Cannabis Perceptions and Patterns of Use Among Older Adult Cancer Survivors
Margaret C Fahey 1, Kyle J Walters 1 2, Andreana M Benitez 3, Rachel L Tomko 1, Bethea A Kleykamp 4, Erin A McClure 1 2
- 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- 2Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- 3Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- 4University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, ML, USA.
Affiliationer
Objectives: To descriptively assess cannabis perceptions and patterns of use among older adult cancer survivors in a state without a legal cannabis marketplace. Methods: This study used weighted prevalence estimates to cross-sectionally describe cannabis perceptions and patterns of use among older (65+) adults (N = 524) in a National Cancer Institute-designated center in a state without legal cannabis access. Results: Half (46%) had ever used cannabis (18% following diagnosis and 10% currently). Only 8% had discussed cannabis with their provider. For those using post-diagnosis, the most common reason was for pain (44%), followed by insomnia (43%), with smoking being the most common (40%) mode of use. Few (<3%) reported that cannabis had worsened any of their symptoms. Discussion: Even within a state without a legal cannabis marketplace, older cancer survivors might commonly use cannabis to alleviate health concerns but unlikely to discuss this with their providers.
