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

Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res. 2021 Oct;21(5):1025-1029. doi: 10.1080/14737167.2021.1854735. Epub 2020 Dec 10.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Canada
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Income / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Marijuana Smoking / epidemiology*
  • Marital Status
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Sex Factors