Further boomers include cannabis

Despite what the government think, marijuana becomes more popular for the more than 60 people

While Z is known to drink less and make California sober, a surprising trend is created: older adults – especially baby boomers and gene xer – are increasingly turning to cannabis. However, this shift is all about hunting a high. It's about wellness, pain relief and safer alternatives to traditional medication.

With almost 73 million baby boomers that are now over 60 years old, and gen X, not far behind, pays attention to the cannabis industry. This demographic population is now careful or even skeptical about marijuana exploit it to facilitate chronic pain, arthritis, insomnia and even to improve intimacy and mental well-being.

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Many older adults also rethink their relationship with alcohol. A glass of wine or a cocktail was the opportunity to relax or spark the connection for decades. But the concerns about the effects of alcohol on sleep, liver health and in particular the balance that can increase the risk of fall have caused many seniors to explore cannabis as a gentler and more functional alternative. For some, a low-dose cannabis improves relaxation and intimacy without being able to bring alcohol or security risks alcohol, which offers a more mindful way to relax.

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“We see more older patients who are interested in a wider wellness plan for cannabis,” said Dr. Leslie Mendoza Temple, Medical Director of Integrative Medicine at the University of University in Illinois. “You are not interested in getting high – you want to cope with the symptoms and maintain independence.”

A study in 2020 published in the journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that almost every five adults over 60 had used cannabis last year, mostly for medical reasons such as pain, sleep disorders or anxiety. The majority reported that cannabis was helpful and only caused a few side effects.

In contrast to opioids that can make addictive and take considerable risks – especially for seniors – cannabis is generally considered a safer if they are used under medical supervision. Low foods, CBD tinctures and topical creams are among the most popular products for this age group and offer a controlled experience that is tailored to wellness needs.

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The advantages go beyond physical relief. Many older adults say that cannabis helps to reduce stress, improve the quality of sleep and even to resume intimacy – an area that is often overlooked in traditional medicine, but is of crucial importance for emotional health when people get older.

“Today's older adults are more proactive in terms of their health,” said Dr. Carrie D. Jones, a geriatric specialist in Denver. “You want options that work with your bodies, not against you. Cannabis becomes one of these options.”

If the legislation develops further and stigma fades, they expect more boomers and gene xer cannabis – not to escape life, but rather to enjoy it better. With careful use and medical supervision, marijuana can become one of the defining wellness tools of the next aging generation. If only the federal government will see the national trends.