Seniors, 65+ years old, are now the fastest-growing group of cannabis users in the United States. This generation grew up during the war on drugs but is now open to trying cannabis, often for the first time.
A recent study has found that Seniors use cannabis daily to help address some of the nuisances of aging: poor sleep, aches and pains, and mood. Most regularly prefer it over other medications: sleeping pills, antidepressants, and even opioids.
With the rise of the “more plants, fewer pills” mentality, the cannabis wellness industry is on the verge of a significant breakthrough that could disrupt the big pharma market in the United States.
Since 2020, The United States has spent $4 trillion a year on health care. In 2021, almost $580 billion was spent on pharmaceuticals alone. 30% of Seniors, 65+ years old, take five or more pharmaceuticals daily.
CNN has made a documentary covering the growing trend of cannabis use among seniors called “Weed 7: A Senior Moment.”
In the documentary, Dr. Gupta travels from research facilities in Tel Aviv, Israel, to a senior living community in West Palm Beach running an experimental cannabis treatment pilot program, as he learns more about how seniors are using the drug for pain relief, better sleep, less anxiety, weight gain and more.
In California, he boards a “cannabus” providing transport to seniors who cannot otherwise access dispensaries and visits one of the largest cannabis growing operations in the world, where plants are designed with seniors in mind.
