A recent study highlights the increasing prevalence of cannabis use among older veterans, bringing attention to its common use as a means of alleviating pain, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances. The research, conducted by a team at the University of California, San Francisco, reveals that over 10% of older veterans reported cannabis use in the past month, with significant implications for healthcare practices in this demographic.

Understanding the Population

Older veterans have a complex health profile characterized by multifaceted issues including:

  • Psychiatric histories: Many veterans suffer from various mental health disorders due to their experiences during service.
  • Higher rates of disability: This group experiences increased rates of physical disabilities, which influence their overall health.
  • Polypharmacy: The use of multiple medications can lead to complications and unique health challenges in older adults.

These factors make it crucial to assess their substance use patterns comprehensively, especially as recreational cannabis legalization has removed many barriers to disclosure.

Research Methodology

The study titled Cannabis Use Among Older Veterans, published in JAMA Network Open, utilized a national cross-sectional survey. The research involved a sample size of 4,503 veterans aged 65 to 84 who completed structured telephone interviews from 2020 to 2023. This cohort represented approximately 2.59 million community-dwelling veterans receiving care through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Interviewers collected data on

  • Lifetime and current cannabis use patterns
  • Criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD) based on the DSM-5 guidelines

Key Findings

The findings of the survey are as follows:

Finding Percentage
Reported ever using cannabis 58.2%
Used cannabis in the past 30 days 10.3%
Used cannabis on 20 or more days in the past month 52.4%
Met DSM-5 criteria for cannabis use disorder 36.3%

Among recent users, the dominant method of consumption was smoking (72.4%), followed by edibles (36.9%). The primary reasons for using cannabis included:

  • Pain relief: 56.4%
  • Mental health symptoms: 18.4%
  • Sleeplessness: 16.0%

Risk Factors Associated with Use

The study found elevated risks for developing cannabis use disorder among specific groups, including:

  • Veterans aged 65 to 75
  • Those exhibiting anxiety symptoms
  • Individuals with one or more limitations in activities of daily living
  • Frequent users and recreational cannabis users

Interestingly, inhaling cannabis was linked to over 3.5 times the odds of developing cannabis use disorder compared to using edibles exclusively.

Implications for Veterans Health Administration

These findings indicate that cannabis use among older veterans has reached levels comparable to tobacco use. Researchers advocate for the VHA to reassess its stance on cannabis use and the necessity for routine screening in clinical settings. Screening may facilitate early identification of cannabis use disorder, thereby enabling patients to receive appropriate evidence-based treatment interventions.

Conclusion

The research underscores the significance of cannabis use in the lives of older veterans, revealing both its prevalence and the potential risks associated with frequent use. As stigma around cannabis diminishes, understanding its role in veteran health care becomes increasingly important. To learn more about the study, visit the full research publication on JAMA Network Open.

References

Vira Pravosud et al. Cannabis Use Among Older Adults, JAMA Network Open (2025). Retrieved from Science X Network.

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