According to the United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2023, the number of older adults who use cannabis increased compared with 2021, rising from 5% to 7%.
However, according to the Stanford University School of Medicine, the cognitive problems, heart diseases, and even types of cancer that cannabis can cause are unknown, so they shared 5 warnings.
Today’s cannabis is much more potent
In 1970, cannabis contained between 1% and 4% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive compound. However, today it contains from 20% to 35%.
It can increase the risk of heart disease and cognitive problems
Several studies link constant cannabis use with cardiovascular diseases. Expert Joseph Wu, director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute
The addiction it can cause
It has been proven that 30% of cannabis users can develop addiction.
Cannabis derivatives help with conditions, but not the plant as a whole
The Food and Drug Administration has not approved cannabis for medical use, only its derivatives such as cannabidol. While there are studies that say it does relieve pain, others say it is only a placebo effect.
It is always necessary to consult a health professional first; never self-medicate
If there is any doubt regarding cannabis use, it is best to inform the doctor that an older adult is a user to see whether its use, whether recreational or to relieve pain, may be harmful to health.