Decreasing perceived risk associated with regular cannabis use among older adults in the United States from 2015 to 2019

Abstract

Background/objectives Cannabis use among older adults is increasing sharply in the United States. While the risks and benefits of cannabis use remain unclear, it is important to monitor risk factors for use, including low perception of harm. The objective of this study was to estimate recent national trends in perceived risk associated with cannabis use among older adults. Design Trend analysis. Setting/participants A total of 18,794 adults aged 65 and older participating in the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a cross‐sectional nationally representative survey of non‐institutionalized individuals in the United States. Measurements We estimated the prevalence of older adults who believe that people who smoke cannabis once or twice a week are at great risk of harming themselves physically and in other ways. This was examined across cohort years and stratified by demographic characteristics, diagnosis of chronic disease, past‐month tobacco and binge alcohol use, and all‐cause emergency department use. Results Between 2015 and 2019, perceived risk associated with regular use decreased from 52.6% to 42.7%, an 18.8% relative decrease (p < 0.001). Decreases in perceived risk were detected in particular among those never married (a 32.6% relative decrease), those who binge drink (a 31.3% relative decrease), use tobacco (a 26.8% relative decrease), have kidney disease (a 32.1% relative decrease), asthma (a 31.7% relative decrease), heart disease (a 16.5% relative decrease), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a 21.5% relative decrease), two or more chronic conditions (a 20.2% relative decrease), and among those reporting past‐year emergency department use (a 21.0% relative decrease) (ps < 0.05). Conclusions The perceived risk of regular cannabis use is decreasing among older adults. We detected sharp decreases in risk perception among those with chronic disease and high‐risk behaviors, including tobacco and binge alcohol use. As the number of older adults who use cannabis increases, efforts are needed to raise awareness of the possible adverse effects with special emphasis on vulnerable groups.

Medical Cannabis Use Among Older Adults in Canada: Self-Reported Data on Types and Amount Used, and Perceived Effects

“…Among older adults, adverse effects of medical cannabis such as drowsiness and dizziness [ 35 , 36 ] are particularly concerning due to the risk of falls and impaired driving, as suggested by the higher rate of injuries and emergency department visits among older adults aged 50 years and above [ 44 ]. The improving risk perception associated with cannabis among older adults may lead to use of higher doses of cannabis and, consequently, to higher rates of these adverse effects [ 45 ]. Furthermore, stopping cannabis can be associated with poor sleep and anxiety [ 46 ], prompting continued usage and dependency.…”

Cannabidiol use and perceptions in France: a national survey

“…However, some consumers also use it to relieve disease symptoms [17]. Cannabis is generally perceived as less harmful than other psychoactive substances [19], and there is a decreasing trend in its perceived harmfulness [20,21,22]. As a cannabis-derived compound, CBD is likely to benefit from this change in perception.…”

Cannabis use, comorbidities, and prescription medication use among older adults in a large healthcare system in Los Angeles, CA 2019–2020

“…[2][3][4] The increasing ease of access combined with the decreasing perception of harm related to cannabis use suggest the potential for initiation, re-initiation, or continued use and misuse among this population. [5][6][7] Indeed this is supported by a number of population-based studies demonstrating increases in cannabis use among older adults, which outpaces increases observed across younger age groups. 3,[8][9][10] For instance, data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) showed a 71% increase in past-year cannabis use among those 50 years and older, with a staggering 250% increase among those 65 and older.…”

“…The timeline of expansion of policies decriminalizing cannabis use overlaps with the aging of a generation—namely baby boomers—with higher rates of lifetime experience with substance use and more accepting attitudes towards cannabis compared with earlier generations 2–4 . The increasing ease of access combined with the decreasing perception of harm related to cannabis use suggest the potential for initiation, re‐initiation, or continued use and misuse among this population 5–7 . Indeed this is supported by a number of population‐based studies demonstrating increases in cannabis use among older adults, which outpaces increases observed across younger age groups 3,8–10 .…”