A new poll has discovered that roughly 21% of individuals over the age of 50 have used a form of marijuana with THC at least once in the last 12 months. Another 12% admitted to using marijuana on a monthly basis.
The poll, conducted by the University of Michigan, also found that 81% of older adults used marijuana to feel good or relax while 68% did so to improve their sleep. 63% also admitted to using the drug to alleviate pain while 53% did so to manage mental health conditions.
The medical director of Caron’s Older Adult Program, Dr. Barbara Krantz, revealed that her practice had observed a considerable increase in the use of marijuana by individuals aged 50 and above. She explained that most of the older adults grew up in the 60s or 70s, which meant that most may have had earlier life experiences with cannabis and were more open to using the drug.
She added that while they were probably familiar with the effects of the drug, a false sense of comfort was dangerous. This is especially since the cannabis sold to consumers now is stronger, which may make it harder for an individual’s body to process.
Krantz highlighted several potential dangers linked to marijuana use for older individuals, including:
- Delayed reaction times that may impair driving, leading to accidents
- Issues with balance that may cause breaks and falls
- Increased risk of cardiovascular events
- Interaction with other drugs, which may reduce effectiveness or heighten toxicity
- Accidental poisoning
- Psychosis
- Increased depression, anxiety, or anger
- Increased cognitive impairment
- Worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A licensed social worker, Shari B. Kaplan, stated that marijuana’s interactions with other medications can be particularly fatal. Kaplan, who’s also a plant medicine formulator, explained that drugs for blood pressure or blood thinners needed to be managed carefully for those who’d like to use marijuana.
She noted that patients may benefit from working with a medical marijuana physician, adding that it was important to discuss marijuana use with one’s health care provider before using any products.
The report also touched on things older individuals needed to be aware of prior to consuming marijuana. Botanical Sciences founder, Dr. Robin Fowler, recommended that seniors start using marijuana at low doses, especially if they were new to the drug.
Fowler added that it was also important that individuals source their marijuana products from licensed dispensaries to ensure product safety and quality.
In jurisdictions where companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) are licensed to operate, seniors can conveniently access medical marijuana products. Studies need to be done focusing on states that prohibit marijuana so that data can be collected on how those in need of these products get them, and how much reliable information they access on the suitable ways of managing their symptoms.
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