Survey Shows Surge in Cannabis Use Among Elderly Americans, Indicating Shifting Social Acceptance
A recent federal survey on drug use has revealed a significant increase in cannabis consumption among elderly Americans, highlighting a shifting social acceptance of marijuana. The survey found that the percentage of over-65 Americans who reported using marijuana nearly tripled from 11% in 2009 to 32% in 2019. Furthermore, over half of the 60-64 age demographic reported cannabis use, indicating a sharp increase in their participation.
Although the survey suggests that cannabis consumption among older adults reached 35% in 2021, researchers believe that the results may have been affected by the pandemic and the survey methodology, potentially skewing the numbers. Nevertheless, it is clear that there has been a considerable uptick in marijuana usage among the elderly population.
The increased acceptance of cannabis among older Americans reflects the broader societal shift regarding the perception and availability of marijuana for recreational use. Currently, 23 states have legalized its recreational use. Furthermore, this trend is also a reflection of the aging baby boomer generation, which grew up during a time of psychotropic experimentation.
For many older Americans, the use of cannabis is less about getting high and more about finding relief from ailments such as sleep issues, pain, and anxiety. Daniel Uthe, a 61-year-old farmer from Wisconsin, shared that cannabis has become an essential part of managing his pain. He explained, There are many things that I would not do anymore if I didn’t have cannabis. I wouldn’t do it because it hurts too much.
Older adults still use cannabis less frequently than younger age groups. As of 2021, only around 5% of over-65 Americans and 10% of the 60-64 age group reported using marijuana in the past month, compared to 24% of adults aged 25 and under. However, it is believed that the true number of older adults consuming cannabis may be higher than reported, as many may be hesitant to admit their use in surveys.
William Kerr, a senior scientist at the nonprofit Alcohol Research Group, noted, Since 2009, we’ve seen a big increase in cannabis use prevalence across all age groups, all demographic groups, with older people participating in that, kind of for the first time. This suggests that older adults are slowly aligning their stance on cannabis with the rest of the nation. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over half of adults in every other age group have tried marijuana at least once.
The acceptance of recreational marijuana among older Americans has been slow compared to other age groups. In a Pew Research survey, only 30% of Americans over 75 supported its legalization as of last fall. This sentiment primarily reflects the views of the silent generation, born between 1928 and 1945, who came of age before recreational marijuana gained popularity.
However, the baby boomer generation has a different perspective. In the same Pew survey, 53% of Americans in the 65-74 age group supported the legalization of recreational marijuana, closely mirroring the national average. Many baby boomers experienced the peak of marijuana use during their young adulthood in the 1970s.
The conversation around cannabis shifted as it became more mainstream, and younger generations began educating their parents and older relatives about its potential benefits. The accessibility of recreational dispensaries, offering a safer and more regulated environment than the illicit market, became a game-changer for many boomers who had previously been skeptical.
The rise in cannabis use among older adults has also brought unique preferences to the marketplace. They tend to opt for alternative consumption methods such as edibles, tinctures, capsules, or salves, rather than smoking or vaping. This could be attributed to their risk aversion and preference for a controlled dosage.
Although research on how cannabis affects older Americans remains limited, experts highlight the need for further study to examine potential risks such as falls or emergency room visits. Older adults tend to prioritize potency and safety and are more cautious in their consumption habits compared to their younger counterparts.
Ultimately, the surge in cannabis use among elderly Americans reflects a broader societal shift in the acceptance and perception of marijuana. With the baby boomer generation leading the way, it is likely that the trend of increased cannabis consumption among older adults will continue to grow. As more states legalize recreational marijuana and education around its benefits expands, older Americans are increasingly discovering the therapeutic benefits of this once-stigmatized plant.
