New Study Reveals Age-Related Differences in Cannabis Use and Mental Health Outcomes for Patients with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases
A recent study presented at ACR Convergence 2026 in Orlando, Florida, has found that younger adults with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) who use cannabis experience greater mental health improvements, including reduced anxiety and depression, compared to older adults. The study, which surveyed 865 patients with self-reported RMDs, also revealed significant differences in cannabis use patterns and adverse effects between age groups.
The survey found that 21.7% of participants reported using cannabis in the past 30 days, with younger adults (under 60 years old) having a higher frequency of use. Younger adults also reported greater knowledge about cannabis, with a mean score of 3.0 compared to 2.4 among older adults.
In terms of mental health outcomes, the study found that younger adults experienced greater improvements in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and well-being compared to older adults. However, younger adults also reported a higher burden of adverse effects, such as dizziness, fatigue, rapid heart rate, and forgetfulness.
Older adults, on the other hand, were more likely to use CBD-only products and reported fewer adverse effects. The study’s findings suggest that age plays a significant role in RMD profile and cannabis use behaviors, highlighting the need for individualized, patient-centered approaches and future longitudinal research on dose and durability.
The study’s authors emphasized the importance of understanding cannabis use in older adults, who often have greater comorbidity burdens and polypharmacy. The findings have significant implications for healthcare providers, who should consider age-related differences in cannabis use and mental health outcomes when developing treatment plans for patients with RMDs.
