In a new study conducted by the University of Michigan, researchers concluded that marijuana use by older Americans had increased significantly over the past three years. Among those surveyed, 21% of Americans above the age of fifty answered that they had used marijuana during the past year and 12% answered that they use cannabis at least once per month. 9% claimed weekly use and 5% answered that they used marijuana every day. AARP, which backed the study, said that the 21% figure was nearly double the results of the same question back in 2021.
The Survey Reveals a Lack of Communication with Health Experts
The more concerning figure, according to experts, concerned interactions between users and medical professionals. Only 56% of respondents who regularly use cannabis had spoken with healthcare providers about this use, and almost 80% said they felt that the effects of marijuana had become stronger over time.
An increase in THC levels in recent decades is well-documented, according to addiction psychologist Erin E. Bonar, who voiced concerns that seemingly 1 in 5 regular users is unaware of this fact. She also noted that the study showed that almost 30% of respondents did not believe that cannabis can be addictive. The study also showed that around 20% of respondents who use regularly said that cannabis had less effect on them over time, and they needed to use more cannabis to achieve their desired results.
“Our findings, in Michigan and nationally, show the need for more education and awareness, especially among those who choose to use cannabis more frequently,” said Bonar. “We see more people using cannabis as it’s legalized, and we don’t have enough information yet to know: Are there safe ways of using? Are there recommended guidelines?… So seeing the number creep up like that in the absence of really good scientific data to help guide people’s decisions with this, that’s a little bit concerning.”
The University of Michigan survey was directed by Jeffrey Kullgren, who works as a doctor in the Veteran Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare system while also conducting research as a professor of internal medicine. Kullgren mirrored Bonar’s concerns in a statement: “Even if your doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist doesn’t ask if you’re using cannabis products, it’s important to offer this information, no matter whether you’re using it to address a physical or mental health concern, or simply for pleasure.”
Kullgren was particularly concerned about unforeseen interactions with other substances, saying, “Many prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs, as well as alcohol, can interact with cannabis and cause unexpected or unwanted effects.”
Researchers Assert a Need for Further Study
The survey included roughly four thousand older adults, mostly in Michigan, but also outside of the state. It found that usage rates were much higher inside the state of Michigan, where recreational cannabis has been legally sold since late 2019. Within Michigan, 27% reported use within the past year, and 9% reported daily use.
The stated reasons for use among older adults were spread across therapeutic and recreational uses. The most frequently cited reason for use was simply “to relax” (81%) with the runner-up being somewhat related, “help with sleep” (68%). Other popular reasons were to “feel good” (64%), for “pain relief” (63%), and for “mental health/mood” (53%).
In a statement, the University of Michigan noted that these and other uses could stand to be better understood. The statement goes on to say, “The current process at the federal level to change how cannabis is listed on the schedule of controlled substances may free more researchers to do studies of cannabis-derived products in clinical trials involving human volunteers. Right now, such research is very limited because of federal restrictions.”
