A new study highlights an increasing trend in cannabis use among older Americans, with 12% reporting they’ve used THC-containing substances in the past year, and 4% using them multiple times a week.
This research, published in Cannabis and Cannabinoids Research, points to a notable shift from pre-pandemic levels and underscores the need for more education and screening regarding cannabis-related risks in this age group.
Anne Fernandez, an addiction psychologist at the University of Michigan Addiction Center, led the study.
She notes that the stress of the pandemic, combined with the growing legalization of cannabis, has likely contributed to this increase in use among older adults.
This demographic is particularly sensitive to cannabis risks due to potential interactions with medications, driving hazards, mental health impacts, and increased chances of falls and memory issues.
The study’s data, drawn from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, involved 2,023 participants aged 50 to 80 and was conducted in January 2021. The 12% rate of cannabis use reported in the study marks a significant rise from the 9.5% in 2019 and the 3% in 2006, reflecting the changing legal and social landscape around cannabis.
Interestingly, the study found that older adults with risky alcohol consumption habits were much more likely to use cannabis.
Those who drank alcohol at levels causing physical or psychological harm were nearly eight times more likely to have used cannabis in the past year compared to those with low-risk drinking patterns.
Fernandez emphasizes the importance of addressing this dual-substance use issue, as combining alcohol and cannabis can increase impaired driving risks and compound physical and mental health issues.
She suggests that screening for both alcohol and cannabis use could lead to more effective counseling and risk reduction strategies.
The study also noted demographic trends in cannabis use. While there were no significant differences based on age, health status, income, or education, older adults with Hispanic backgrounds reported lower usage rates, aligning with other research showing lower cannabis use in Latino communities.
Fernandez advises older adults who use cannabis, especially those who also consume alcohol or take certain medications, to be transparent with their healthcare providers.
This openness is crucial as professionals can provide guidance on potential interactions with medications used for conditions like insomnia, depression, anxiety, pain management, seizures, and blood thinning.
This study underscores the growing relevance of cannabis use among older Americans and the need for targeted public health interventions and education to address this emerging trend.
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The research findings can be found in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoids Research.
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