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New York Post
6 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Cannabis use among seniors continues to rise — and so do the health risks
Advertisement New data has revealed that cannabis use among older adults is at an all-time high. Researchers at UC San Diego and NYU discovered that marijuana use by Americans aged 65 and older increased by nearly 46% from 2021 to 2023, according to an NYU press release. As more states legalize marijuana for recreational use, as well as for medicinal therapies, accessibility to the drug is more widespread, particularly among aging adults. The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that 7% of 15,000 adults in this age range reported using cannabis in the last month, according to 2023 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Advertisement This was an increase from 4.8% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022. While marijuana use surged in both men and women, it was more prevalent among women. 6 Marijuana use by Americans aged 65 and older increased by nearly 46% from 2021 to 2023. Hector – The research found that increased use was associated with health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Advertisement Those with a college or post-grad degree, an annual income of $75,000 or more, married status and residence in a state with legalized medical cannabis were also more likely to partake. 'Adults with the highest incomes initially had the lowest prevalence of cannabis use versus other income levels, but by 2023, they had the highest prevalence, which may indicate better access to medical cannabis given its costs,' the researchers noted in the study discussion. 6 The research found that increased use was associated with health conditions like hypertension, diabetes and cancer. BritCats Studio – 'The substantial increased prevalence in states with legalized medical cannabis highlights the importance of structural educational support for patients and clinicians in those states.' Advertisement The researchers also warned that the use of cannabis products, especially with psychoactive properties, could cause complications in chronic disease management in older adults. The study did not look at the frequency of cannabis use, cannabinoid type or recreational versus medical use. 6 Researchers warned that the use of cannabis products could cause complications in chronic disease management in older adults. tunedin – In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, senior author Joseph Palamar, PhD, associate professor of population health at NYU Langone, noted his concern about cannabis use increasing among older populations. Palamar suggested the increased use is likely due to a combination of greater availability, decreased stigma and previous marijuana users aging into the 65+ cohort. 'My worry is that some of these people may have adverse psychiatric reactions, especially if they use edibles,' he said. 'It's very easy to accidentally eat too much, and then there's no turning back once it's already ingested.' In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Barbara Krantz, medical director at Caron Treatment Centers in Florida, confirmed that she's seen a 'significant uptick' in cannabis use by individuals over 50. Advertisement While polls have shown that most older Americans use cannabis to improve sleep, reduce pain, alleviate mental health issues and to relax, Krantz shared some potential dangers of the habit. Those include increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, increased hypertension and tachycardia, as well as worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 6 While marijuana has surged in both men and women, it is more prevalent among women. contentdealer – Cannabis may also lead to interactions with other medications, which can increase their toxicity or decrease their effectiveness, Krantz cautioned. Advertisement Other potential risks include balance issues, delayed reaction times, increased confusion or cognitive impairment, and heightened anxiety, depression or anger. There could also be surgery-related risks, including complications due to anesthesia and delays in healing, the expert noted. 6 Cannabis may lead to interactions with other medications, which can increase their toxicity or decrease their effectiveness. Seventyfour – 'Seniors should talk to their healthcare provider and their pharmacist before using any marijuana or cannabis product, because there are very real and specific dangers for older adults when using these substances,' Krantz advised. Advertisement Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel commented on these findings during an appearance on 'America's Newsroom' on Tuesday, noting that regular use of cannabis can be dangerous if not tracked. 'You might use a gummy to go to bed, and then the next thing, you're using two gummies, or three gummies, and it could increase anxiety, it can increase discombobulation, you're not thinking clearly, ER visits are on the increase,' he cautioned. 'We know about problems with the lungs,' Siegel added. 'It can accelerate dementia and can affect behavior.' 6 Marijuana could cause surgery-related risks, including complications due to anesthesia and delays in healing. Africa Studio – Advertisement The doctor likened the use of marijuana to the effects of smoking cigarettes in terms of damage to the heart and lungs. 'It is absolutely an active chemical we need to watch out for, and I'm very disturbed that the elderly are using it,' he said. 'We've completely jumped the gun [on legalization] because people are going to the ER with psychosis. They're going there with vomiting disorders. They're having car accidents as a result,' he went on. 'We are studying Colorado ever since it was legalized there, and the results are not pretty. We definitely jumped the gun by not anticipating all the medical risks here.' Fox News Digital reached out to UC San Diego Medicine researchers for comment. Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
More seniors are using cannabis than ever before despite health risks, research shows
New data has revealed that cannabis use among older adults is at an all-time high. Researchers at UC San Diego and NYU discovered that marijuana use by Americans aged 65 and older increased by nearly 46% from 2021 to 2023, according to an NYU press release. As more states legalize marijuana for recreational use, as well as for medicinal therapies, accessibility to the drug is more widespread, particularly among aging adults. Dementia Risk Connected To Cannabis-related Hospital Visits, Says Study The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that 7% of 15,000 adults in this age range reported using cannabis in the last month, according to 2023 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This was an increase from 4.8% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022. While marijuana use surged in both men and women, it was more prevalent among women. Read On The Fox News App The research found that increased use was associated with health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Those with a college or post-grad degree, an annual income of $75,000 or more, married status and residence in a state with legalized medical cannabis were also more likely to partake. "Adults with the highest incomes initially had the lowest prevalence of cannabis use versus other income levels, but by 2023, they had the highest prevalence, which may indicate better access to medical cannabis given its costs," the researchers noted in the study discussion. Older Americans Turn To Marijuana For Better Sleep And Pain Relief: Here's What To Know "The substantial increased prevalence in states with legalized medical cannabis highlights the importance of structural educational support for patients and clinicians in those states." The researchers also warned that the use of cannabis products, especially with psychoactive properties, could cause complications in chronic disease management in older adults. The study did not look at the frequency of cannabis use, cannabinoid type or recreational versus medical use. In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, senior author Joseph Palamar, PhD, associate professor of population health at NYU Langone, noted his concern about cannabis use increasing among older populations. Daily Marijuana Smokers Face Higher Risk Of Heart Attack, Stroke, Says American Heart Association Study Palamar suggested the increased use is likely due to a combination of greater availability, decreased stigma and previous marijuana users aging into the 65+ cohort. "My worry is that some of these people may have adverse psychiatric reactions, especially if they use edibles," he said. "It's very easy to accidentally eat too much, and then there's no turning back once it's already ingested." In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Barbara Krantz, medical director at Caron Treatment Centers in Florida, confirmed that she's seen a "significant uptick" in cannabis use by individuals over 50. While polls have shown that most older Americans use cannabis to improve sleep, reduce pain, alleviate mental health issues and to relax, Krantz shared some potential dangers of the habit. Those include increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, increased hypertension and tachycardia, as well as worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cannabis may also lead to interactions with other medications, which can increase their toxicity or decrease their effectiveness, Krantz cautioned. Other potential risks include balance issues, delayed reaction times, increased confusion or cognitive impairment, and heightened anxiety, depression or anger. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter There could also be surgery-related risks, including complications due to anesthesia and delays in healing, the expert noted. "Seniors should talk to their healthcare provider and their pharmacist before using any marijuana or cannabis product, because there are very real and specific dangers for older adults when using these substances," Krantz advised. Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel commented on these findings during an appearance on "America's Newsroom" on Tuesday, noting that regular use of cannabis can be dangerous if not tracked. "You might use a gummy to go to bed, and then the next thing, you're using two gummies, or three gummies, and it could increase anxiety, it can increase discombobulation, you're not thinking clearly, ER visits are on the increase," he cautioned. "We know about problems with the lungs," Siegel added. "It can accelerate dementia and can affect behavior." The doctor likened the use of marijuana to the effects of smoking cigarettes in terms of damage to the heart and lungs. "It is absolutely an active chemical we need to watch out for, and I'm very disturbed that the elderly are using it," he said. "We've completely jumped the gun [on legalization] because people are going to the ER with psychosis. They're going there with vomiting disorders. They're having car accidents as a result," he went on. For more Health articles, visit "We are studying Colorado ever since it was legalized there, and the results are not pretty. We definitely jumped the gun by not anticipating all the medical risks here." Fox News Digital reached out to UC San Diego Medicine researchers for comment. Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed to this article source: More seniors are using cannabis than ever before despite health risks, research shows
Daily Record
03-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Over 65s are using cannabis more than ever as records reach new high
Are seniors getting stoned? Cannabis use in older adults is higher than ever before. Adults over the age of 65 are using marijuana more than ever before, a new study has revealed. In fact, a staggering seven per cent of over 65s surveyed admitted to using cannabis in the past month. The US based study was led by researchers at the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR) at the NYU School of Global Public Health, and was published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Interestingly, the findings saw significant increases in use by older adults who are college-educated, married, female, and have higher incomes. 'Our study shows that cannabis use among older adults continues to increase, although there have been major shifts in use according to demographic and socioeconomic factors,' said Joseph Palamar, PhD, MPH, the study's senior author. Marijuana has been legalised for medical use in 39 US states and in 24 states for recreational use. Researchers in the new study examined data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2021 through 2023 to discover trends in cannabis use in older adults. If the over-65s reported that they'd used cannabis in the past month, this was defined as 'current' use. 'This is the first time we were able to examine 'current' use of cannabis in this age group. Before, we were only able to look at past-year use because the numbers for current use were too small,' said Benjamin Han, MD, MPH, the study's first author. The researchers found that current cannabis use among older adults had increased by nearly 46 per cent in two years. Current use for seniors rose to seven per cent in 2023, up from 4.8 per cent in 2021 and 5.2 per cent in 2022. This is a staggering increase from back in 2006 and 2007, when less than one per cent of older adults had used cannabis in the past year. Those who are married, white, have a college degree, and have an income of at least $75,000 saw a sharp increase in cannabis use over the study period. Older women also saw a significant increase in use, although older men are still more likely than women to use the drug. Expectedly, cannabis use grew more among those living in states where medical marijuana is legal compared to states where it remains outlawed. The researchers also found significant increases in cannabis use by older adults with chronic diseases, and those with multiple chronic conditions, including heart issues, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease. But the scientists urge users to take caution when taking cannabis for chronic illnesses. Han said: 'As a geriatrician, I see more and more people interested in using cannabis for treating chronic health symptoms. "But cannabis can complicate the management of chronic diseases and be potentially harmful if patients are not educated on its use and potential risks." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
