Kevin H Yang1, Christopher N Kaufmann1, Reva Nafsu1, Ella T Lifset1, Khai Nguyen1, Michelle Sexton2, Benjamin H Han1, Arum Kim3, Alison A Moore1. 1. Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California. 2. Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California. 3. Division of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: Use of cannabis is increasing in a variety of populations in the United States; however, few investigations about how and for what reasons cannabis is used in older populations exist. DESIGN: Anonymous survey. SETTING: Geriatrics clinic. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 568 adults 65 years and older. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MEASUREMENTS: Survey assessing characteristics of cannabis use. RESULTS: Approximately 15% (N = 83) of survey responders reported using cannabis within the past 3 years. Half (53%) reported using cannabis regularly on a daily or weekly basis, and reported using cannabidiol-only products (46%). The majority (78%) used cannabis for medical purposes only, with the most common targeted conditions/symptoms being pain/arthritis (73%), sleep disturbance (29%), anxiety (24%), and depression (17%). Just over three-quarters reported cannabis "somewhat" or "extremely" helpful in managing one of these conditions, with few adverse effects. Just over half obtained cannabis via a dispensary, and lotions (35%), tinctures (35%), and smoking (30%) were the most common administration forms. Most indicated family members (94%) knew about their cannabis use, about half reported their friends knew, and 41% reported their healthcare provider knowing. Sixty-one percent used cannabis for the first time as older adults (aged ≥61 years), and these users overall engaged in less risky use patterns (e.g., more likely to use for medical purposes, less likely to consume via smoking). CONCLUSION: Most older adults in the sample initiated cannabis use after the age of 60 years and used it primarily for medical purposes to treat pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and/or depression. Cannabis use by older adults is likely to increase due to medical need, favorable legalization, and attitudes.
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: Use of cannabis is increasing in a variety of populations in the United States; however, few investigations about how and for what reasons cannabis is used in older populations exist. DESIGN: Anonymous survey. SETTING: Geriatrics clinic. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 568 adults 65 years and older. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MEASUREMENTS: Survey assessing characteristics of cannabis use. RESULTS: Approximately 15% (N = 83) of survey responders reported using cannabis within the past 3 years. Half (53%) reported using cannabis regularly on a daily or weekly basis, and reported using cannabidiol-only products (46%). The majority (78%) used cannabis for medical purposes only, with the most common targeted conditions/symptoms being pain/arthritis (73%), sleep disturbance (29%), anxiety (24%), and depression (17%). Just over three-quarters reported cannabis "somewhat" or "extremely" helpful in managing one of these conditions, with few adverse effects. Just over half obtained cannabis via a dispensary, and lotions (35%), tinctures (35%), and smoking (30%) were the most common administration forms. Most indicated family members (94%) knew about their cannabis use, about half reported their friends knew, and 41% reported their healthcare provider knowing. Sixty-one percent used cannabis for the first time as older adults (aged ≥61 years), and these users overall engaged in less risky use patterns (e.g., more likely to use for medical purposes, less likely to consume via smoking). CONCLUSION: Most older adults in the sample initiated cannabis use after the age of 60 years and used it primarily for medical purposes to treat pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and/or depression. Cannabis use by older adults is likely to increase due to medical need, favorable legalization, and attitudes.
Authors: Nancy A Haug; Claudia B Padula; James E Sottile; Ryan Vandrey; Adrienne J Heinz; Marcel O Bonn-Miller Journal: Addict Behav Date: 2017-03-09 Impact factor: 3.913
Authors: Penny F Whiting; Robert F Wolff; Sohan Deshpande; Marcello Di Nisio; Steven Duffy; Adrian V Hernandez; J Christiaan Keurentjes; Shona Lang; Kate Misso; Steve Ryder; Simone Schmidlkofer; Marie Westwood; Jos Kleijnen Journal: JAMA Date: 2015 Jun 23-30 Impact factor: 56.272
Authors: Zach Walsh; Robert Callaway; Lynne Belle-Isle; Rielle Capler; Robert Kay; Philippe Lucas; Susan Holtzman Journal: Int J Drug Policy Date: 2013-09-09
Authors: Laura MacNair; Maja Kalaba; Erica N Peters; Matthew T Feldner; Graham M L Eglit; Lucile Rapin; Cynthia El Hage; Erin Prosk; Mark A Ware Journal: J Cannabis Res Date: 2022-09-22
Authors: Benjamin H Han; Makaya Funk-White; Roxanne Ko; Tala Al-Rousan; Joseph J Palamar Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2021-05-26 Impact factor: 7.538