Medical Cannabis Patients Under the Age of 21 in the United States: Description of Demographics and Conditions from a Large Patient Database, 2019-2023

Abstract

Introduction

Existing research on medical cannabis patients has often overlooked those younger than 21. This study aimed to detail the frequency and rate of pediatric medical cannabis patients in the US using a large patient database.

Methods

Utilizing Leafwell Patient Database data from 2019 to mid-2023, we described demographics and qualifying conditions, employing descriptive statistics and χ2 tests to discern differences between minors (0–17 years) and young adults (18–20 years). We calculated rates per 100,000 population by state.

Results

Analyzing 13,855 patients, 5.7% were minors and 94.3% were young adults. Anxiety emerged as the primary self-reported condition for both groups, yet differences were seen for other conditions. Differences were observed by race/ethnicity, health insurance status, residency in adult-use states, and number of reported conditions. Notably, both groups reported a similar average number of conditions.

Conclusion

This study underscores demographic distinctions between minor-aged medical cannabis patients and young adults. There is a need for comprehensive clinical research addressing efficacy, safety, and tailored guidelines specific for pediatric medical cannabis patients. Such insights are pivotal for healthcare providers and policymakers in navigating medical cannabis treatment protocols.

Plain Language Summary

This paper describes the demographics and medical conditions of medical cannabis patients under the age of 21 in the United States based on data from the Leafwell Patient Database spanning 2019 to mid-2023. We found that there is a significant number of medical cannabis users aged 20 or younger, with variations in demographics and conditions between minors (under 18) and young adults (18-20). The findings indicate that minor patients are predominantly white, non-Hispanic, residing in non-adult-use states, and report a lower number of conditions per patient compared to young adults. Anxiety, chronic pain, and PTSD are among the most commonly self-reported conditions for both age groups. There is need for additional clinical studies to understand the role of medical cannabis in addressing symptoms and improving the quality of life for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and PTSD in the pediatric population. The study is limited by its reliance on self-reported data but represents the largest cohort of pediatric medical cannabis users in the world. Further investigation by academics and clinical scientists ought to inform the appropriate integration of medical cannabis in young patients.