More old people use cannabis than ever before despite health risks, research shows

The new data has revealed that the use of cannabis among older adults is at its highest point.

UC San Diego and Nyu researchers discovered that the use of marijuana by Americans from 65 years or more increased by almost 46% from 2021 to 2023, according to a Press statement from the NYU.

As more states legalize marijuana for recreational use, as well as for medicinal therapies, drug accessibility is more widespread, particularly among older adults.

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The investigation, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that 7% of the 15,000 adults in this age range reported having used cannabis in the last month, according to the data of 2023 of the National Survey on Drug and Health Use. This was an increase of 4.8% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022.

While the use of marijuana increased both in men and women, it was more frequent among women.

The research found that the greatest use was associated with health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Those with a university or postgraduate, an annual income of $ 75,000 or more, the married state and the residence in a state with legalized medical cannabis were also more likely to participate.

“Adults with the highest income initially had the lowest prevalence of the use of cannabis versus other income levels, but by 2023, they had the highest prevalence, which may indicate better access to medical cannabis given their costs,” said the researchers in the study discussion.

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“The substantial increase in prevalence in states with legalized medical cannabis highlights the importance of structural educational support for patients and doctors in those states.”

The researchers also warned that the use of cannabis products, especially with psychoactive properties, could cause complications in the management of chronic diseases in older adults.

The study did not analyze the frequency of cannabis use, the type of cannabinoid or recreational use versus medical use.

In a statement sent to News Digital, Senior Author Joseph Palamar, PHD, associate health professor of the population at Nyu Langone, said that his concern about the use of cannabis in major populations.

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Palamar suggested that the greatest use is probably due to a combination of greater availability, decrease in stigma and previous marijuana users that age in the 65+ cohort.

“My concern is that some of these people may have adverse psychiatric reactions, especially if they use groceries,” he said. “It is very easy to eat too accidentally, and then there is no turning back once it is already ingested.”

In a previous interview with News Digital, Dr. Barbara Krantz, medical director of Caron Treatment Centers in Florida, confirmed that she has seen a “significant increase” in the use of cannabis by people over 50 years.

“It is absolutely an active chemist that we must take into account, and I am very disturbed that the elderly are using it.”

While surveys have shown that most major Americans use cannabis to improve sleep, reduce pain, relieve mental health problems and relax, Krantz shared some potential hazards of the habit.

These include a greater risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, greater hypertension and tachycardia, as well as the worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Cannabis can also lead to interactions with other medications, which can increase its toxicity or decrease its effectiveness, Krantz warned.

Other potential risks include equilibrium problems, delayed reaction times, greater confusion or cognitive impairment and greater anxiety, depression or anger.

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There could also be risks related to surgery, including complications due to anesthesia and healing delays, the expert said.

“Older people should speak with their medical care provider and their pharmacist before using any marijuana or cannabis product, because there are very real and specific dangers for older adults when using these substances,” Krantz advised.

News senior medical analyst, Dr. Marc Siegel, commented on these findings during an appearance in “America’s Newsroom” on Tuesday, pointing out that the regular use of cannabis can be dangerous if they are not traced.

“You can use a rubber to sleep, and then the following, it is using two gommies, or three gommies, and could increase anxiety, it can increase discompebulation, it is not thinking clearly, ER visits are increasing,” he warned.

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“We know about lung problems,” Siegel added. “It can accelerate dementia and can affect behavior.”

The doctor compared the use of marijuana with the effects of smoking cigarettes in terms of damage to the heart and lungs.

“It is absolutely an active chemist that we must take into account, and I am very disturbed that the elderly are using it,” he said.

“We have completely jumped the weapon [on legalization] Because people go to the emergency room with psychosis. They go there with vomit disorders. As a result, they are having car accidents, “he continued.

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“We are studying Colorado since it was legalized there, and the results are not pretty. We definitely skip the weapon by not anticipating all medical risks here.”

News Digital contacted UC San Diego Medicine researchers to comment.

Melissa Rudy of News Digital contributed to this report.