Older Coloradans Marijuana Use on the Rise
As cannabis use continues to grow across the nation, it is a trend that has not spared Colorado's senior population. Recent state data reveals that the percentage of older adults using marijuana has significantly increased in the past few years.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8.4% of individuals aged 65 or older reported marijuana use in the past year in 2022. This is a substantial jump from the mere 0.4% of older adults who reported using marijuana in 2007.
In Colorado specifically, the percentage of individuals aged 65 or older who reported using marijuana at least once in the past 30 days has risen from 3% in 2014 to 8% in 2021, according to the state health department's latest available data. The figure peaked at 9% in both 2020 and 2019.
A survey conducted in 2021 found that the majority of seniors who used cannabis did so for medicinal purposes, such as alleviating symptoms of arthritis or improving sleep.
The increasing acceptance of marijuana use can be attributed, in part, to the fading social stigma surrounding its usage. A Pew Research report from November 2022 revealed that 59% of adults in the U.S. believe marijuana should be legal for both medical and recreational use.
READ MORE:
COLORADO GOVERNOR SPARKS CONTROVERSY WITH BOLD MARIJUANA MOVE
MEN IN THE U.S. ARE DYING NEARLY SIX YEARS BEFORE WOMEN, NEW STUDY
It is important to consider the bigger picture as well.
More than half of Americans now reside in states where marijuana use is legal, with Ohio becoming the latest addition this fall. As we approach the 10-year mark since recreational marijuana sales began in Colorado, it is evident that the landscape of marijuana use is rapidly evolving.
While some may argue that the legalization of marijuana has brought about positive outcomes, concerns have also emerged. The increase in marijuana use among older Coloradans raises questions about potential health risks and the long-term impact on their well-being.