As cannabis becomes increasingly accepted around the world, it seems that people from all walks of life are beginning to appreciate the enjoyment and pleasure this wonderful herb offers. According to a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, for example, the number of seniors using cannabis products has also risen significantly. So, seeing Grandpa and Grandma sitting on the couch with a joint in their hands will soon be a very real sight.
75% more cannabis users
Researchers compared the number of adults over 65 who reported using cannabis products. The findings showed that this number rose by a whopping 75% between 2015 and 2018. According to the study, 2.4% of adults aged 65 and older in the United States used cannabis products in 2015. This number rose significantly to 4.2% of seniors who reported cannabis use in 2018.
Researchers analyzed data on adults aged 65 and older from the four most recent waves of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This analysis assessed the responses of nearly 15,000 participants regarding various forms of drug use across the general population. It should be noted, however, that these are American respondents, but the researchers believe this trend will be noticeable everywhere...
What exactly do the data show?
In addition to illustrating a general increase in cannabis use among this population group, researchers were also able to identify changes in more specific groups. They found that cannabis use increased significantly among certain groups of people. These include women, as well as people with a college or university education. People with higher incomes are also reportedly using cannabis more frequently. Cannabis use increased across all racial and ethnic groups. However, 55% of the respondents were male and 77% were white.
Why is cannabis use on the rise?
The authors of the study acknowledge that the increased legalization of cannabis in the United States may play a role in the rise. During the three-year period covered by the analyzed data, a number of states legalized some form of cannabis. This includes four states (California, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Nevada) where recreational cannabis use for adults has been legalized; and seven states (Arkansas, Florida, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Oklahoma).
However, the authors believe that the causes of the increase are much more nuanced. Co-author Joseph J. Palamar states that the authors “do not believe the increase in use is a result of legalization, although increasing social acceptance in general may have contributed to this rise.”
He continued: “I think many older people are hearing more and more about potential medical uses, and many of these people are willing to try it to see how it works.”
All for the sake of health
The study shows that the increase may have been fueled by perceived health benefits associated with cannabis. The data revealed that cannabis use among seniors with diabetes rose by 180% between 2015 and 2018. Use also rose by nearly 96% among people with chronic illnesses and by more than 150% among those who had received mental health treatment.
Although research into the health benefits of cannabis is rapidly becoming more common, clinical evidence remains limited. That’s why the researchers emphasize that “people should make sure they are informed about the medications they are taking.”
In short: the next time you visit your grandparents, you can safely bring them a tasty space cake—unless they’ve already got one ready for you. Enjoy!
