A new peer-reviewed study is one of the first to examine medical cannabis use among those under the age of 21 in the United States.
The findings show that under-21 patients are accessing medicinal cannabis for most of the same reasons as adults – with almost half (41%) reporting use for anxiety and PTSD. This was followed by chronic pain, reported by 15% of patients.
As of 2023, 38 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia have legalised the medical use of cannabis products, although regulations and ‘qualifying conditions’ vary between jurisdictions.
In order to be eligible for medical cannabis, patients must have certification from a doctor and regulations are typically more stringent for those under the age of 18, often with a more limited list of conditions for which they can access the treatment.
Researchers evaluated data from 13,855 paediatric patients, collected through the US-based cannabis clinic and health technology platform, Leafwell, between 2019 and 2023.
The majority of patients included in the study were white, non-Hispanic (63.2%), followed by Hispanic (19.4%), and black, non-Hispanic (6.78%). Over half of patients were male (57.2%) and lived in states where both medical and adult-use cannabis are legal (75.5%).
Anxiety emerged as the primary self-reported condition for both groups, however, more young adults (18-20) reported depression than minors (under 18).
Most paediatric patients also had two or more medical conditions, with cancer a more common qualifying condition for those under 18.
The authors also highlight the need for more clinical research on the role of medical cannabis in the treatment of conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and PTSD in children and young adults.
While the 2017 National Academies of Science concluded there was ‘substantial evidence’ supporting the use of medical cannabis for chronic pain and ‘limited evidence’ for PTSD and anxiety, the findings were specific to adults.
There remains a lack of evidence, the authors say, supporting the efficacy of medical cannabis in treating anxiety, chronic pain, and PTSD in children and young adults. However, conducting clinical trials in this population poses aa number of issues, particularly when investigating a treatment such as medical cannabis.
“Considering the dearth of pediatric-based research supporting the most commonly self-reported medical conditions for using medical cannabis, there remains a need for further investigation by academics and clinical scientists to understand how utilizing medical cannabis as a treatment impacts individuals under the age of 20,” they conclude.
‘Open conversations and informed decisions’
Dr June Chin, Chief Medical Officer at Leafwell, commented: “This study shows that it is crucial to understand the emotional, social, and psychological reasons why teens and young adults might turn to cannabis, especially as a way to cope with stress or mental health challenges. I advocate for having open, non-judgmental conversations with teens and young adults, and providing them with the guidance they need to make informed decisions about cannabis use.
“Additionally, I emphasise the importance of a balanced, evidence-based approach when considering medical cannabis for younger populations, while also addressing the root causes behind its use.”
Leafwell connects patients to healthcare providers in 34 states and the District of Columbia, with over one million monthly users. Emily Fisher, CEO of Leafwell, explained how they hope to use the platform to better understand and inform care for paediatric and young adult patients.
“This study shines a light on a traditionally under-researched group of young medical cannabis patients,” she added.
“The findings reveal that many young people are using cannabis to manage conditions such as anxiety and chronic pain. By leveraging Leafwell’s extensive patient database, we aim to inform more tailored, evidence-based care for paediatric and young adult populations.
“Understanding this patient group and how cannabis is being used as a medicine is essential for developing safe and effective treatment protocols. This study represents a significant step forward in advancing our knowledge and ensuring that the unique needs of younger patients are met with thoughtful and precise care.”
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Author: Sarah Sinclair
