The number of older Americans using vaping marijuana has nearly doubled in the past three years, according to new research supported by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Most respondents said their main reasons for vaping marijuana include pain relief, improved sleep, and mental health.
More than one in five Americans over the age of 50 have used marijuana at least once in the past year, and more than one in ten use it at least once a month, according to a University of Michigan survey. As more states move toward legalizing marijuana, researchers expect usage among older adults to continue to rise.
Among the respondents who used cannabis in the past year, 81% said it was for relaxation, 68% used it as a sleep aid, and 64% reported using it simply to enjoy the effects. Additionally, 63% indicated they used cannabis to relieve pain, while 53% said it helped promote mental health.
Jeffrey Kullgren, a professor at the University of Michigan and a doctor at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, led the recent survey. He emphasized the importance of discussing cannabis use with healthcare providers to identify potential drug interactions and signs of problematic use.
Kullgren stated, “Even if your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist doesn’t ask about your cannabis use, it’s crucial to share this information, whether you use it for health issues or just for enjoyment. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as alcohol, can interact with cannabis and lead to unexpected effects. We have limited evidence showing the medical benefits of cannabis, but this may change over time.”
The University of Michigan also noted that reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) could encourage more clinical trials involving human volunteers. However, such research is currently limited due to federal restrictions.
Earlier this year, a separate study found that cannabis products may offer various therapeutic benefits for older adults, including improvements in health, well-being, sleep, and mood. The authors of this study, published in the journal Drugs and Aging, noted significant reductions in pain severity and interference for older patients reporting chronic pain as their main issue.
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