A study by the University of Michigan has found that 1 in 8 older adults in the U.S. are using cannabis products, marking a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels.
The recent study observed a rise in cannabis use among older adults to 12%, up from 9.5% in 2019 and significantly higher than 3% in 2006. The increase coincides with the expansion of medical cannabis laws across more states. Interestingly, the National Poll on Healthy Aging in 2017 reported 6% of older adults using cannabis medically.
This study also found varied frequencies of use, including both infrequent and regular patterns. Notably, the research identified certain demographics, such as unemployed, unmarried, or regular alcohol consumers, as more likely to use cannabis.
Published in “Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research,” the study, which utilized data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, emphasizes the need for better education and screening for potential risks. These risks include medication interactions, impaired driving, and mental health effects.
The findings suggest a growing trend of cannabis use among older populations and the importance of addressing its associated health implications. For a more detailed understanding, you can read the full article here.