Older adults and medical marijuana: Reduced stigma and increased use

This study is consistent with other research, as well as with reports from physicians who recommend cannabis in their daily practices. What might be behind this trend? A confluence of factors seems to be responsible, including the decrease in stigma associated with cannabis use and the increased interest in the use of medical marijuana by older patients. Stigma is a complicated issue, but most would agree that the stigma associated with cannabis use is lessening, especially for medical cannabis. In a recent poll, 94% of Americans voiced support for legal access to medical marijuana, and most states have approved some form of legal access. One marker for the decrease in stigma is the recent statement by the 38 million-member AARP, in which they declared their support for the medical use of marijuana for older adults in states that have legalized it, in close consultation with their medical providers, where they can discuss the most up-to-date clinical evidence, weighing the balance of benefits and harms. What conditions are older adults using cannabis for? Studies show that older adults commonly use medical cannabis for the same conditions younger patients do: pain, insomnia, neuropathy, and anxiety. What are the risks for older people using medical cannabis? This is new territory, as either there haven’t been large numbers of older adults who report using medical cannabis, or if they have been using it they have kept it quiet, due to its illegality and due to the stigma. Me...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Healthy Aging Marijuana Pain Management Source Type: blogs