Marijuana Use in Adults Over 50 Was Linked to Higher Rates of Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
In a national survey of nearly 30,000 adults aged 50+, marijuana-only users had 1.5x higher odds of major depression compared to non-users, though among all illicit drug users, marijuana users were not worse off than other drug users.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 30,000 Americans aged 50 and older to examine the relationship between marijuana use and depression and suicidal thoughts in this understudied population.
About 6% of adults over 50 reported past-year illicit drug use. Compared to non-users, marijuana-only users had 1.54 times higher odds of a major depressive episode. Those using both marijuana and other drugs had 2.12 times higher odds, while those using other drugs only had 2.75 times higher odds.
However, among people who used any illicit drug, there was no significant difference in depression or suicidal thoughts between marijuana-only users and other drug users. Among marijuana users, frequency of use correlated with suicidal thoughts only in those who already had major depression.
Key Numbers
29,634 individuals aged 50+. Nearly 6% reported past-year illicit drug use. Marijuana-only vs. non-users: OR 1.54 for depression. Other drugs only: OR 2.75. Both: OR 2.12. Suicidal thoughts among marijuana+other drug users: OR 2.44.
How They Did This
Analysis of the 2008-2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), a nationally representative US survey. The sample included 29,634 individuals aged 50+. Logistic regression was used to test associations between drug use and mental health outcomes.
Why This Research Matters
As the population ages and cannabis use among older adults increases, understanding the mental health associations in this age group becomes important. This is one of relatively few studies to focus specifically on marijuana and mental health in adults over 50.
The Bigger Picture
The growing population of older cannabis users is an understudied group. This study suggests that marijuana use among older adults is associated with mental health concerns, but the association is weaker than for other illicit drugs and is complicated by the high correlation between marijuana use and broader patterns of substance use.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cross-sectional design cannot determine whether marijuana use contributes to depression or whether depressed older adults are more likely to use marijuana. Self-reported drug use may be underreported. The study could not distinguish between medical and recreational cannabis use.
Questions This Raises
- ?Are older adults using cannabis to self-medicate depression?
- ?Would the associations hold if medical cannabis users were analyzed separately?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Marijuana-only users over 50 had 1.54x odds of major depression vs. non-users
- Evidence Grade:
- This is a large national survey analysis providing moderate evidence on associations, though the cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2016, using 2008-2012 data. Cannabis use among older adults has continued to increase since then.
- Original Title:
- Relationship between marijuana and other illicit drug use and depression/suicidal thoughts among late middle-aged and older adults.
- Published In:
- International psychogeriatrics, 28(4), 577-89 (2016)
- Authors:
- Choi, Namkee G(10), DiNitto, Diana M(5), Marti, C Nathan(10), Choi, Bryan Y
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01128
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana more dangerous for older adults' mental health?
This study found an association between marijuana use and depression in adults over 50, but the association was weaker than for other illicit drugs. The cross-sectional design cannot determine whether marijuana caused the depression or whether depressed adults were more likely to use cannabis.
Does frequency of marijuana use matter for suicide risk?
Among marijuana users over 50, frequency of use was associated with suicidal thoughts only in those who already had major depression. For those without depression, marijuana use frequency was not significantly linked to suicidal thoughts.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01128APA
Choi, Namkee G; DiNitto, Diana M; Marti, C Nathan; Choi, Bryan Y. (2016). Relationship between marijuana and other illicit drug use and depression/suicidal thoughts among late middle-aged and older adults.. International psychogeriatrics, 28(4), 577-89. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610215001738
MLA
Choi, Namkee G, et al. "Relationship between marijuana and other illicit drug use and depression/suicidal thoughts among late middle-aged and older adults.." International psychogeriatrics, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610215001738
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Relationship between marijuana and other illicit drug use an..." RTHC-01128. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/choi-2016-relationship-between-marijuana-and
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.