About 36% of older veterans who recently used cannabis screened positive for cannabis use disorder (CUD), with a higher risk observed among younger respondents, individuals with anxiety, and frequent users, a new analysis showed. Investigators said the findings suggest asking about cannabis use during all routine health exams could help identify patients for treatment.

"Older veterans may be at risk for THC intoxication. Prevention of problematic cannabis use and CUD is also crucial in older veterans due to the elevated risk of suicide ideation and exacerbation of mental health concerns experienced by aging populations. Routine health screening for cannabis use in Veterans Health Administration clinical settings is necessary to identify older adults with cannabis use," the investigators wrote.

The study was led by Vira Pravosud, PhD, MPH, MS, Center for Data to Discovery and Delivery Innovation, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco. It was published online on May 14 in JAMA Network Open.

The study was limited by its cross-sectional design, low generalizability, reliance on self-reported data, and potential recall and social desirability bias.

The study received support from National Institutes of Health and Tobacco Related Disease Research Program. One author declared receiving nonfinancial support from the San Francisco VA Health Care System during the study. Another received nonfinancial support from the New York State Psychiatric Institute during the study and research support from Syneos Health outside the submitted work.