World of cannabis has seen a significant increase in acceptance over the past few decades.

As adult-use cannabis has emerged victorious from the war on drugs, it has gained widespread approval from the majority of the population, especially in the United States.

Seniors are among those who have turned to cannabis in recent years.

The number of older adults aged 65 and older using cannabis nearly doubled between 2015 and 2018, and this trend continues to rise.

What is the situation in the United States?

One of the main reasons seniors are embracing cannabis is the sea change in perception surrounding it.

Previously, cannabis use was considered deviant behavior that carried with it public scorn and legal risks. Today, however, marijuana use is largely destigmatized.

For older people who have historically abstained from cannabis use, the reasons for remaining in moderation have been invalidated. In addition, access to cannabis is also a determining factor.

Cannabis dispensaries are now common and accessible in states where cannabis use is legal. Even doctors are increasingly recommending cannabis as a form of treatment for certain ailments in the older adult community.

What are the benefits of cannabis for older adults?

It is important to note that many of the ailments for which cannabis is shown to be a good treatment are more prevalent in the elderly.

Pain management, muscle spasms and nausea are extremely common conditions in this population. Previously, seniors used to rely on a variety of pharmaceuticals to alleviate these types of symptoms, but cannabis is able to offer them the solution to these symptoms in a single product.

In addition, the methods of consuming cannabis have diversified considerably, making it more accessible to people who were historically reluctant to smoke. Cannabis can now be vaporized, taken in pill form, applied topically or consumed in prepackaged edibles prepared in dispensaries.

Cannabis lozenges are particularly suitable for the elderly, as they avoid the sweet taste and offer a product that helps people of that age without forcing them to smoke or consume sugar.

Conclusion

The growing acceptance and adoption of cannabis by older adults raises questions about the role they will play in the cannabis world.

As a more cannabis-interested population ages, it is likely that regular cannabis use will become a common practice among older adults. Hopefully, as this trend takes hold, more answers about the effects of cannabis on the health and well-being of older adults will emerge.

For now, the fact remains that seniors are showing an increased interest in a substance that was previously ignored or even feared.