Correlates of Recreational and Medicinal Cannabis Use Among Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Men with Chronic Conditions

Abstract

Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men experience disproportionately high rates of chronic conditions and may use cannabis to manage symptoms. However, cannabis use patterns and correlates in these populations remain underexplored. This study assessed individual and health-related correlates of current (past 30-day) cannabis use among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men with chronic illness. Data were drawn from a national sample of 1,982 non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men aged ≥ 40 with at least one chronic condition. Participants completed measures of cannabis use, health perceptions, and diagnoses of conditions commonly associated with medicinal cannabis use: chronic pain, depression/anxiety, arthritis/rheumatic disease, and cancer. Logistic regression analyses examined associations between cannabis use, chronic conditions, pain, and stress, adjusting for sociodemographics. Participants had a mean age of 56.6 (± 10) years; 58.2% were non-Hispanic Black, and 21.3% reported current cannabis use. Use was significantly more common among those with chronic pain, depression/anxiety, and arthritis (p < 0.001 for all). In adjusted models, greater pain (AOR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07–1.16, p < 0.001), higher stress (AOR = 1.06, 1.01–1.10, p < 0.05), and more chronic conditions (AOR = 1.23, 1.10–1.38, p < 0.001) were associated with increased odds of use. Among current users, those reporting both medicinal and recreational use used cannabis more frequently (p < 0.001). Cannabis use was higher among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men with chronic conditions who reported greater pain, stress, and poorer physical and mental health. Dual medicinal and recreational use may signal increased cannabis-related health risks. Routine communication and monitoring of cannabis use are recommended to mitigate potential harms.