Age differences among women cannabis users: psychiatric conditions, alcohol use, and adverse childhood experiences

Background Cannabis use is increasing among U.S. women, yet lifespan age-related differences in mental health, substance use, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among female users remain understudied.Objective To examine age-related variations in psychiatric symptoms, alcohol use, and ACEs among women reporting current cannabis use.Methods This cross-sectional study surveyed 409 women aged ≥18 who use cannabis (recrypted via Qualtrics, 2022–2023). Validated self-report tools assessed PTSD, anxiety, depression, alcohol use, and ACEs across young (18–49), middle-aged (50–64), and older (≥65) adults. Group comparisons (ANOVA, and X2) and linear regressions controlling for education and race/ethnicity were performed.Results Significant age-related differences emerged across all outcomes (p < 0.05). Younger women reported the highest levels of PTSD, anxiety, depression, alcohol use, and ACEs. In adjusted regressions, increasing age was significantly associated with lower depression (β = –0.234, p < 0.001), PTSD (β = –0.174, p < 0.001), anxiety (β = –0.333, p < 0.001), and alcohol use (β = –0.150, p < 0.002).Conclusion Substantial age disparities exist among women using cannabis, with younger women experiencing disproportionately higher psychiatric symptoms, co-use, and trauma. Results highlight the need for tailored, age-specific clinical interventions.