Cannabis use and subjective cognitive decline in Delaware: a sneak peek
S. Gupta
European Psychiatry June 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.10449 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 4,282 |
| Population | Delaware adults in the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | Non-medical cannabis use was associated with a 96% reduction in the odds of subjective cognitive decline compared with non-use (aOR=0.05, 95% CI=0.02-0.44). Medical use and dual medical/non-medical use showed reduced but non-significant odds, and frequency and method of consumption were not significantly associated with SCD. |
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis consumption has rapidly increased in Delaware due to the legalization of recreational use. There is limited research, however, investigating the links between cannabis use and cognition in older adults.
Objectives: The objective of this study is to represent the first population-level analysis of cannabis use and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in older adults in First State.
Methods: Data were obtained from 4,282 Delaware adults in the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Odds of SCD by cannabis use reason, frequency, and methods (e.g., smoke, eat, vaporize) were examined using multiple logistic regression and complex survey weighting methodology.
Results: Compared to non-users, non-medical cannabis use was significantly associated with a 96% reduction in the odds of SCD (aOR=0.05, 95% CI=0.02-0.44, p<.01). Medical use (aOR=0.56, 95% CI=0.06-3.61, p=.46) and dual medical and non-medical use (aOR=0.40, 95% CI=0.03-2.92, p=.40) were also linked to reduced odds of SCD, though not significant. The frequency and method of cannabis consumption were not significantly associated with SCD.
Conclusions: The reasons for cannabis use, excluding its frequency and method, are associated with SCD. Further research is necessary to explore the mechanisms that may contribute to the observed connections between non-medical cannabis use and decreased odds of SCD. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis use before age 15 and subsequent executive functioning 104 chronic cannabis users (49 early-onset before age 15, 55 late-onset after age 15)... | 2011 | Observational cross-sectional study | n = 148 |
| Patterns of simultaneous polysubstance use in drug using university students Drug-using university students | 2006 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 149 |
| Persisting Reductions in Cannabis, Opioid, and Stimulant Misuse After Naturalistic Psychedelic Use: An Online Survey Online survey respondents | 2020 | Cross-sectional survey | |
| User perceptions of the benefits and harms of hallucinogenic drug use: A web-based questionnaire study Users of hallucinogenic drugs who completed a web-based questionnaire | 2010 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 600 |
| Illicit Use of LSD or Psilocybin, but not MDMA or Nonpsychedelic Drugs, is Associated with Mystical Experiences in a Dose-Dependent Manner Adults recruited from the MAPS website and newsletter, most reporting use of various... | 2012 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 337 |