 7.347, p < 0.01), but there was no difference in trends across age. Three states, all with medical-only years, provided data on ethnicity/race. Results showed significant increases from 2016 to 2020 in enrollment of White, African-American, and Hispanic individuals. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that recreational cannabis legalization is associated with decreasing enrollment in medical cannabis programs, particularly for males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Okey
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Saul A Castro
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Jack T Waddell
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Connor B Jones
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Austin J Blake
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Holly P O'Rourke
- Arizona State University, School of Social and Family Dynamics, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Mary C Davis
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Madeline H Meier
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ, United States.
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Abstract
Cannabis is the most frequently used illegal psychoactive substance by older adults. With population aging, legalization and medicalization of cannabis, and changes in perceptions of older adults toward its use, recreational and medical cannabis use/misuse is on the rise in seniors. Although there are solid data related to the adverse events of cannabis in older adults, efficacy data are lacking. Older adults are at increased risk of developing cannabis use disorder alongside other medical and psychiatric comorbidities. We review the benefits and risks associated with cannabis use, and screening and management strategies for cannabis use disorder in older adults.
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46
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Allem JP, Majmundar A, Dormanesh A, Donaldson SI. Identifying health-related discussions of cannabis use on Twitter: a content analysis informed by a medical dictionary (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2021; 6:e35027. [PMID: 35212637 PMCID: PMC8917433 DOI: 10.2196/35027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cannabis product and regulatory landscape is changing in the United States. Against the backdrop of these changes, there have been increasing reports on health-related motives for cannabis use and adverse events from its use. The use of social media data in monitoring cannabis-related health conversations may be useful to state- and federal-level regulatory agencies as they grapple with identifying cannabis safety signals in a comprehensive and scalable fashion. Objective This study attempted to determine the extent to which a medical dictionary—the Unified Medical Language System Consumer Health Vocabulary—could identify cannabis-related motivations for use and health consequences of cannabis use based on Twitter posts in 2020. Methods Twitter posts containing cannabis-related terms were obtained from January 1 to August 31, 2020. Each post from the sample (N=353,353) was classified into at least 1 of 17 a priori categories of common health-related topics by using a rule-based classifier. Each category was defined by the terms in the medical dictionary. A subsample of posts (n=1092) was then manually annotated to help validate the rule-based classifier and determine if each post pertained to health-related motivations for cannabis use, perceived adverse health effects from its use, or neither. Results The validation process indicated that the medical dictionary could identify health-related conversations in 31.2% (341/1092) of posts. Specifically, 20.4% (223/1092) of posts were accurately identified as posts related to a health-related motivation for cannabis use, while 10.8% (118/1092) of posts were accurately identified as posts related to a health-related consequence from cannabis use. The health-related conversations about cannabis use included those about issues with the respiratory system, stress to the immune system, and gastrointestinal issues, among others. Conclusions The mining of social media data may prove helpful in improving the surveillance of cannabis products and their adverse health effects. However, future research needs to develop and validate a dictionary and codebook that capture cannabis use–specific health conversations on Twitter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Patrick Allem
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Anuja Majmundar
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, United States
| | - Allison Dormanesh
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Scott I Donaldson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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47
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Bilaonova A, Phillips JA, Anderson KG. Comparison of CBD and Cannabis Use Motives. CANNABIS (RESEARCH SOCIETY ON MARIJUANA) 2021; 4:60-68. [PMID: 37287529 PMCID: PMC10212268 DOI: 10.26828/cannabis/2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, has increasingly gained popularity as a cure-all product and is now found in products across a variety of industries. Despite the surge in popularity, little remains known about individual motives and patterns of CBD use. The goal of this study was to gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences between motives for CBD and cannabis use as well as comparing motives for younger and older users. Participants (N= 171) in U.S. states and territories with legalized cannabis for recreational use were recruited via Amazon MTurk and were asked to complete an anonymous survey assessing their CBD and cannabis use, effects, and motives for use. The greatest differences between self-reported CBD and cannabis use were for side effect profiles. While the recreational use motive was more commonly endorsed for cannabis, use for beauty purposes was more common for CBD. No age group differences emerged for motives to use CBD or cannabis. Future research examining age-related differences in a larger, more age-diverse samples is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aksinya Bilaonova
- Adolescent Health Research Program, Department of Psychology, Reed College, Portland, Oregon
| | - Joy A. Phillips
- The Donald P. Shiley BioScience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Kristen G. Anderson
- Adolescent Health Research Program, Department of Psychology, Reed College, Portland, Oregon
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Porter B, St. Marie B, Milavetz G, Herr K. Cannabidiol (CBD) Use by Older Adults for Acute and Chronic Pain. J Gerontol Nurs 2021; 47:6-15. [PMID: 34191653 PMCID: PMC8344100 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20210610-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Legalization of cannabidiol (CBD) products has ignited interest in clinical practice and research. One desired indication includes possible pain-relieving effects of CBD. The purposes of the current article are to (1) clarify terminology relevant to cannabinoids; (2) explain and understand the pharmacotherapeutics of CBD; (3) examine research of the current use of CBD by older adults for treating pain; (4) discuss safety considerations with using CBD products; and (5) provide best practice recommendations for clinicians as they advise their older adult patients. A review of the literature demonstrated mixed results on the efficacy of CBD in relieving pain in older adults. There is inconsistency in the labeling of over-the-counter CBD products that can result in safety issues and will require more federal quality control. Likewise, gaps in knowledge regarding safety and efficacy of CBD use in older adults are vast and require further research. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 47(7), 6-15.].
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49
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Jugl S, Okpeku A, Costales B, Morris EJ, Alipour-Haris G, Hincapie-Castillo JM, Stetten NE, Sajdeya R, Keshwani S, Joseph V, Zhang Y, Shen Y, Adkins L, Winterstein AG, Goodin A. A Mapping Literature Review of Medical Cannabis Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Evidence in Approved Conditions in the USA from 2016 to 2019. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 2021; 4:21-42. [PMID: 34676348 PMCID: PMC8525213 DOI: 10.1159/000515069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2017, a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report comprehensively evaluated the body of evidence regarding cannabis health effects through the year 2016. The objectives of this study are to identify and map the most recently (2016-2019) published literature across approved conditions for medical cannabis and to evaluate the quality of identified recent systematic reviews, published following the NASEM report. Following the literature search from 5 databases and consultation with experts, 11 conditions were identified for evidence compilation and evaluation: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, cancer, chronic noncancer pain, Crohn's disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, and posttraumatic stress disorder. A total of 198 studies were included after screening for condition-specific relevance and after imposing the following exclusion criteria: preclinical focus, non-English language, abstracts only, editorials/commentary, case studies/series, and non-U.S. study setting. Data extracted from studies included: study design type, outcome definition, intervention definition, sample size, study setting, and reported effect size. Few completed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified. Studies classified as systematic reviews were graded using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2 tool to evaluate the quality of evidence. Few high-quality systematic reviews were available for most conditions, with the exceptions of MS (9 of 9 graded moderate/high quality; evidence for 2/9 indicating cannabis improved outcomes; evidence for 7/9 indicating cannabis inconclusive), epilepsy (3 of 4 graded moderate/high quality; 3 indicating cannabis improved outcomes; 1 indicating cannabis inconclusive), and chronic noncancer pain (12 of 13 graded moderate/high quality; evidence for 7/13 indicating cannabis improved outcomes; evidence from 6/7 indicating cannabis inconclusive). Among RCTs, we identified few studies of substantial rigor and quality to contribute to the evidence base. However, there are some conditions for which significant evidence suggests that select dosage forms and routes of administration likely have favorable risk-benefit ratios (i.e., epilepsy and chronic noncancer pain). The body of evidence for medical cannabis requires more rigorous evaluation before consideration as a treatment option for many conditions, and evidence necessary to inform policy and treatment guidelines is currently insufficient for many conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Jugl
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Aimalohi Okpeku
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Brianna Costales
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Earl J. Morris
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Golnoosh Alipour-Haris
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Juan M. Hincapie-Castillo
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Ruba Sajdeya
- Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Shailina Keshwani
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Verlin Joseph
- Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yahan Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yun Shen
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Lauren Adkins
- Health Sciences Center Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Almut G. Winterstein
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Amie Goodin
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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50
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Choi NG, DiNitto DM. Marijuana use/nonuse among those aged 50+: comparisons of use-to-nonuse, initiation/reinitiation, and continued use over 24 months. Aging Ment Health 2021; 25:1134-1142. [PMID: 32114789 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1732292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine: (1) correlates of use-to-nonuse (use 13-24 months ago, but no past-year use), initiation/reinitiation (no use 13-24 months ago, but past-year use), and continued use over a 24-month period; and (2) associations of past-year marijuana use disorder with use/nonuse among older adults. METHOD The 2015-2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health provided data (N = 26,322 aged 50+). We used multinomial and binary logistic regression analyses to compare users-to-nonusers and initiators/reinitiators to continued users (N = 2304). RESULTS In the 50-64 age group, 2.1% were users-to-nonusers, 2.2% initiators/reinitiators, and 7.2% continued users. In the 65+ age group, the corresponding percentages were 0.7%, 0.7%, and 2.4%. Residence in states with medical marijuana laws, nicotine dependence, and other illicit drug use were associated with a lower likelihood of use-to-nonuse than continued use. Alcohol use disorder was associated with a higher likelihood of initiation/reinitiation. Parole/probation status was associated with higher likelihood of use-to-nonuse. Moderate/great marijuana risk perceptions were associated with a higher likelihood of both use-to-nonuse and initiation/reinitiation. The odds of marijuana use disorder did not differ between continued users and initiators/reinitiators or between medical and recreational users. CONCLUSION Most older users continued using over 24 months. Substantial numbers had marijuana and other substance use problems that require treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namkee G Choi
- University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Diana M DiNitto
- University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work, Austin, TX, USA
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