Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — New research from the University of California San Diego and New York University found that marijuana use among adults 65 years and older has increased from 4.8% in 2021 to 7% in recent years. Data showed the largest increase in use was among married women with higher levels of income and education.
"It's better than drinking. I can't balance the drinking so I can see why seniors would start. Plus they have aches and pains, so it's a lot of medicinal qualities, so why not," said one Bostonian who started consuming marijuana at 50 years old.
Research also found a significant increase in use by older individuals with chronic health issues including diabetes, cancer, heart issues, hypertension, and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease.
According to the Pew Research Center, more than 70 % of Americans currently live in a state that has legalized cannabis for either recreational or medical use with 79% living in a county with at least one dispensary.
Last year, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Howard Kessler launched The Commonwealth Project in Massachusetts. The initiative aims to integrate medical cannabis into mainstream health care for seniors 65 and older. The project would also allow seniors to access medical cannabis through systems like Medicare Advantage.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.