Don’t miss the full story from our staff writer Emma Ayers, whose reporting is the basis of this AI-assisted article.
Recent federal data reveals a dramatic surge in marijuana use among older Americans, with cannabis consumption among adults 65 and older increasing by nearly 46% between 2021 and 2023. This unprecedented rise, driven by expanding legalization, evolving social attitudes and attempts to manage chronic health conditions, has sparked some concern among medical professionals who warn about potential risks for aging populations. The trend represents a fundamental shift in usage patterns, with previously unlikely demographics now embracing cannabis at record rates.
Facts about rising cannabis use among seniors:
• Cannabis use among adults 65 and older increased by nearly 46% between 2021 and 2023, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
• 7% of older adults reported using cannabis in the past month in 2023, up from 4.8% in 2021, based on federal data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
• A parallel NYU study showed usage rising from 4.2% to 9.1% in the same timeframe, highlighting the consistency of this dramatic upward trend.
• Older women showed the steepest increase in cannabis use, despite historically being among the least likely demographic to use marijuana.
• Wealthier seniors with annual incomes above $75,000 went from the lowest usage in 2021 to the highest by 2023, making wealth a major indicator of cannabis use.
• College-educated and married older adults also saw significant gains, reflecting a complete reversal of previous usage patterns.
• Older women were especially likely to report using cannabis to address pain, anxiety and insomnia, indicating therapeutic motivations for use.
• Many respondents cited the desire for a more “natural” alternative to pharmaceuticals when dealing with aging-related health problems including hypertension, diabetes, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Read more: Marijuana use is high among seniors, new study finds
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