It's official: Grandma and Grandpa are getting into the green!
According to a recent survey study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, cannabis use is on the rise among the senior population in the United States.
The study, entitled "Cannabis: An Emerging Treatment for Common Symptoms in Older Adults," explored how and why older adults are using cannabis to manage their medical conditions.
The anonymous survey involved 568 adults, all of whom were at least 65 years old, and found that 15 percent of respondents reported cannabis use during the previous three years. While this may not seem like a large percentage, it's a significant increase compared to past surveys.
The majority of cannabis users surveyed reported using it "for medical purposes only," and the most commonly treated conditions included anxiety, depression, pain, and sleep disorders. Additionally, more than 75 percent of cannabis consumers labeled their use "somewhat" or "extremely" helpful in managing their condition(s), with few reported adverse side effects.
It's interesting to note that seniors are engaging in "less risky use patterns," with a preference for topicals and tinctures over smoking loose-leaf flower or dab concentrates. This trend suggests that seniors are taking a more cautious and deliberate approach to their cannabis consumption, choosing avenues that are safer and easier to dose.
Of those who reported cannabis use, about half said they used it on either a daily or weekly basis, and slightly less than half of the marijuana consumers said they also use cannabidiol (CBD)-only products lacking delta-9 THC. When it came to obtaining cannabis, about half of the survey participants who consumed cannabis indicated that they obtained it from a licensed dispensary.
It's worth noting that while the vast majority of marijuana-consuming participants (94 percent) indicated that their family members were aware of their use, fewer were willing to tell friends about their consumption. Additionally, only 41 percent of survey participants gave full disclosure to their healthcare provider of their use of marijuana.
Perhaps the most surprising finding of the survey was that 61 percent of cannabis users said they used it for the first time after the age of 60. So, it's safe to say that seniors are not only getting more comfortable with the idea of cannabis use, but they're also becoming more adventurous with trying new things.
While it's great to see older adults finding relief from medical conditions through cannabis use, we can't help but wonder what other hobbies and activities they'll pick up next. Maybe it's time for Granny to try bungee jumping, or for Grandpa to take up skydiving! After all, with the rise of cannabis use among older adults, anything is possible.
Blog by @CryptoRick423
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