A number of studies out in the past few years suggest that older adults (in this case 65+) are using marijuana in greater numbers than expected. An article in the Washington Post suggests that several factors account for the rise in its use.
Perhaps the most important is the fact that it has become legal for medical and/or recreational use in many parts of the country. Older adults may be more concerned about participating in an illegal activity than adolescents/younger adults; now that it is legally available, many are giving it a try for the first time. The article suggests that among the youngest of the Baby Boomer generations (which is where I am), use was more common during our earlier days, took a dip for several decades and is ticking up again. A fascinating aside is that folks who are more politically liberal (those who listen to NPR!) are more likely to partake.
In addition to legalization, there has been a lot of hype written about the benefits of marijuana use (as oppposed to abuse). Older adults with various medical conditions are finding relief for problems with sleeping, pain, Parkinson’s Disease, and side effects of chemotherapy for cancer. It is noteworthy that AARP has even weighed in on the issue. On their website and in their print materials there has been ongoing coverage of the proposed benefits of marijuana and CBD. The news is somewhat mixed: on the one hand, there is much anecdotal evidence that there is a positive impact; on the other hand, more research is needed to conclusively determine whether the risks outweigh the benefits.
I know of older adults who have found relief. I also have older clients and others who ask me my opinion on the matter. I am not a doctor, but I do recommend that they discuss it with their physician. It seems to me that there are lots of people who suffer from a wide variety of ailments where marijuana may actually improve the situation.
I look forward to more research in the years ahead–especially as I age and may have to deal with medical conditions where marijuana can make a difference.
Kosher Fitness 