Cannabis use frequency, route of administration, and co-use with alcohol among older adults in Washington state

Abstract

Background The US national surveys and data from legal adult use cannabis states show increases in the prevalence of cannabis use among older adults, though little is known about their manner of cannabis consumption. Here, we examine cannabis use frequency, routes of cannabis administration, and co-use with alcohol, focusing on adults aged 50–64 and ≥65. Methods Data come from a general population survey conducted January 2014–October 2016 (N=5492) in Washington state. We first estimate prevalence and trends in cannabis frequency, routes of administration, and co-use with alcohol in gender by age groups (18–29, 30–49, 50–64, ≥ 65). To test associations between cannabis frequency, route of administration, and co-use with alcohol, we then use sample-weighted multinomial regression adjusted for gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, employment, and survey year. Sampling weights are used so results better represent the Washington state population. Regressions focus on the 50–64 and ≥65 age groups. Results Among men and women 50–64, the prevalence of no cannabis use in the past 12 months decreased significantly (84.2% in 2014 to 75.1% in 2016 for women, 76.8% in 2014 to 62.4% in 2016 for men). Among those who report past-year cannabis use, oral administration and vaping and other routes of administration increased by 70% and 94%, respectively each year. Almost one-third of women aged 50–64 and one-fifth of women aged ≥65 who use cannabis reported daily/near daily use, and more than one-third of men who use cannabis in all age groups reported daily/near daily use, including 41.9% of those ≥65. Among men, the prevalence of edibles, drinks, and other oral forms of cannabis administration went up significantly with age (6.6% among 18–29, 21.5% among ≥65). Vaping and other administration are more strongly related to regular and daily/near daily use than infrequent use among those ≥65. The pattern of associations between cannabis frequency and co-use with alcohol differed for women vs. men. Conclusions In a general population representative sample of adults living in a state with legal adult use cannabis, the prevalence of cannabis use increased among those aged 50–64 between 2014 and 2016, the prevalence of daily use is substantial, and oral administration and vaping are increasing.

Past-month binge drinking and cannabis use among middle-aged and older adults in the United States, 2015–2019

“…A more recent study that focused on a general population survey in Washington state found that among older adults who use cannabis, an estimated 50.8% of those aged 50–64 and 41.5% of those aged ≥65, “usually” or “always” co-use cannabis with alcohol. Furthermore, they found that among men aged ≥65, frequent cannabis use was positively associated with the use of alcohol ( Subbaraman & Kerr, 2021 ). While older adults have a lower total estimated prevalence of concurrent cannabis and alcohol than young adults or middle-aged adults, recent data suggest that this behavior may be increasing.…”

Cannabis-Microbiome Interactions in Varied Clinical Contexts: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

“…4 Even though there is little evidence that adult patients consume cannabis, its consumption in an older population aged ≥ 50 years has been elevated from 15.1% in 2014 to 23.6% in 2016 since legalization for medical use encourages former non-users to start using it. 5 In the United States, the utilization of cannabis is increasing for medical and recreational purposes while the potential risk is declining. [6][7][8] Even though there is little knowledge of the risks and advantages of it, they primarily utilize it to control the symptoms.…”

“…In 2020, the global cannabis user population was over 4%, and nearly 6% among ages (3). Intriguingly, its consumption in population aged ≥ 50 years has been elevated from 15.1% in 2014 to 23.6% in 2016 since legalization for medical use encouraged former non-users to start using it (4). With an expansion of legalized countries, more research studies are being explored on its potential therapeutic effects and adverse outcomes.…”