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.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.