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The number of people over age 65 using marijuana is increasing faster than any other age group, but they think doctors need to catch up
Nov
More and more older people are turning to cannabis for their ailments, because it can soothe the symptoms of problems like arthritis, Parkinson’s, and chronic pain. A new study suggests that the number of people using marijuana is increasing faster for those aged over 65 than for any other age group, but they come up against many barriers when trying to access it.
“Older Americans are using cannabis for a lot of different reasons,” said Hillary Lum, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and coauthor of the study. “Some use it to manage pain while others use it for depression or anxiety.”
But the study, published this month in the journal Drugs & Aging, found that a lack of research, unclear communication with doctors, and a reluctance to be honest about its use due to stigma, are all stopping older people getting the products they need.
Read more from the source: Insider.com
Photo: Johnce / Getty
