Self-Medicating Choices of Those >60

A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society of 568 people surveyed found that 15% used cannabis within the past 3 years, over 50% of those surveyed used it regularly (daily or weekly), and 78% used it for self-medicating. Patients reported most commonly smoking, taking tinctures, or using lotions to combat depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and pain/arthritis. Of interest, researchers discovered that over 60% of users of cannabis started after age 60.

Alison Moore, MD, senior author and chief of the Division of Geriatrics in the Department of Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine, commented, “The findings demonstrate the need for the clinical workforce to become aware of cannabis use by seniors and to gain awareness of both the benefits and risks of cannabis use in their patient population. Given the prevalence of use, it may be important to incorporate evidence-backed information about cannabis use into medical school and use screening questions about cannabis as a regular part of clinic visits.” The study concludes, “Cannabis use by older adults is likely to increase due to medical need, favorable legalization, and attitudes.”

 

Read the press release on Newswise.

Other Categories:

• cannabinoids

• cannabis

• depression

• geriatric pain management

• sleep disorders