More Americans 65 and older are using marijuana for chronic conditions like heart issues, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer, according to a new study.
Marijuana use among American seniors has hit an all-time high – increasing nearly 50% in just two years, according to a new study.
In 2023, 7% of adults 65 and older reported using pot in the past month —that’s up from 4.8% in 2021.
Researchers analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and found significant increases in pot use by older adults with chronic diseases, especially those with multiple conditions—including heart issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and COPD.
Older women saw a steep increase in marijuana use, although older men are still more likely to use the drug, researchers say.
Overall, the biggest increases were among seniors who are married, white, have a college degree, and have an income of at least $75,000.
Pot use grew more among those living in states where medical marijuana is legal versus states where it is not.
The researchers say these findings highlight the growing need for doctors to screen their older patients for marijuana use.
The first author says “…Cannabis can complicate the management of chronic diseases and be potentially harmful if patients are not educated on its use and potential risks.”
Source: JAMA Internal Medicine
Author Affiliations: Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR), NYU Grossman School of Medicine, UC San Diego
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