Cannabis Use and Perceptions of Cannabis Safety, Effectiveness, and Stigma amongst older Canadians: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Objective: Since legalization in 2018, older Canadians’ use of cannabis has increased steadily, yet little is known about their perceptions of cannabis. We aimed to determine cannabis usage, and characterize perceptions of safety, effectiveness and stigma in community dwelling older Canadians.  Method: Canadians aged 50 years and older were invited to participate in an electronic survey of their experience with cannabis and perceptions of cannabis safety, effectiveness, and stigma. Data were categorized as participants reporting current use, non-use, prior use, and considering use. Perceptions were assessed with a 5-point Likert scale and open text box questions.  Logistic regression models were used to assess how age, sex, cannabis usage, and education influenced perceptions. Results: One thousand six hundred fifteen participants completed the survey. Current cannabis use was reported by 44% of respondents, followed by non-use (33.2%), prior use (16.5%) and considering use (6.1%). Almost half (49.2%) perceived the risks of using cannabis to be low or very low. The greatest concerns regarding cannabis use were effects on cognition/mental health (40.8%), physical health (19.1%), and available product information (18.0%). Participants somewhat or strongly agreed that there is not enough information on cannabis safety (60.4%) and effectiveness (63.8%), and 34.7% perceived there to be a negative stigma amongst family and friends. Cannabis perceptions were influenced by age, sex, cannabis usage, and education. Conclusions:Generational and sex-based differences exist in cannabis usage and perceptions amongst older Canadians. These differences require consideration by health practitioners and public health workers to meet the educational needs of older adults.