Researchers at the National Institutes of Health conducted an extensive study spanning a decade that found a rather surprising and unnerving trend. The number of marijuana smokers between the ages of 45 and 64 nearly tripled from 1991 to 2001. In the more recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the number of recent users over age 50 has climbed to 2.65 million nationwide. Since much of this study was self-reported, I suspect the numbers underestimate the extent of marijuana use in this age group.
Granted, we are unclear the numbers of medical marijuana users are included in these numbers. Many of the participants appear to have continued smoking throughout their lifetime but a significant number have resumed the drug’s use. Although unsupported by research, substance abuse professionals feel that marriage and children tend to reduce drug use while divorce and retirement tend to increase drug use. It’s also clear that “resumers” were not drawn back to smoking by their children. Rather, users cite a desire for the calm and serenity that comes with marijuana that they didn’t experience when they were younger. They’re seeking the fabled “mellow”.
Let’s be very clear about why we point out this behavior. There are very real legal and medical consequences to drug use. In particular, the greatest danger for Baby Boomers is a fivefold increase in the risk of heart disease. A 2008 American Heart Journal study also found increased instances of cardiovascular distress and death in recreational smokers. We strongly encourage our readers to identify legal and safe ways to reduce stress and cope with the pressures of their lives.
Filed under: Health | Tagged: marijuana use
