Marijuana use/nonuse among those aged 50+: comparisons of use-to-nonuse, initiation/reinitiation, and continued use over 24 months

Abstract

Objectives

To examine: (1) correlates of use-to-nonuse (use 13-24 months ago, but no past-year use), initiation/reinitiation (no use 13–24 months ago, but past-year use), and continued use over a 24-month period; and (2) associations of past-year marijuana use disorder with use/nonuse among older adults.

Method

The 2015–2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health provided data (N = 26,322 aged 50+). We used multinomial and binary logistic regression analyses to compare users-to-nonusers and initiators/reinitiators to continued users (N = 2304).

Results

In the 50–64 age group, 2.1% were users-to-nonusers, 2.2% initiators/reinitiators, and 7.2% continued users. In the 65+ age group, the corresponding percentages were 0.7%, 0.7%, and 2.4%. Residence in states with medical marijuana laws, nicotine dependence, and other illicit drug use were associated with a lower likelihood of use-to-nonuse than continued use. Alcohol use disorder was associated with a higher likelihood of initiation/reinitiation. Parole/probation status was associated with higher likelihood of use-to-nonuse. Moderate/great marijuana risk perceptions were associated with a higher likelihood of both use-to-nonuse and initiation/reinitiation. The odds of marijuana use disorder did not differ between continued users and initiators/reinitiators or between medical and recreational users.

Conclusion

Most older users continued using over 24 months. Substantial numbers had marijuana and other substance use problems that require treatment.  

Keywords:

• Marijuana use
• use-to-nonuse
• reinitiation
• substance use disorder
• risk perceptions

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.