Acceptance of and access to medical marijuana and CBD as palliative care and hospice treatments for nursing home patients.
The WISE Study
Women’s Insights, Sentiments, and Expectations About Cannabinoids
Older women are increasingly using CBD and cannabis products to manage pain, sleep concerns, anxiety, and other health needs—often alongside prescription medications. Yet research has rarely centered their experiences, expectations, or decision-making.
The WISE Study uses surveys and in-depth interviews to explore how older women understand CBD and THC, why they choose particular products, and what they expect cannabinoids to do for their health. The goal is to generate evidence that supports safer, more informed, and woman-centered cannabinoid care.
Attonito, J., Mueller, J. E., & Villalba, K. (2025). Predictors of replacing alcohol with cannabis among adult women. Cureus. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.95821
J. Mueller, J. Sapp, J. Attonito, A. Chakraborty, and K. Villalba, “ Substitution of Cannabis for Prescribed Medications in the Management of Anxiety and Depression Among Midlife Women: A Cross-Sectional Study,” Health Science Reports 9 (2026): e72746, https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.72746.
Villalba, K., Attonito, J., & Newins, A. (2026). Cannabis Expectancies as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Psychiatric Symptoms in Women With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms. Cureus, 18(5), e108318. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.108318
Sapp J, Mueller J, Cook C, Attonito J., Chakraborty A. Villalba K. (2025) Age differences among women cannabis users: psychiatric conditions, alcohol use, and adverse childhood experiences. Journal of Substance Use (in-press).
Villalba K., Attonito J., Soulakova J. (2025) The Associations of cannabis and CBD Use on Anxiety and Depression Levels: A Comparative Study among Women of Different Age Groups and Educational Levels. Journal of Affective Disorders (in-press)
The CALM Study
Cannabinoids and Alcohol Moderation
Many adults report using CBD, THC-containing cannabis, or both to reduce their alcohol use. But little is known about which products people choose, why they choose them, and whether cannabinoid use replaces alcohol or is used alongside it.
The CALM Study examines how adults use CBD, THC, and combined products in relation to alcohol moderation. By distinguishing between product types and personal motivations, the study aims to inform clearer public-health guidance and future clinical research.
Attonito, J., Mueller, J., Villalba, K., & Chakraborty, A. (2026). Cannabis for Harm Reduction: Exploring Mental Health and Other Motivational Factors among Adults at Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder in Florida. Substance use & misuse, 1–9. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2026.2670620
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