anxiety benzodiazepenes cannabis depression elderly marijuana Medical Marijuana Research opioid pain spine

Marijuana Use Increasing In Elderly

It may come as a surprise to some, but the fastest growing segment of cannabis (marijuana) users seems to be the 60 year and older age range. For example, data for December 2018 in Colorado shows that individuals 50 and older account for more than 35% of the registered medical users, all of which list pain as the primary condition. Of course that does not include those who may use recreationally and have avoided registering for a medical card.

In this study, respondents completing the survey listed arthritis, spine, anxiety and depression as the top 4 reasons for using marijuana. Those who reported past year marijuana use generally reported better overall health and well-being, quality of life and day to day functioning.

Most of them reported no problems with falls, balance, driving, or accidents or injuries from their use. The majority also reported a reduction in opioid and benzodiazapene use.