Trends in cannabis use among those with and without a cancer diagnosis according to state-level cannabis policy: findings from the PATH Study, Waves 1-5 (2013-2019)

Abstract

Purpose: Individual states have implemented legal cannabis policies. Individuals with a cancer diagnosis increasingly consume cannabis. It is uncertain whether state-level cannabis policies are differentially associated with trends in cannabis use among those diagnosed with cancer vs. those without. We compared trends in cannabis use prevalence across time, over cannabis legal status, among those with vs. without a cancer diagnosis.

Methods: Data are from five Waves of the nationally representative PATH Study (2013-2019). Trends in past-year prevalence of cannabis use were examined between those with vs. without a cancer diagnosis and stratified by state cannabis policy at the time of data collection (illegal, medical-legal, non-medical legal). Demographic and policy correlates of cannabis use were compared between those with vs. without a cancer diagnosis.

Results: Regardless of policy context, the prevalence of cannabis use increased among those without a cancer diagnosis (11.8% in 2013, 18.6% in 2019). The prevalence of cannabis use was highest among those living in states with legalized non-medical cannabis policies. Trends among those with a cancer diagnosis aligned with trends among people without a diagnosis (55-60% increase, 2013-2019), albeit at lower prevalence (6.6% in 2013, 10.6% in 2019). Similar trends between those with a cancer diagnosis and those without were observed regardless of policy status.

Conclusion: Trends in the prevalence of cannabis use among individuals with a cancer diagnosis mirrored trends in the population of individuals without cancer. State cannabis policies appear not to be uniquely associated with cannabis use prevalence among people with a cancer diagnosis.

Keywords: Cancer; Cannabis; PATH Study; Policy; Survivorship.