Why Seniors Love Smoking Pot, According To A New Study
Year after year, more studies are proving that the older American demographic is the most canna curious of all – and for good reason!
The elderly, particularly those aged 65 and up, consume more cannabis than any other age group. And new polls reveal that this isn’t just a trend: the pattern of older adults consuming more weed than other age groups will likely be here to stay a while.
According to a recent study which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 7% of elderly adults admitted to using cannabis in the last month back in 2023. These figures have increased from 2021’s 4.8%, according to federal data taken from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The demographic also shows an increased interest in cannabis among older adults who have college education, are female, married, and usually have higher incomes.
“Our study shows that cannabis use among older adults continues to increase, although there have been major shifts in use according to demographic and socioeconomic factors,” explains Joseph Palomar, PhD, MPH, an NYU Grossman School of Medicine associate professor in population health and the trial’s senior author.
“This is the first time we were able to examine ‘current’ use of cannabis in this age group. Before, we were only able to look at past-year use because the numbers for current use were too small,” adds Benjamin Han, MD, MPH, the study’s first author and an associate chief of research in the Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care at the University of California San Diego.
While there were several interesting outcomes of the study, it’s fascinating to find that some older adults saw a more significant increase in cannabis consumption in the same period compared to others. In particular, there was a sharp increase in weed consumption among older women though elderly men are still likely to consume it just the same. Additionally, consumption was higher among older adults in states where cannabis was legal medically, due to simpler access. Older individuals with higher income were also more likely to consume weed, and it’s likely because they can afford it.
Why Do Older Adults Consume More Cannabis Nowadays?
According to the study’s results, the researchers found a more significant increase in consumption among older adults who suffered from chronic health problems. It ranged from heart disease and high blood pressure, to diabetes, COPD, cancer, and more.
Meanwhile, based on the 2024 survey data taken from the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging and AARP, approximately 1 in 5 older adults reported to have consumed weed over the past year. The researchers found that 21% of poll participants over 50 years old said they consumed weed, while over 60% said they rely on it for better sleep, relaxation, and pain relief. It’s worrying though, that less than half of them said they discussed cannabis use with their healthcare providers.
How Safe Is THC For The Elderly? Is CBD Better Than THC For The 65+ Age Group?
As we get older, our bodies change drastically in terms of metabolism and digestion. This means that everything we put into our bodies will have a different, and likely stronger impact compared to when we were younger.
This means that middle-aged adults and the elderly may find that even low doses of THC can be quite strong for them. They may experience dizziness, anxiety, and paranoia. For this reason, it’s much safer to start with an extremely low dose, such as 2mg of THC in the evening. It’s generally safer to stick to evening use and avoid high THC cannabis products in general.
On the other hand, cannabidiol (CBD) is not intoxicating, and is much safer for most elderly patients. CBD is usually well-tolerated and has been proven to be effective in reducing pain, anxiety, and inflammation – but without the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD is also excellent for daytime use, and is widely recommended for long-term symptom support.
CBD might not just be beneficial for overall wellness: it’s been found to help reduce prescription drug use among the elderly. According to a 2022 study, whose results were published in the Drugs & Aging journal, Canadian researchers analyzed cannabis consumption patterns among almost 10,000 patients aged 65 and up. The patients were observed over the course of a 6-year period; all of them had valid prescriptions from licensed doctors in Canada to consume medical marijuana products.
The participants consumed either oil extracts or cannabis flowers; most of them with high CBD percentages. They found that many patients admitted that they could reduce their prescription medications after cannabis use. The researchers found that, specifically, 36% of participants consumed less opioids while 20% decreased benzodiazepine consumption.
Conclusion
For aging individuals who are interested in cannabis, researchers still urge them to consult with healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about the medicinal use of weed.
While there are numerous benefits for the mind and body, we must not forget that the psychoactive compounds in cannabis can be quite strong to older adults. That said, CBD may be a fantastic and all-around safe addition for the wellness regimen of anyone, including older adults. Low-dose THC, and CBD, may provide natural and effective pain relief, deep sleep, and reduced anxiety when taken by older adults responsibly.
It’s still best to consult with your healthcare provider if you are already taking other existing medications. Remember, it’s critical to understand if there are any drug interactions that may occur beforehand.
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