American seniors are consuming more and more weed

The cannabis use declines among young americans. What's more surprising is the rise in alcohol and cannabis consumption among seniors.

Two new studies show that since 2006, senior citizens have been smoking more and more weed. In 2006, only 4.5% of 50/64 year-olds smoked and 0.4% for those aged 65 and over. Since then, these rates have risen to 7.1% for the 50/64 age group and 1.4% for the older age group. This represents an increase of 58% for the former and 250% for those aged 65 and over. This study was carried out by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This increase affects all social classes of senior citizens, with single people or widows tending to consume more (8.5%).

Medical cannabis and a second youth

The authors of this study conclude that the democratization of medical cannabis could lead to this increase. People suffering from depression or anxiety would be the main consumers of therapeutic weed. The authors suggest that the baby-boom generation who lived through the hippie movement are finding a new lease on life with this free access to cannabis, and that these rates will continue to rise as subsequent generations have also grown up with weed.

Joseph Palamar, co-author of the study says: «I'm concerned because cannabis is still illegal in many states. Senior citizens could face jail time, and no one wants to see their grandmother in jail.»

Not just smoking...

Older people like to stick it to each other. Another study published in the journal «Drug and Alcohol dependence» suggests that senior citizens enjoy binge drinking. In 2014, 15% of seniors drank without moderation, an increase of 2 % in 10 years. Only 8.6 % of widowers tend to drink heavily, while 18.5% of divorcees and bachelors drink every month. Women seem to fare better than men, as 9.1% of them drink regularly.

Théo Caillart