In Canada, cannabis consumption has been growing among older adults, particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates how loneliness relates to cannabis use in older Canadians during this time. The analysis utilized quantitative data from 2,020 individuals aged 55 and older, gathered through the Canadian Perspectives Survey Series 6, 2021: Substance Use and Stigma During the Pandemic. After accounting for socio-demographic characteristics, social engagement, and pandemic-specific factors, findings indicated that those who had used cannabis within the past 30 days reported markedly greater loneliness levels than those who never used cannabis. Furthermore, participants who maintained cannabis use throughout the pandemic experienced significantly higher loneliness scores compared to non-users. The observed link between cannabis consumption and elevated loneliness provides valuable evidence contributing to ongoing conversations about the possible negative impacts of cannabis use on the health and wellbeing of older adults.
