27% of Women with HIV Used Cannabis, with Half Varying Their Use Frequency Over Time

In the Women's Interagency HIV Study (2018-2019), 27% of 1,246 women with HIV used cannabis and 15% used daily. Smoking was the dominant mode (96%), followed by edibles (30%) and vaping (18%). Notably, 50% of users reported varying use frequencies across time points, suggesting unstable use patterns. Cannabis users had significantly higher rates of alcohol (69% vs 37%), cigarette (61% vs 29%), and other drug use (16% vs 4%).

Longitudinal analysis of 1,246 women with HIV in the WIHS over 18 months (2018-2019). Characterized prevalence, frequency, and modes of cannabis use. Compared demographics and health behaviors between users and non-users. Sankey diagrams illustrated transitions between use frequency categories.

Women with HIV are an aging population where cannabis use is twice the national average. The finding that half of users change their frequency over time challenges assumptions about stable use patterns and has implications for how providers assess and discuss cannabis use.

As women with HIV live longer due to effective antiretroviral therapy, understanding their substance use patterns becomes increasingly important for managing aging-related comorbidities and potential drug interactions.

Single cohort of predominantly Black, low-income women with HIV; may not generalize. Self-report measures. 18-month window may not capture longer-term patterns. Cannot assess health outcomes associated with different use patterns.