Increasing Marijuana Use Among Older Americans

A growing number of older Americans are using marijuana, with 7% of adults aged 65 and older reporting recent use, according to a study published in the journal JAMA Network Open. This increase is reflected not only in numbers but also in demographics.

Demographic Shifts

Older users today are more likely to be:

• Women
• College-educated
• Higher-income individuals

Researchers attribute this trend to legalization and social acceptance, particularly in states with medical marijuana laws. The trend is most pronounced among those with chronic illnesses.

Implications for Healthcare Providers

According to researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), this rise has significant implications for healthcare providers who must balance symptom relief with the complexities of aging. Dr. Amy Abernethy, a geriatrician at UCSF, emphasized the need for more research on how cannabis affects older adults, stating, "We know that it can help some people manage pain or sleep better." However, she noted that much remains to be learned about its effects on older adults’ brains and bodies.

Study Findings

The study found that:

• 7% of adults aged 65 or older reported using cannabis within the past year, up from 3% between 2006-2015.
• This data was based on over one million participants across all states except Idaho and Nebraska, where no data were available for this age group during this time period.

Researchers noted that while overall use rates have remained stable since legalization began nationwide in January 2020, the proportion reporting recent use increased by nearly threefold among those aged 65 or over compared to younger age groups (from <1% before legalization to approximately three times higher after legalization).

Broader Demographic Trends

This shift towards an aging population reflects broader demographic trends, with baby boomers reaching retirement age between 2011-2029. It may also reflect changes specific to cannabis use patterns among these individuals, such as increasing social acceptability or access through dispensaries rather than illegal sources.

Key Characteristics of Older Users

According to researchers at UC Berkeley’s Center for Tobacco Control Research & Education (CTCRE), the increase was most pronounced among those living alone without children under their care, suggesting they may have greater access due to a lack of family responsibilities. Key characteristics of older users include:

• Gender: Among those aged 50 and older who used cannabis recently, 62% were female, compared to 50% among younger users.
• Education: About two-thirds of recent adult users aged 50 and older had completed high school, whereas less than half of younger users did so.
• Income: The median household income among recent adult users aged 50 and older was $61,000, exceeding both the median household incomes among non-users ($40,000) and other age groups ($45,000).

Researchers pointed out that these characteristics could make older adults more likely candidates for medical marijuana prescriptions, either due to greater access through dispensaries or fewer competing health priorities.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings suggest a growing trend toward increased cannabis use among older Americans, particularly for medicinal purposes. This trend has significant implications for healthcare providers who must balance symptom relief against potential risks associated with aging populations. Dr. Abernethy highlighted the need for further research, stating, "We need studies examining how different types and amounts affect various outcomes." She added, "It would also be helpful if we knew what happens when patients stop using it after long-term treatment."