Marijuana Use Among Older Adults Reaches New High in 2023

According to a recent analysis, marijuana use among older adults in the US has reached a new high, with 7% of adults aged 65 and over reporting use in the past month. The study, led by researchers at the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR) at NYU School of Global Public Health, sheds light on the increasing trend of cannabis consumption among seniors.

Rising High Among Older Adults

The findings, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, reveal that the percentage of older adults using marijuana has increased significantly over the past few years. In 2023, the rate of cannabis use among seniors aged 65 and older rose to 7%, marking a nearly 46% increase from 2021 to 2023.

Key Insights

The study also highlights that the rise in marijuana use is particularly prominent among certain demographics. Women, in particular, saw a significant increase in cannabis consumption, although the overall usage among senior men remains higher. Moreover, older adults with annual incomes exceeding $75,000 showed the most substantial increase in marijuana use, moving from having the lowest usage rate in 2021 to the highest in 2023.

Implications and Considerations

Researchers noted that the rise in cannabis use is not limited to demographics but also extends to geographic and health-related factors. States that have legalized medical marijuana witnessed a steeper increase in marijuana consumption among older adults. Additionally, seniors with chronic health conditions were more likely to report cannabis use within the past month.

Conclusion

The study underscores the growing trend of marijuana use among older adults in the US, with a notable increase in consumption rates in recent years. As cannabis legalization continues to evolve and attitudes toward marijuana shift, understanding the dynamics of cannabis use among seniors remains crucial for public health initiatives and policy considerations.