BACKGROUND: Scant research has assessed young adult medical cannabis or derived intoxicating cannabis product (DICP) use. This study assessed young adults' medical cannabis and DICP use characteristics and correlates of medical use and healthcare provider recommendation. METHODS: Using 2024 survey data among 3437 US young adults (ages 18-34) assessing use purpose (only-medical, primarily-medical, equally-medical/nonmedical, primarily-nonmedical, only-nonmedical), multivariable regression examined: (1) sociodemographics and state cannabis law in relation to any versus no past 6-month medical use among those reporting past 6-month use of cannabis and DICPs, respectively; and (2) extent of medical versus nonmedical use in relation to: (a) use disorder symptoms; and (b) healthcare provider recommendation among those using medically. RESULTS: Among those using cannabis (n = 1520, 44.2%) or DICPs (n = 934, 27.2%), >50% used at least sometimes medically (cannabis: n = 910/1520, 59.9%; DICPs: n = 475/934, 50.9%). For both cannabis and DICPs, being older, female, and <bachelor's degree educated were associated with any (vs no) medical use, and compared to the only-nonmedical group, all other groups except only-medical reported higher use disorder symptoms. Among those reporting medical cannabis or DICP use, common conditions were pain (36.0% cannabis; 35.4% DICPs), migraines (33.1%; 27.6%), and posttraumatic stress disorder (32.1%; 29.5%); provider recommendation was reported among 20.1% for cannabis and 9.7% DICPs; and those using primarily-nonmedically (vs only-medically) less likely reported healthcare provider recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: Communication gaps between those using medically and healthcare providers must be addressed. Furthermore, research and practice focused on risks associated with using cannabis and DICPs for both medical and nonmedical purposes is crucial.
Schubel et al. (Wed,) studied this question.