Seniors are using cannabis more than ever in the United States to combat anxiety, pain or sleep problems when medications cause unwanted side effects or simply don't work.
A new trend is visible in the United States. Seniors are one of the fastest growing groups of cannabis users in the United States. While some older adults have been using cannabis for decades, studies suggest that others are using the plant for the first time to help them sleep better, ease pain or treat anxiety – especially when prescription drugs, which often have unwanted side effects, not work.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2007 only about 0,4 percent of people aged 65 and older in the United States reported using cannabis in the past year. That number rose to almost 3 percent in 2016. In 2022 it was more than 8 percent. It is undoubtedly related to the better availability of cannabis due to the large-scale legalization in the medical and/or recreational fields.
Cannabis side effects
The medicinal properties of marijuana have not yet been well researched. Certainly not specifically among older users. Therefore, it is difficult for doctors to advise their patients about the benefits and risks. Cannabis companies see this new target group and try to tailor products to their needs. At the same time, more and more elderly people are experimenting and informing each other about the benefits and side effects.
Because cannabis is not federally legal, doctors don't have enough research to guide them for which conditions it is useful, who is at greater risk for potential harm, how to properly dose it, or which types to recommend. To further complicate matters, cannabis is a very complex plant with more than 100 cannabinoids and varying ratios of CBD and THC.
Taking too large a dose can cause dizziness, confusion, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, panic attacks, anxiety, nausea and vomiting. From one research found that the number of emergency room visits related to cannabis use among older adults in California increased from 366 in 2005 to 12.167 in 2019. This is not only because marijuana has become more accessible, but also stronger over the years. In addition, older people may be more sensitive to any side effects.
Perhaps cannabis can help many people when it comes to age-related ailments. Then it is important that more research is conducted. Also when it comes to the interaction with certain medications. It would be nice if it was a supplement that could ensure that people needed fewer pills. It remains to be seen whether the emerging legalization in Europe will also lead to this trend.
Source: www.nytimes.com (EN)
