Researchers Investigate Why Seniors Are Turning to Cannabis

Recent studies have shown a significant shift in cannabis consumption patterns in states where it is legal. While teenagers are using cannabis less and less, their place is being taken by “baby boomers”—people born roughly between 1946 and 1964. According to a 2020 BDS Analytics report, baby boomers have become an “important and growing segment” of cannabis consumers. In other words, more adults are using cannabis than ever before.

A study published in February found that cannabis use among adults aged 65 and older increased by 75% over the past three years.

New Study Sheds Light on the Reasons Behind the Trend

A new study published in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry explored the reasons for this dramatic increase. Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, collected data from 568 patients who visited a university geriatric clinic over a 12-week period. The study examined various aspects of cannabis use, including reasons for use, methods and types of cannabis consumed, effects on disease symptoms, and user experiences.

The findings revealed that older adults primarily use cannabis for medical purposes rather than recreation. The most common medical reasons were pain, sleep issues, and anxiety.

Those who used cannabis to manage anxiety symptoms were more likely to choose THC-containing cannabis, with preferred forms being flower and edibles. Notably, over 60% of patients reported trying cannabis for the first time in older age, and 14% began using cannabis for medical reasons within the last three years.

The researchers also suggested that cannabis could potentially replace the combination of various medications in elderly patients suffering from multiple health conditions.