Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Cannabis use in the United States is increasing. However, the prevalence and trends in cannabis use disorder (CUD) and cannabis poisoning among Medicaid enrollees, a vulnerable population, are not evident. METHODS: Using the Merative MarketScan Multistate Medicaid Claims and Encounters Database from 2011-2022, we examined adjusted prevalence and trends in CUD and cannabis poisoning among Medicaid enrollees and by age, sex, and insurance type (managed care [MC]/fee-for-service [FFS]). RESULTS: During the 2011 quarter (Q) 1-2022 Q4, the CUD rate increased from 336.54 to 548.96 per 100 000 enrollees per quarter-a 1.63-fold increase; the cannabis poisoning rate increased from 1.45 to 7.04 per 100 000 enrollees per quarter-a 4.86-fold increase. CUD rates were highest among those aged 18-34 years, while cannabis poisoning rates among those aged 0-17 years surpassed the rate of those aged 18-34 years by 2020 Q3. CUD and cannabis poisoning rates increased among both males and females and among those with FFS and MC, although females and MC enrollees experienced higher increases than males and FFS enrollees, respectively. CONCLUSION: CUD and cannabis poisoning rates among Medicaid enrollees increased significantly during 2011-2022, especially among older adults, females, and MC enrollees. Targeted education campaigns on safe use and storage of cannabis may help reduce increasing trends in CUD and cannabis poisonings.