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This descriptive study identified latent classes of longitudinal marijuana use from ages 18 through 50 among a national sample; examined covariate associations with class membership regarding use/non-use, use intensity, and use duration; and described associations between identified latent classes and age 50 health outcomes.

The study involved collection and primary analysis of data from 9831 individuals first surveyed as 12th graders in the national Monitoring the Future study and followed through modal age 50. Repeated measures latent class analysis was used to identify latent classes based on self-reported past 12-month marijuana use.

Seven latent classes of marijuana use from ages 18 to 50 were identified including Non-users (44%), two classes characterized by shorter-term use patterns (totaling 28%), and four classes characterized by longer-term moderate or heavy use …