Researchers associated with New York’s Columbia University have provided insights on the growing use of cannabis among older adults in the USA.

Based on Health and Retirement Study (HRS)* data, the cannabis habits of 1,324 people were analyzed; finding past year use in the U.S. was reported by 18.5% of middle-age and 5.9% of older adult. The primary age groups studied were ages 50-64, and 65 or older.

Furthermore:

• Smoking was the primary consumption method in both groups.
• ~25% of middle-aged adults and 20% of older adults who used cannabis consumed it for medical purposes
• 20% of that group had a prescription or healthcare provider recommendation.
• More than 75% of individuals in both age groups viewed medical use as acceptable.

However, older adults were more likely to view cannabis as a “gateway” drug leading on to other substances, and to support restrictions of cannabis laws.

The researchers state:

“Cannabis use among both middle-aged and older U.S. adults is higher than previously reported in state- and national-level studies, with many engaging in cannabis behaviors associated with increased harm. Greater public health and clinical efforts are needed for tailored prevention and intervention strategies.”

NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano isn’t surprised by increasing uptake among older people, and is more positive in terms of conclusions.

“Many middle-aged and older adults struggle with pain, anxiety, restless sleep, and other conditions that cannabis products can mitigate,” he said. “Many older adults are also well aware of the litany of adverse side effects associated with available prescription drugs, like opioids or sleep aids, and they see medical cannabis as a practical and potentially safer alternative.”

The study has been published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

Another relevant study we mentioned back in June found past-year use of cannabis in US adults aged 65 years or older jumped from less than 1.0% in 2005 to 4.2% in 2018.

*The HRS is a nationally representative survey of individuals over age 50 across the USA. The survey has been carried out every 2 years since 1992, and is currently supported by the National Institute on Aging and the Social Security Administration.