AMA releases study on older adults' marijuana motivations and preferences
Updated
Updated · Marijuana Moment · May 8
AMA releases study on older adults' marijuana motivations and preferences
13 articles · Updated · Marijuana Moment · May 8
The federally funded JAMA Network Open study interviewed 169 US adults aged 60-plus, finding sleep, pain and mental health were the main reasons for seeking cannabis.
Researchers said many participants viewed marijuana as safer than pharmaceuticals, often after other treatments failed, and 58% preferred THC-CBD edibles over CBD-dominant or THC-dominant products.
Authors said most were not seeking intoxication but better quality of life, and called for clearer clinical guidance as older Americans become the fastest-growing cannabis consumer group.
With marijuana now medicine, will doctors finally learn how to guide older patients using it?
How can seniors find safe cannabis products when most product labels are dangerously inaccurate?
Why More Seniors Are Turning to Cannabis Edibles: A Deep Dive into Benefits, Dangers, and the Need for Better Guidance
Overview
More older adults are turning to cannabis edibles as they seek alternatives to traditional medications, which often have unwanted side effects or fail to provide enough relief. Many use CBD to replace or supplement prescribed drugs, especially for pain management. While scientific consensus on cannabis’s effectiveness for conditions like chronic pain and insomnia is still lacking, some early research suggests older users may even show better cognitive performance. This trend highlights a shift in how older adults manage their health, balancing the hope for benefits with the need for more research and careful guidance.