Cannabis use among Canadian adults with cancer (2007–2016): results from a national survey

ABSTRACT

Background: The current study aims to evaluate the rates and associations of cannabis use among Canadian adults with cancer (2007-2016).

Methods: Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) (2007-2016) was accessed and adult participants who answered yes to the question “Do you have cancer?” and who have complete information about cannabis use were included. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with cannabis use.

Results: A total of 4667 participants who currently have cancer were included in the current analysis. The rate of cannabis use increased throughout the study (34.4% in 2015-2016 versus 27.7% in 2007-2008). The following factors were associated with cannabis use: younger age (OR: 3.64; 95% CI: 2.27-5.86; P<0.01); male sex (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.80-2.48; P<0.01); white race (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.46-2.78; P<0.01); single status (OR for married versus single: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.29-0.50; P<0.01) and higher income (OR for income < 20,000 versus income ≥ 80,000: 00.74; 95% CI: 0.56-0.99; P=0.04).

Conclusions: Within this study cohort of Canadian adults with current cancer diagnosis, cannabis use is not uncommon. A history of cannabis use is associated with younger age, male sex, white race, non-married status, and higher income.

KEYWORDS:

• Cannabis
• cancer
• legalization
• outcomes
• prognosis

Acknowledgments

This work is based on CCHS which is a Canadian national population-based survey.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewers disclosure

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.