Older cannabis users and medical users report fewer adverse effects and different withdrawal patterns
In a survey of 2,905 cannabis users, older adults (50+) reported fewer undesirable acute effects and withdrawal symptoms, while medical users had fewer acute side effects but more withdrawal symptoms than recreational users.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Most common acute effects: improved sleep, calmness, desire to eat, creativity, dry mouth. Most common withdrawal: irritability, insomnia, anxiety. Medical users had fewer undesirable acute effects but more withdrawal symptoms. Adults 50+ had fewer undesirable effects overall. Only 17% believed cannabis is addictive.
Key Numbers
2,905 respondents. Top acute effects: improved sleep, calm, appetite, creativity, dry mouth. Top withdrawal: irritability, insomnia, anxiety. 17% believed cannabis is addictive.
How They Did This
Survey of 2,905 cannabis users analyzed with hierarchical logistic regression controlling for demographic and use characteristics. Compared medical vs. recreational users and age groups.
Why This Research Matters
The aging population accessing cannabis is growing faster than any other demographic. Understanding that older adults and medical users experience cannabis differently can improve clinical counseling and product recommendations.
The Bigger Picture
The finding that older adults have fewer adverse effects could partly explain why cannabis use is growing fastest in this age group. The low self-assessment of addictiveness (17%) contrasts with clinical data showing cannabis use disorder in a substantial minority.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Self-selected survey sample. Self-reported effects may be influenced by expectations. Medical vs. recreational categorization is self-defined and may overlap. Cross-sectional design.
Questions This Raises
- ?Why do medical users report more withdrawal symptoms?
- ?Is it because they use more consistently?
- ?Does the perceived low addictiveness lead to underestimating withdrawal risk?
- ?Do older adults metabolize cannabinoids differently?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Only 17% of cannabis users believed cannabis is addictive
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: large survey with appropriate statistical controls, but self-selected sample and self-reported data.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2019.
- Original Title:
- A Survey of Cannabis Acute Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms: Differential Responses Across User Types and Age.
- Published In:
- Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 25(3), 326-335 (2019)
- Authors:
- Sexton, Michelle(8), Cuttler, Carrie(13), Mischley, Laurie K(3)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02290
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Why do medical users have more withdrawal symptoms?
Medical users may use cannabis more consistently and at higher doses to manage symptoms, leading to greater physical dependence. They may also be more attuned to physical changes when they stop because they were using to manage a condition.
Is cannabis addictive?
Clinical research shows about 9% of cannabis users develop a use disorder, and daily users have higher rates. The finding that only 17% of users consider it addictive suggests a disconnect between user perception and clinical evidence.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02290APA
Sexton, Michelle; Cuttler, Carrie; Mischley, Laurie K. (2019). A Survey of Cannabis Acute Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms: Differential Responses Across User Types and Age.. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 25(3), 326-335. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0319
MLA
Sexton, Michelle, et al. "A Survey of Cannabis Acute Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms: Differential Responses Across User Types and Age.." Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0319
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "A Survey of Cannabis Acute Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms: ..." RTHC-02290. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/sexton-2019-a-survey-of-cannabis
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.