People With Disabilities Were More Likely to Use Medical Cannabis, Regardless of Social Support

A significant interaction between disability and social support showed that social support was associated with lower odds of medical cannabis use among those without disability (p=0.038), but had no effect on medical cannabis use among those with disability (p=0.525). Disability and social support were not associated with recreational cannabis use.

Cross-sectional baseline survey of 822 adults with clinically significant anxiety and/or depression participating in a clinical trial. Self-reported disability, perceived social support, and past-month medical and recreational cannabis use were assessed. Regression models adjusted for race/ethnicity, gender, age, and income.

This study reveals that people with disabilities may turn to medical cannabis as a healthcare resource that social support cannot substitute for. Unlike non-disabled individuals who may reduce cannabis use when they have strong support networks, disabled individuals may use cannabis to manage symptoms that social support alone cannot address.

As medical cannabis becomes more accessible, understanding why people with disabilities use it — and that social support doesn't diminish their use — suggests these individuals may have symptom management needs that mainstream healthcare isn't adequately meeting.

Cross-sectional — cannot determine causation. Self-reported disability (broad definition). All participants had anxiety/depression, limiting generalizability. Cannot distinguish specific disabilities. Clinical trial participants may not represent general population.