Cannabis has traditionally been associated with younger users, but recent research highlights why it might be gaining popularity among older adults as well.
While often seen as a substance favored for experimentation by teenagers, marijuana is increasingly becoming popular among older demographics.
The Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR) at the NYU School of Global Public Health has observed significant increases in cannabis use among older adults, especially among individuals who are ‘college-educated, married, female, and possess higher incomes’.
This research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, indicates a growing trend in cannabis consumption among this age group.
Benjamin Han, a researcher affiliated with CDUHR, noted, “If we look even further back to 2006 and 2007, less than one percent of older adults used cannabis in the past year. Now, we’re seeing that seven percent have used it in the past month alone.”
While research has often focused on the impact of cannabis on the cognitive abilities of adolescents, scientists are now exploring its effects on older adults.
Interestingly, it appears to offer certain benefits to some individuals in this age group.
“Plus, people are living longer. We have to ask, ‘What are the long-term effects of cannabis use as we continue to age?’”
Analyzing data from 26,362 adults aged 40 to 77 in the UK, researchers discovered that the brain’s hippocampus, associated with memory, responded favorably to cannabinoids.
Through patient reports of cannabis use, MRI scans assessing brain structure, and cognitive tests, researchers examined brain regions rich in CB1 cannabinoid receptors.
They found that individuals consuming cannabis tended to perform better on cognitive assessments.
Guha remarked, “I was a little surprised that every cognitive measure that demonstrated a significant effect showed better performance among cannabis users. It goes against your default assumptions because I think a lot of research out there has shown cannabis is associated with worse cognitive function, at least acutely.”
However, she advises that ‘moderation is best’, as moderate users showed larger brain volumes and better cognitive test performance, although results can vary among individuals.