seniors

New Study Finds Cannabis Use is Surging Among Older Americans

Published

7 months ago

April 14, 2024

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A newly released study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal finds cannabis consumption increased by 75% among older Americans in the past four years. Specifically, researchers from New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine find cannabis use among those aged 65+ grew from 2.4% to 4.2% between 2015-2018.

https://theemeraldmagazine.com/new-study-finds-cannabis-use-is-surging-among-older-americans/?utm_source=brevo&utm_campaign=New%20editor%20February%2023%202023&utm_medium=email

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California News

Study: More older adults are using cannabis post-pandemic

Published

1 month ago

October 11, 2024

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Hunter Boyce | (TNS) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A new study, published in the Cannabis and Cannabinoids Research journal, found more older Americans are using cannabis today than before the pandemic. According to researchers with the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, roughly 1 in 8 Americans over 50 currently use the substance.

“As the stress of the pandemic and the increased legalization of cannabis by states converged, our findings suggest cannabis use increased among older adults nationally,” addiction psychologist and study lead Anne Fernandez told the University of Michigan.

Read the rest of this story on ocregister.com.

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Baby Boomers

Can Marijuana Help Boomers Extend Productivity

Published

3 months ago

August 18, 2024

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As North American adults are living longer, can marijuana help them be more productive?

Canadian are extended to live longer (52 more years) than Americans (49.3 more years). But both are an extension of life expectancy, allowing for a longer life and more years to have fun and be productive. While being productive could mean work, it also includes enjoying life, family and passions. Can marijuana help boomers extend productivity? With legalization inching across the country, more 65+ citizens are taking a second look at the plant and starting to use it for chronic pain, intimacy and sleep.

Both the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians agree cannabis has medical benefits. Not surprising since the majority of older cannabis consumers report using the plant for medicinal reasons rather than for recreational usage. Marijuana can help older people physically and mentally be more productive to enjoy well rounded later years.

new study confirms that seniors love to spread fake news — Photo by PICNIC_Fotografie via Pixabay

While Boomers still primarily use cannabis for a medical benefits, there are more who are slowly seeing it as an alternative to alcohol, which is more harmful. Medical marijuana’s anti-inflammation and ability to help with pain makes movement easier allowing for a more physical life. A good night’s sleep and helping with anxiety and depression are another to key factors to have a clear mind to make the most of the day ahead.

Millennials make up the most of the full-time workforce with 49.5 million workers followed by Gen X at 42.8 million, Baby Boomers and Gen Z are tied at a little over 17 million. But Boomers are seasoned workers and adding a few years can make a difference in a strong economy. And while many companies are dealing with transitions from changing technology and trends. They can be a key factor in the economy.

A large marjority of Boomers who consume cannabis believe it relieves pain and has medical benefits. Boomers also have a highly favorable opinion if it can help a sick loved one, with 97% supporting its use in such cases. So the generation who continued the drug wars are now seeing value and are using it to make the most of their senior years.

What is interesting, this generation entered adulthood when weed was the thing in the free love era, but we scared away by the Drug Wars. As they drift back to marijuana, they are staying true their roots. Boomers tend to purchase flower or bud and go the traditional routes of consumption by smoking or vaping.

Life Of Seniors — Photo by joyce huis via Unsplash

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American Medical Association

Key Information For The 60+ About Marijuana

Published

5 months ago

June 11, 2024

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It is a big summer for the cannabis industry – will Boomers join Gen Z in embracing marijuana?

It is the summer of cannabis with the potential for rescheduling. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) has recognized marijuana has medical benefits and is not a dangerous drug. The American Medical Association also recognized it can help patients and they and research show it is better for you than alcohol. Gen Z has started moving away from alcohol (mainly beer) and embracing cannabis. With all these changes – here is key information for the 60+ about marijuana in today’s world.

RELATED: What Is California Sober

There are two uses for cannabis – recreational (fun stuff) and medical. Even though a little high has never hurt anybody, you don’t have to get high to benefit from medical marijuana. Effective medicinal CBD strains contain small amounts of THC. These strains focus their efforts on the therapeutic side of the plant, producing little to no psychoactive effect.

The other interesting update is the days of smoking cannabis tends to be waning. it is used more by the aficionado and the old school consumers. Today, most users have used a vape or a gummy. You can manage dosing better, they are discreet and you take it to events without the smell. Gen Z has truly embrace the on-the-go aspect of today’s marijuana.

Study: Older Adults Are Using Cannabis At Higher Rates — Photo by rawpixel.com

With aging, bodies start to deteriorate in every way, leading to some pain and discomfort. Seniors are more prone to experience inflammation, mental and bone health issues and high blood pressure. Evidence and studies show cannabis is a good way of providing some relief, especially in the chronic pain area.

One of the most common wellness ways cannabis is used is for sleep. Like most natural medicines, it needs to be taken occasionally, but enough to change your sleep patterns. With the correct dosage, it can increase total sleep time and decrease the frequency of arousals during the night.

Another key issue is anxiety. Some people use marijuana to cope with anxiety, especially those with social anxiety disorder. THC appears to decrease anxiety at lower doses and increase anxiety at higher doses. Studies has shown CBD appears to decrease anxiety at all doses.

In the fun category, marijuana is healthier than alcohol and can make experiences much more vibrant and alive. Science shows listening to music, watching a movie, or just looking at scenery is more vibrant. Part of the reason is while on THC, is slows the “memory search part” of the brain and allows it to focus on the moment. Also, cannabis and cannabis creams can help in the intimacy department, sometimes reopening a door which might have been closed.

There needs to be an awareness on the possible effect marijuana can have with common medications taken by older adults. A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology says that marijuana can interact with common heart medications, such as statin and blood thinners. Marijuana use can alter the time in which these medications have an effect and could also result in bleeding.

People should also avoid pairing marijuana with anti-seizure medications or any other substance that produces strong effects. If having surgery, it’s important for older adults to disclose marijuana use to doctors, even including the use of CBD. The compound has also been linked with altering the way in which the liver processes dosages in medications.

Like alcohol, cannabis can make you a bit unstable on your feet. Using either could result in dizziness and in feeling out of control of your body. This in turn could increase the risk of falling and getting involved in all sorts of accidents. Falls pose serious risks for seniors, with 1 out of 5 resulting in a head injury or broken bones. The good news, if done right, cannabis makes you chill.

How CBD Helps Seniors Exercise — Photo by Caiaimage/Trevor Adeline/Getty Images

According to a study published in the journal Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, like with alcohol, older marijuana users are more likely to experience depression than non-users. While it’s not know exactly why this occurs, it’s likely a combination of things; these users might be taking cannabis instead of seeking medical help, or maybe cannabis is interacting with the medications they’re already taking in ways that are not beneficial.

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