Work

Substitution of Cannabis for Prescribed Medications in the Management of Anxiety and Depression Among Midlife Women: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background and Aims: Given the rising prevalence of cannabis use as an alternative strategy for managing mental health symptoms, there is a crucial need to understand the determinants of substitution behavior, particularly among midlife women who may experience distinct psychosocial and clinical profiles. This study examined the predictors of cannabis substitution among midlife women by comparing profiles of women who substituted cannabis for antidepressant medications versus those who substituted for anxiolytic medications. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 172 women who reported substituting cannabis for either anxiety or depression medications was conducted. Measures included the PHQ-8, OASIS, AUDIT, and ACEs. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of substitution behavior. Results: = 11.6, SD = 5.3) were observed. Average ACE scores exceeded four in both groups. In multivariate models, sleep difficulties (OR = 4.2, 95% CI: 2.1-8.0) and alcohol use (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.01-1.09) predicted substitution for anxiety. For depression, predictors included sleep difficulties (OR = 6.6, 95% CI: 3.1-14.1), alcohol use (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.1-1.2), lower education (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.53-0.95), and loneliness (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2-3.8). Conclusion: Sleep difficulties and alcohol use were found to be strong predictors for substituting cannabis for anxiety and depression medications among middle-aged women. These findings highlight the need for clinical awareness of symptom-specific substitution patterns and emphasize the importance of addressing co-occurring sleep and substance use problems.

Source: Health Science Reports

DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.72746

Authors: Jocelyn Mueller, Jamia Sapp, Jennifer Attonito, Aditya Chakraborty, Karina Villalba

Institutions: University of California San Diego, University of Central Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Old Dominion University

Language: English

Topic: Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,280