Average medical marijuana user in Ohio is older than 40

More than two thirds of Ohio’s medical marijuana cardholders are older than 40. They have more of the conditions that make them eligible for its use and are less likely to be subject to drug testing at work.

The stereotypical marijuana user is someone in his or her teens or early 20s. But most of Ohio’s medicinal cannabis users are much closer to retirement age, according to state figures.

More than two thirds of medical marijuana cardholders are older than 40, according to figures released by the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy in September. Roughly 21% are between 40 and 49, another 21% between 50 and 59, and around 20% between 60 and 69. By contrast, only around 10% are between 18 and 29.

“They’re not drug tested, they have disposable income, and they’re in pain,” Cindy Bradford, co-owner of the Ohio Cannabis Company dispensary in Coshocton, said of older users.

“As far as the 21 qualifying conditions the board has approved for (marijuana treatment), a lot of those are conditions that people under 30 may not experience as much,” said Christopher Mastrilli, general manager of the Ohio Provisions dispensary in Carroll, about 30 minutes southeast of Columbus.

Chronic pain, for example, is the most commonly cited reason for medical marijuana use in Ohio. [Read more at The Columbus Dispatch]