Elderly citizens face increased health risks due to cannabis use

New data has found that the use of cannabis in the elderly is at a high time.

Researchers at UC San Diego and Nyu found that the use of marijuana by Americans aged 65 and older increased by nearly 46% from 2021 to 2023, according to a press release in NYU.

While more states legalize marijuana for recreational use, as well as for medicinal therapies, access to medicine is more widespread, especially among aging adults.

The research, published in Jama domestic medicine, found that 7% of 15,000 adults at this age range reported using cannabis in the last month, according to 2023 data from national drug use and health survey.

This was an increase from 4.8% to 2021 and 5.2% in 2022.

While the use of marijuana grew up in both men and women, it was more widespread in women.

Research found that increased use was associated with health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Those with a college or degree after rank, annual income of $ 75,000 or more, married status and residence in a state of legalized medical cannabis were also more likely to participate.

“Adults with the highest income initially had the lowest prevalence of cannabis use over other income levels, but by 2023, they had the highest prevalence, which could show better access to medical cannabis given its costs,” the researchers noted.

“Significant increasing prevalence in countries with legalized medical cannabis underlines the importance of structural educational support for patients and clinics in those countries.”

Researchers also warned that the use of cannabis products, especially with psychoactive properties, can cause complications in the management of chronic diseases in the elderly.

The study did not see the frequency of use of cannabis, cannabinoid or recreation versus medical use.

In a statement sent to the Fox News Digital, senior author Joseph Palamar, PhD, Associate Professor of Population Health in NYU Langone, noted his concern about the use of cannabis growing among older populations.

Palamar suggested that increased use is likely due to a combination of greater availability, stigma lowering and previous marijuana users aging in group 65+.

“My concern is that some of these people may have unfavorable psychiatric reactions, especially if they use Edibles,” he said. “It is very simple to eat a lot by accident, and then there is no turning back after it has already been swallowed.”

In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Barbara Krantz, medical director at Caron Treating Centers in Florida, confirmed that she has seen a “significant rise” in the use of cannabis by individuals over 50.

While surveys have shown that most older Americans use cannabis to improve sleep, reduce pain, relieve mental health issues and relax, Krantz shared some possible hazards of habit.

These include increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, increased hypertension and tachycardia, as well as deterioration of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Cannabis can also lead to interactions with other medications, which can increase their toxicity or reduce their effectiveness, Krantz warned.

Other potential risks include issues of balance, delayed reaction time, increased confusion or cognitive damage and increased anxiety, depression or anger.

There may also be surgery -related risks, including complications due to anesthesia and delays in healing, the expert noted.

“The elderly should talk to their health care provider and their pharmacist before using a marijuana or cannabis product because there are very true and specific risks to the elderly when using these substances,” Krantz advised.

Senior medical analyst Fox News, Dr. Marc Siegel, commented on these findings during an appearance in the “American News Hall” on Tuesday, mentioning that regular cannabis use can be dangerous if not tracked.

“You can use a donkey to go to bed, and then the next thing, you are using two gummies, or three gummies, and it can increase anxiety, it can increase discommon, you are not thinking clearly, ER visits are growing,” he warned.

“We know about lung problems,” Siegel added. “It can accelerate dementia and can affect behavior.”

The doctor compared the use of marijuana with the effects of smoking cigarettes in terms of heart and lung damage.

“Absolutely absolutely an active chemical we need to take care of, and I’m very worried that the elderly are using it,” he said.

“We have completely danced the weapon [on legalization] Because people are going to the ER with psychosis. They are going there with vomiting disorders. They have car accidents as a result, “he continued.

“We have been studying Colorado since it was legalized there, and the results are not beautiful. We definitely threw the weapon without predicting all the medical risks here.”

Fox News Digital arrived at UC San Diego Researchers for comment.

Melissa Rudy of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.