Individuals with underlying medical illnesses have been found to be at greater risk for COVID-19. In addition to underlying comorbidities, many who use cannabis for medicinal purposes are also managing mental health amid the risk of losing income and insurance tied to employment. In a recent study, researchers found that 40% of adults using medicinal cannabis self-reported an increase in cannabis consumption since the pandemic began. Individuals with a mental health condition had the highest odds of increased medicinal cannabis use, reporting a 91% increase in medicinal cannabis use compared to those without mental health conditions. Among the 16.2% of adults who changed their route of cannabis use, an increase in the use of edibles and tincture consumption was observed, perhaps due to smoking and vaping being associated with a possible increased susceptibility of contracting COVID-19.
