Predictors of Ever Using Marijuana among U.S. First Responders.

Objective: Estimate ever using marijuana in a sample of U.S. career first responders.

Methods: Health survey cohort data collected between 2018-2024 from employed and retired U.S. first responders was analyzed for frequency of ever using marijuana. Binary logistic regression models estimated the association between ever using marijuana and first responder demographics, employment status, and risky health behaviors.

Results: Among 1,310 current/retired first responders, 15.3% reported ever using marijuana (80.0% seldom, 18.0% often, and 2.0% always). Currently employed firefighter/paramedic/EMT's had the highest (45.5%) while Battalion/EMS/Deputy/Fire Chiefs had the lowest use (3.0%). First responders who binge drink (adjusted OR = 1.45;[95%CI:1.03-2.03];p = 0.033), former-smoker (2.42;[1.68-3.47];p < 0.001) or current-smokers (3.61;[1.01-12.93];p = 0.049), and were retired (AOR = 1.85;[1.20-2.87] were significantly more likely to report ever using marijuana.

Conclusion: Ever using marijuana was highest among those rank firefighter/paramedics/EMT and significantly associated with binge drinking, retirement and smoking behaviors.