More Seniors Are Using Legal Marijuana. What to Know About the Benefits and Risks.

A growing number of American seniors are adding a tinge of green to their golden years as more states legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use—and as cannabis companies conduct outreach to senior communities to educate prospective patients and caregivers about the potential benefits.

From 2015 to 2018, the percentage of Americans ages 65 and older who had used marijuana in the past year climbed to 4.2% from 2.4%, according to an analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Similarly, a study published by the Annals of Internal Medicine found that in 2018, 8.2% of men ages 65 to 69 had used marijuana in the past month, up sharply from 4.3% in 2016. Among women, the rate climbed to 3.8% from 2.1%.

But even as the stigma associated with marijuana use recedes and education efforts spread, seniors should do their own due diligence about the potential health benefits, the risks and side effects, and the financial costs before deciding to use. Also, before using for medicinal or recreational purposes, seniors should consult their physician.

“Cannabis just has a great potential to help seniors with overall quality of life,” says Dr. William Troutt, Trulieve Cannabis’ lead medical director, who adds that seniors are “definitely our fastest-growing demographic.” [Read more at Barron’s]