As more states legalize medical and recreational cannabis, the number of older Americans using the drug is expected to rise. Recreational marijuana use is legal in 11 states and the District of Columbia, while medical marijuana is legal in 33 states. Even so, many older Americans are having trouble finding medical marijuana. All of our clinicians are trained to guide patients with chronic pain in the appropriate and compassionate use of medical marijuana, regardless of age.
U.S. adults over age 65 saw more than a tenfold increase in cannabis use from 2007 to 2017, and they used it to treat a range of ailments, including pain, anxiety and depression. The rate of cannabis use by older adults is increasing more quickly than all other age groups. From 2006 to 2013, the rate of past-year marijuana use among people 50 years or older increased by 71.4%.
Interestingly, 5% of older persons who used cannabis in the past year did not start until after age 30, and another 1.2% of older adults used cannabis for the first time after age 60 years. The primary reason for using medicinal marijuana was chronic pain and their desire to reduce use of opiate medications.
However, according to a University of Colorado study, older adults have reported barriers to getting medical marijuana. When discussing cannabis use, participants in 16 of the 17 focus groups expressed a preference to discuss cannabis with their healthcare providers, the individuals whom they have established relationships with and are valued sources of information. Fundamentally, they felt that their healthcare providers lacked education and were unable to provide guidance.
All of our clinicians are trained to guide patients with chronic pain in the appropriate and compassionate use of medical marijuana, regardless of age.
