Julie Bobitt1, Sara H Qualls2, Melissa Schuchman2, Robert Wickersham2, Hillary D Lum3,4, Kanika Arora5, Gary Milavetz6, Brian Kaskie5. 1. Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 1206 S. Fourth Street, 228 Huff Hall, MC-586, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA. jbobitt@illinois.edu. 2. Psychology Department and Gerontology Center, University of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA. 3. Eastern Colorado VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, CO, USA. 4. Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA. 5. Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA. 6. Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although the rate of cannabis use by older adults is increasing more quickly than all other age groups, little is known about the reasons why older adults use cannabis and the outcomes they experience. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the most salient themes concerning the use of medical and recreational cannabis by older adults living in Colorado. Specifically, we sought to (1) characterize perceptions of cannabis use by users and non-users, (2) determine how older adults access cannabis, and (3) explicate both positive and negative outcomes associated with cannabis use. METHODS: Between June and November 2017, we conducted 17 focus groups in senior centers, health clinics, and cannabis dispensaries in 15 Colorado cities. Participants included 136 persons aged over 60 years who were both users and non-users of cannabis. We coded and analyzed session transcripts using thematic analysis with NVivo software. RESULTS: We identified 16 codes from which five main themes emerged. These themes included: a lack of education and research about cannabis, a lack of provider communication, access to medical cannabis, the outcomes of cannabis use, and a reluctance to discuss cannabis use. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults want more information about cannabis and desire to communicate with their healthcare providers. Older adults who used cannabis for medical purposes reported positive outcomes but highlighted difficulties in accessing medical cannabis. Older adults in Colorado also revealed how a stigma continues to be attached to using cannabis.
BACKGROUND: Although the rate of cannabis use by older adults is increasing more quickly than all other age groups, little is known about the reasons why older adults use cannabis and the outcomes they experience. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the most salient themes concerning the use of medical and recreational cannabis by older adults living in Colorado. Specifically, we sought to (1) characterize perceptions of cannabis use by users and non-users, (2) determine how older adults access cannabis, and (3) explicate both positive and negative outcomes associated with cannabis use. METHODS: Between June and November 2017, we conducted 17 focus groups in senior centers, health clinics, and cannabis dispensaries in 15 Colorado cities. Participants included 136 persons aged over 60 years who were both users and non-users of cannabis. We coded and analyzed session transcripts using thematic analysis with NVivo software. RESULTS: We identified 16 codes from which five main themes emerged. These themes included: a lack of education and research about cannabis, a lack of provider communication, access to medical cannabis, the outcomes of cannabis use, and a reluctance to discuss cannabis use. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults want more information about cannabis and desire to communicate with their healthcare providers. Older adults who used cannabis for medical purposes reported positive outcomes but highlighted difficulties in accessing medical cannabis. Older adults in Colorado also revealed how a stigma continues to be attached to using cannabis.
Authors: Philippe Lucas; Zach Walsh; Kim Crosby; Robert Callaway; Lynne Belle-Isle; Robert Kay; Rielle Capler; Susan Holtzman Journal: Drug Alcohol Rev Date: 2015-09-14
Authors: Hillary D Lum; Kanika Arora; J Alton Croker; Sara H Qualls; Melissa Schuchman; Julie Bobitt; Gary Milavetz; Brian Kaskie Journal: Gerontol Geriatr Med Date: 2019-04-26
Authors: Gwen T Lapham; Theresa E Matson; David S Carrell; Jennifer F Bobb; Casey Luce; Malia M Oliver; Udi E Ghitza; Clarissa Hsu; Kendall C Browne; Ingrid A Binswanger; Cynthia I Campbell; Andrew J Saxon; Ryan Vandrey; Gillian L Schauer; Rosalie Liccardo Pacula; Michael A Horberg; Steffani R Bailey; Erin A McClure; Katharine A Bradley Journal: JAMA Netw Open Date: 2022-05-02
Authors: Nina Pocuca; T Jordan Walter; Arpi Minassian; Jared W Young; Mark A Geyer; William Perry Journal: Arch Clin Neuropsychol Date: 2021-07-19 Impact factor: 2.813