Cannabis Use and Mental Health in RMD Patients: Age Matters
Research indicates that younger adults with rheumatic diseases experience greater mental health benefits and adverse effects from cannabis than older counterparts.
Recent research presented at ACR Convergence 2026 in Orlando, Florida, reveals interesting insights into cannabis use among patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). The study highlights distinct mental health advantages and challenges based on age.
Survey Methodology
The findings are based on an anonymous, cross-sectional online survey conducted between November 1, 2025, and May 1, 2026. A total of 865 adults with self-reported RMDs participated. The survey assessed demographics, pain levels, health status, cannabis usage, and knowledge.
Cannabis knowledge was evaluated through five multiple-choice questions, yielding scores ranging from 0 to 5. Researchers employed Chi-square tests and ANOVA to analyze differences between age groups—those under 60 and those 60 and older.
Key Findings
Out of the respondents, 188 (21.7%) reported cannabis use within the past month. The majority of these users were women (81%). Notably, 71% were aged 60 years or older, and 93% identified as White, with 65% having at least a bachelor’s degree. Chronic pain lasting more than three months was reported by a staggering 82% of participants.
The survey identified rheumatoid arthritis (41.8%), osteoarthritis (41.6%), and fibromyalgia (15.6%) as common diagnoses among RMD patients. Age-related differences emerged in disease distribution; osteoarthritis was more prevalent in older adults (46.2%) compared to younger adults (17.6%). Pain levels and overall health were generally similar across age groups, but younger adults demonstrated a higher mean knowledge score about cannabis (3.0 compared to 2.4 for older adults).
Patterns of Cannabis Use
Patterns of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) usage also differed by age. Older adults tended to use CBD-only products (23.5% vs. 1.9%), while younger adults favored a combination of THC and CBD. Interestingly, there were no significant differences in the routes or frequency of use, with 74% of those under 60 preferring edibles compared to 68% of older participants.
The overall improvement in symptoms was high, with no notable differences among age groups concerning pain and sleep relief. About 72% of younger adults felt both THC and CBD contributed to pain relief, in contrast to 57% of older adults. Adverse effects were reported by 15% of younger users versus 29% of older users.
Mental Health Outcomes
Younger participants experienced more pronounced mental health improvements and an increased occurrence of side effects. Higher rates of reduced migraines, depression, elevated well-being, and decreased anxiety were reported in the younger cohort compared to their older counterparts. Conversely, negative side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, rapid heart rates, and forgetfulness were more prevalent among younger adults.
The authors of the study emphasized that these findings indicate how age influences cannabis-related experiences in patients with RMDs. Understanding these differences is essential for developing individualized treatment approaches.
Particularly for older adults, who often face greater comorbidities and polypharmacy, these findings highlight the importance of examining cannabis usage and its implications in this demographic.
While one of the study authors disclosed affiliations with biotech and pharmaceutical companies, the research underscores the need for further studies focused on cannabis use in varied age groups and its long-term benefits and consequences.
