Older cannabis users and medical users report fewer adverse effects and different withdrawal patterns | Research

The takeaway

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.

Cannabis users of all ages, clinicians counseling patients about cannabis, and researchers studying user demographics.

Only 17% of cannabis users believed cannabis is addictive

What the researchers 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.

Why it 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 numbers in context

2,905 respondents. Top acute effects: improved sleep, calm, appetite, creativity, dry mouth. Top withdrawal: irritability, insomnia, anxiety. 17% believed cannabis is addictive.

How the study worked

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.

What this study cannot 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.

How to read the evidence

Moderate: large survey with appropriate statistical controls, but self-selected sample and self-reported data.

When this study was published

Published in 2019.

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.

Questions still open

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?

Common 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.

Read the original research

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

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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