Merion Station, PA--Researchers from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia have found that older Americans hold a positive attitude toward the use of cannabis, according to a survey published in the Journal of Primary Care & Community Health.
According to a NORML report, the survey involved participants at least 65 years of age, assessing their attitudes and beliefs concerning cannabis use.
As per the report, key findings from the survey include:
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83% of participants agreed that cannabis is "less harmful to a person's health compared to alcohol"
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67% of participants consider cannabis a "highly important treatment for older adults"
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79% of respondents said they would feel "very comfortable" discussing cannabis use with their primary care providers
The report noted that despite these positive perceptions, fewer than one-in-four participants reported that their physicians had discussed cannabis with them. This finding aligns with numerous previous surveys that show health professionals often avoid discussing medical cannabis use with their patients, often due to inadequate training or knowledge on the subject.
“It is not surprising that a rising percentage of seniors consider cannabis to a viable option in their later years,” said NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano, as per the report. “Many seniors struggle with pain, anxiety, restless sleep, and other conditions for which cannabis products often mitigate. Moreover, many seniors are well aware of the litany of serious adverse side-effects associated with available prescription drugs, like opioids or sleep aids, and they perceive medical cannabis to be a practical and potentially safer alternative.”
The study's authors concluded that further research is required to understand the availability of reliable information for primary care providers (PCPs) as the demand for medical cannabis use among older adults continues to increase.
The report noted that survey data shows that cannabis use among Americans aged 65 and older has significantly risen over the past two decades. According to data compiled by Pew, 86 percent of those aged 65 and older believe that cannabis should be legalized for medical or recreational use.
Learn more in the full NORML report.