Prevalence and Trends in Cannabis Use Disorder and Cannabis Poisoning among Medicaid Enrollees: A Multistate Analysis, 2011-2022

Introduction Cannabis use in the U.S. is rising. However, prevalence and trends in cannabis use disorder (CUD) and cannabis poisoning among Medicaid enrollees, a vulnerable population, is not evident. Methods Using Merative MarketScan Multistate Medicaid Claims and Encounters Database from 2011-2022, we examined adjusted prevalence and trends in CUD and cannabis poisoning among Medicaid enrollees and by age, sex, and insurance type (managed care (MC)/fee-for-service (FFS)). Results During 2011Q1-2022Q4, CUD rate increased from 336.54 to 548.96 per 100,000 enrollees per quarter —a 1.63-fold increase; cannabis poisoning rate increased from 1.45 to 7.04 per 100,000 enrollees per quarter —a 4.86-fold increase. CUD rates were highest among those aged 18-34, while cannabis poisoning rate among those aged 0-17 surpassed the rate of those aged 18-34 by 2020Q3. CUD and cannabis poisoning rates increased among both males and females and among those with FFS and MC, though females and MC enrollees experienced higher increases than males and FFS enrollees, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance CUD and cannabis poisoning rates among Medicaid enrollees increased significantly during 2011-2022, especially among older adults, females, and MC enrollees. Targeted education campaigns on safe use and storage of cannabis may help reduce increasing trends in CUD and cannabis poisonings.