The role of cancer in marijuana and prescription opioid use in the United States: A population-based analysis from 2005 to 2014

Abstract

Background: For patients with cancer, marijuana may be an alternative to prescription opioid analgesics. This study analyzed self-reported marijuana and prescription opioid use among people with cancer over a 10-year time period. Methods: Population-based data sets from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2005 and 2014 were compiled for respondents aged 20 to 60 years. Respondents with cancer and respondents without cancer were propensity score–matched (1:2) by demographics to compare substance use. Outcomes included current marijuana and prescription opioid use (ie, within the past 30 days). Pearson chi-square tests and logistic regressions were performed; a 2-tailed P value