Marijuana Use Among Older Adults Hits Record High in the US
In a recent analysis conducted by researchers at the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research at New York University’s School of Global Public Health, it was revealed that marijuana use among older adults has reached a new high in the United States. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that approximately 7% of adults aged 65 and over reported using marijuana in the past month in 2023, marking a significant increase from previous years.
The researchers discovered that the prevalence of cannabis use among older adults surged from 4.8% in 2021 to 7% in 2023, demonstrating a substantial 46% growth within a span of two years. Interestingly, the increase in marijuana usage was more prominent among women, although the percentage of senior men using the drug remained higher than that of women in 2023. Notably, older adults with higher annual incomes over $75,000 exhibited the sharpest rise in marijuana consumption, transitioning from having the lowest usage rates in 2021 to the highest in 2023.
The rise in cannabis use among older Americans is particularly significant for those with chronic health conditions, as the study indicated a notable increase in consumption among this demographic. Additionally, the data suggested that individuals in states with medical marijuana laws and those with higher levels of education and income were more likely to report using marijuana.
Further research delving into drug use among older populations continues to shed light on the evolving landscape of marijuana consumption among this demographic. As attitudes towards cannabis shift and legalization efforts progress, it is crucial to monitor these trends in order to better understand and address the implications of increased marijuana use among older adults.
