OHIO — A new study finds that more older Americans use cannabis products, with the pandemic and legalization of marijuana by states playing significant roles in the increase. 

What You Need To Know

  • An increased number of older adults are using marijuana at a higher rate, according to a recently published study

  • The study indicated that those who drink alcohol at risky levels have a much higher rate of cannabis use
  • The national poll of more than 2,000 older adults was taken in January 2021

Researchers at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation conducted the study of people, aged 50 to 80, with 12% of respondents saying they’ve consumed a THC-containing substance in the past year and 4% saying they do so multiple times a week. 

According to lead researcher, Dr. Anne Fernandez, Ph.D., M.A., older adults represent a vulnerable age group due to interactions with medications, as well as other physical issues and cannabis-related mental health issues.  

Fernandez spoke with Spectrum News about the study.

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