Rising Cannabis Use Disorder Among Older Adults and People Living with HIV

Recent research highlights a significant surge in cannabis use disorder (CUD), notably among older adults and individuals living with HIV. This trend is especially concerning given the increasing acceptance and legalization of cannabis in many regions, leading to higher usage rates across diverse populations.

The study, conducted by Boston University School of Public Health and published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, analyzed electronic health records of over 185,000 veterans with and without HIV. The findings revealed a marked increase in CUD diagnoses from 2000 to 2022. Specifically, among those living with HIV, CUD prevalence rose from 3.4% to 5.7%, while among those without HIV, it increased from 3% to 4.4%. Notably, the most significant relative growth was observed in adults aged 65 and older, with diagnoses jumping from 0.9% to 4% in HIV-positive individuals and from 0.03% to 3.2% in HIV-negative individuals.

This upward trend raises alarms because older adults and those with chronic health conditions, such as HIV, may be more vulnerable to adverse health effects resulting from cannabis overuse. These effects can be worsened by drug interactions and age-related physiological changes, which increase the risk of falls, injuries, and other complications.

Cannabis products vary widely in potency and composition, often containing different levels of THC and CBD, which can contribute to unpredictable effects. Many users, especially older adults unfamiliar with cannabis, might unintentionally overconsume, leading to serious health consequences. Cannabis is known to have medicinal benefits, like reducing nausea and stimulating appetite in HIV and cancer patients, but it also has potential to cause hyperemesis, exacerbate anxiety, and interact negatively with medications.

Despite state-level legalization efforts, heterogeneity in cannabis products and lack of consistent regulation pose challenges. The psychoactive effects and health risks associated with different strains and strengths further complicate safe usage.

Experts emphasize the importance of widespread screening for CUD, especially among older adults and those with underlying health issues, to facilitate timely intervention and education. As cannabis legalization trends continue to evolve, understanding its complex health implications remains critical to ensuring public safety and informed decision-making.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-cannabis-disorder-rapidly-older-adults.html