How Cannabis Use is Associated with the Physical and Mental Health of Older Adults: A US Population-Based Study

Abstract Cannabis use (CU) is increasing among adults aged ≥ 50. Yet, its effects on mental and physical health remain understudied. We investigated the association between CU and physical and mental health among adults aged ≥ 50. Using data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Marijuana Use module, we included 55,108 individuals aged ≥ 50 through weighted descriptive and multivariable multinomial logistic regression analyses. Findings Results showed that infrequent, frequent, and daily cannabis users were more likely to be younger, male, either never married or divorced/separated, out of the workforce, and to lack health insurance coverage than non-users. Adults who used cannabis daily had 133% increased odds of reporting ≥ 14 days of poor mental and 76% increased odds of reporting ≥ 14 days of poor physical health in the past 30 days. Study findings suggest that CU is associated with poor health, highlighting the need for CU screening and promoting awareness of its adverse health effects. Evidence-based guidelines are essential to supporting this population’s physical and mental health.