Study: Nearly 1 in 12 Cancer Survivors Use Marijuana, With Higher Rates in Legal States

The study, conducted by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and the James Comprehensive Cancer Center, analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, covering more than 6.1 million cancer survivors across 23 states. The findings show that 8.8% of cancer survivors used marijuana, with just over half reporting nonmedical use and nearly equal numbers using it frequently and infrequently. Cannabis use was more likely among men, Black individuals, and younger adults. Specifically, cancer survivors under the age of 65 were four times more likely to use marijuana than those 65 and older. Men had 54% higher odds of use compared to women, and Black individuals had 35% higher odds compared to White individuals.

Cancer survivors living in states that had legalized marijuana reported higher rates of use, and state-level legalization was associated with a notable increase in use over time. Researchers noted that patterns of use varied widely depending on demographic, clinical, and behavioral factors.