Associations of Cancer Patients' Demographic and Clinical Characteristics With Cannabis-Related Interest and Behaviors.

ABSTRACT

Background: Cannabis interest and use is increasing in the United States, yet research on its use among cancer patients is limited. Methods: Individuals with cancer completed an anonymous cross-sectional questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regressions estimated odds ratios (OR) between patients' demographic and clinical characteristics with cannabis-related interest, current use, and provider recommendation. Results: Participants (n = 943) were, on average, 61.7 years old. Older patients were less likely to use cannabis products (OR = 0.42, confidence interval [95% CI] 0.26-0.69) and less likely to be interested in cannabis (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.44-0.84) than younger patients. Those with higher education were less likely to be using cannabis (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.25-0.67) and less likely to have received a provider recommendation of cannabis use than the least educated (OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.19-0.76). Cancer spread and type were significant correlates of provider recommendation of cannabis use. Conclusions: Additional research is warranted to better understand cancer patients' motivations for cannabis use and interest.