Yo, check it out fam. Researchers from the University of Michigan straight up analyzed some fresh data and found that 12.1% of adults in the United States between the ages of 50 and 80 have been lighting up that good ol’ cannabis in the past year. That’s right, grandma and grandpa be getting high too!
And yo, for those who already puff on that chronic, 34.2% of them reported using cannabis products four or more days a week. They ain’t playin’ around, they be getting lifted on the reg.
So, here’s how they got all that info. These researchers looked at data from this survey called the National Poll on Healthy Aging. It’s like a nationwide survey that went down in January 2021, asking adults aged 50 to 80 about their weed habits in the past year. And guess what? Turns out our elders ain’t afraid to get lit.
The researchers also peeped some other factors that could be linked to cannabis use. They used something called “multivariable logistic regression” (I know, sounds complicated) to figure out what kind of demographic and health characteristics were associated with smoking that herb.
They found that peeps who identified as Hispanic or from “other” races were less likely to use cannabis compared to non-Hispanic white folks. So, it seems like different groups have different tastes when it comes to getting blazed.
But here’s the thing, y’all. Cannabis is actually pretty dope for older peeps who are dealing with all kinds of pain and health issues. It helps them with chronic pain and other ailments that come with getting old. Plus, let’s be real, they know about all them side effects from prescription drugs like opioids and sleep aids, so they see weed as a safer and more natural option.
The NORML Deputy Director, Paul Armentano, even said this: “Many older adults struggle with pain, anxiety, restless sleep, and other conditions for which cannabis products often mitigate.” So, it’s all about finding that sweet relief, ya know?
And guess what? This trend ain’t just a one-time thing. Other surveys show the same thing. According to The Hill, the share of Americans aged 65 and older who have used marijuana tripled from 11% in 2009 to 32% in 2019. That’s right, they’re getting high and loving it!
But hold up, fam. The pandemic might’ve messed with the survey results a bit. The numbers could be a little off because of all the craziness that went down. But one thing’s for sure: older peeps be embracing that Mary Jane more than ever before.
And it’s not just old heads who are toking up. People of all ages are jumping on the cannabis train. Gallup showed that half of Americans (yup, 50%!) have tried weed at least once in their lives. That’s a record high, my friends.
And get this: about one in six Americans (17%) say they smoke weed regularly. That’s also an all-time high! So, it’s not just a passing fad, it’s a straight-up lifestyle choice for many peeps.
So, there you have it, folks. More and more people are getting their smoke on, regardless of age. It’s the wave of legalization sweeping across the country that’s making it easier for everyone to light up. So go ahead, grab that joint and puff away. You’re in good company.