Did you know that senior cannabis use is at an all time high? Between 2021 and 2023, use among people aged 65 and older nearly doubled with a 46% increase in reported use. A 2023 survey also found that 7% of adults 65 and older said they’d used the plant in just the last month. That’s a lot of cannabis use for an age group that’s not often associated with weed. Let’s look at why cannabis for seniors is so popular.
Cannabis for therapeutic effects
Our eastside dispensary sees so many different demographics of people every single day. This includes a large number of seniors who come in looking to buy cannabis for therapeutic effects.
A common reason seniors purchase products from our Snoqualmie pot shop is to help with their anxiety. Even though many people from older generations may associate cannabis with increased anxiety and paranoia, times have changed significantly. Dispensary shelves are stocked full of products that are formulated to promote a sense of calm and peace. As time goes on, we learn more and more about how cannabis may help anxiety, making it a popular reason for seniors to turn to the plant.
With aging comes inevitable aches and pains. This is another common reason we see seniors travel from Fall City, North Bend, Issaquah and other cities to visit our dispensary and stock up on products for relief. Plus, many different product types can provide different therapeutic benefits, allowing seniors to tailor their choices to their specific needs. Between topicals, edibles, vapes, flower, tinctures, and all the other options on our shelves, there are many ways seniors can use cannabis for pain relief.
Better sleep for seniors
Another unfortunate side effect of aging is a decline in sleep quality. Sometimes sleep disruptions are caused by factors we discussed above, such as anxiety or pain, but other times, it’s a combination of lifestyle, biology, and various health conditions.
Seniors use cannabis to help with sleep in many ways. For some, smoking or vaping a little bit before bed can help to relax and unwind enough to fall into a peaceful slumber. Others opt for gummies and other edibles that are formulated with sleep-enhancing cannabinoids like CBN for an even sleepier experience.
Recreational use and breaking the stigma
The great thing about living in a state with legal cannabis is that you don’t need a medical reason to use the plant. You can just use weed because you like it.
For many seniors, this is a bit of a new concept. After all, recreational cannabis has only existed in the last decade or so. The idea that adults can legally smoke weed without cause is still surprising to many. We talk with so many seniors who are surprised at how sleek and sophisticated legal weed is. We also hear stories about how people who use cannabis used to only be classified as one thing: lazy stoners.
But those beliefs are changing right in front of us. We know that athletes, students, corporate professionals, parents, and so many other groups of people can use cannabis in a way that helps–not hinders–their lifestyle.
The stigma around cannabis use is fading away, allowing many more seniors to feel comfortable with the idea of cannabis. For some seniors, cannabis is a great way to unwind and have a little fun with something other than alcohol. Since cannabis doesn’t cause hangovers or other side effects associated with alcohol use, it’s become a preferred substance for many seniors looking for a better way to take the edge off.
Final thoughts cannabis for seniors
As the go-to dispensary in Snoqualmie and surrounding areas, we see a lot of seniors come in every single day to stock up on the cannabis products they love most. We love hearing how cannabis has transformed so many lives, from better sleep and less pain to more relaxation and joy.
Our budtenders are happy to help you find the products that fit best for your lifestyle. Just keep in mind that our budtenders and the information posted in this blog is here for one reason only: education. We do not provide medical advice and the information posted here is just a general guide. We always recommend speaking with your doctor if you’re considering using cannabis for a specific condition.
We hope this information will help others better understand the many ways seniors are using cannabis. If you or a loved one are looking to try cannabis but aren’t sure of what to expect, feel free to stop by and chat with our staff. We’re always happy to help users from all walks of life, whether that’s a first time consumer or a seasoned stoner.
