A Journal of the American Medical Association has revealed that new analysis of cannabis use is on the rise among older adults as more states move toward legalisation for medical or recreational use.
According to the study by researchers at New York University School of Medicine, the number of adults over 65 who used cannabis in 2019 increased 75 per cent between 2015 and 2018.
The portion of seniors using weed is still small.
The analysis estimated that about 4.2 per cent of seniors used weed in 2018, compared to 2.4 per cent in 2015.
But that’s a dramatic increase from a decade ago, less than half of 1 per cent of seniors reported weed use in 2006.
The report was based on a survey of almost 15,000 adults over age 65 asked about their use of cannabis, marijuana, hashish, pot, grass and hash oil, either smoked or ingested.
Though not backed up by clinical research, cannabis is believed to have medicinal benefits, specifically in reducing pain.
However, researchers found that the increase in marijuana use among seniors was driven by individuals who do not have chronic health conditions.
Researchers found the greatest increases in cannabis use among women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with higher incomes, and individuals with a mental health condition.
The study also found an increase in the number of older adults who used marijuana and alcohol, a combination that is more dangerous than using either substance alone.
The study’s authors said the findings to the need for more research about how cannabis affects older adults.