Cannabis Use Among Seniors on the Rise
When Don Searles went to a party recently, he didn’t want to be left empty-handed. So he made peanut brittle using an old family recipe – with a modern twist. “We added the marijuana,” he said. The party was hosted by a 74-year-old at a retirement home, an hour east of a major city, where the golf course has a new competitor in popularity of late.
Increasing Popularity
According to a study, cannabis use among Americans aged 65 and over increased by 46% between 2021 and 2023. The host of the party said these numbers reflect that marijuana is a "good solution to many medical problems." Since cannabis is now legal in many states for medical use and some for recreational use, they say the stigma is quickly decreasing.
Medical Benefits
Another attendee at the party said he has never smoked and prefers edibles. When asked why he was drawn to the drug, he said, "It works for post-traumatic stress disorder, pain problems, relaxation problems, brain disorders and heart disease." Many seniors are turning to cannabis for its perceived medical benefits, and the ease of access is making it a popular choice.
Health Risks
But some doctors have a different opinion. A professor at a university warns that THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, can pose health risks no matter how older people take it. "If they smoke marijuana, we can be pretty sure that they are causing damage to their cardiovascular system," he said, adding that they are not without risk if they eat THC. Other researchers found that cannabis use is associated with twice the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, a 29% higher risk of acute coronary syndrome, and a 20% higher risk of stroke.
Personal Experience
Searles, who suffers from chronic pain after a motorcycle accident five years ago, said he was not surprised by the results. "I go to my doctor and he says, gosh, stop drinking milk. Uh, stay away from sugar. What’s not bad for you these days?" Searles said. Many seniors are weighing the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use, and making informed decisions about their health.
