More than half of senior citizens in New York City are now using marijuana primarily for recreational enjoyment, a recent study from NYU Langone has revealed. The research indicates that recreational use, often described by participants as "to get high," surpasses cannabis consumption for medical reasons such as pain relief, tension reduction, or sleep aid among this demographic.
The study, which surveyed hundreds of older adults in New York City, found that approximately 60% of individuals aged 65 and older reported using marijuana for enjoyment. Dispensary workers have observed that many older customers seek out high-potency products, with some requesting the strongest available strains.
Some elderly cannabis users are revisiting marijuana use now that it is legal, with some noting they were present at the Woodstock music festival. These individuals often express familiarity with cannabis culture, with some reportedly seeking out "classic" strains.
Researchers surveyed 315 elderly individuals and found that 11% had used cannabis in the 24 hours preceding the survey. The study also noted that more seniors reported using marijuana than smoking cigarettes in the past year.
According to Dr. Jeremy Palamar of NYU Langone Health, a co-author of the report, the decrease in stigma associated with cannabis use likely contributes to these trends. He suggested that individuals who grew up in the 1960s, a generation that helped popularize marijuana, may be driving some of this increased usage.
This finding follows previous research indicating a rise in cannabis use among seniors. A study from NYU researchers last year showed a nearly 46% increase in marijuana use among Americans aged 65 and older between 2021 and 2023. A 2022 federal survey indicated that about 8% of seniors in this age group had used marijuana in the past year, a substantial increase from the 0.4% reported in 2007.