Cannabis Use Patterns and Co-Use of Alcohol and Nicotine in Adults Over 50 by Demographic Factors and Medical Cannabis Use

Abstract

Objective: Cannabis use among adults over age 50 is increasing, but data on specific products, co-use, and cannabis-related problems in this age group are lacking. The current study assessed differences in cannabis use patterns and alcohol and nicotine co-use by select demographic factors and medical cannabis status, as well as associations with problem cannabis use, among adults over 50. Method: Adults over age 50 who used cannabis use in the past 30 days were recruited from a healthcare system and invited to complete an online survey. Results: Participants (N = 367) were 43% female, with an average age of 65.9 (SD = 8.6), and predominantly White (67.9%), Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (NHPI; 12.3%), or Asian (9.3%). Mean frequency of cannabis use within the past 30 days was 18.7 days (SD = 11.5), and 27% reported use of non-medical cannabis-only. Co-use of cannabis with other substances was common, especially alcohol. Although group comparisons showed several differences by age, sex, and medical cannabis status, greater differences were found by race/ethnicity. White participants were more likely than others to have a state medical cannabis card, source their cannabis solely from medical dispensaries, and report alcohol co-use. NHPI participants were most likely to smoke cannabis and use tobacco. Smoking, as compared to consuming edibles and “other” methods, and greater cannabis frequency, were associated with problem cannabis use. Conclusions: Findings illustrate patterns of cannabis and other substance use, with important demographic differences. Future research among older adults should include development of targeted interventions to address cannabis use problems and polysubstance use.