The latest University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging indicates 21% of people aged 50 or older have used cannabis products containing THC in the last year, and 12% are using them monthly.
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, a cannabinoid most often associated with marijuana’s “high”. The poll, supported by AARP and Michigan Medicine – U-M’s academic medical center – focused on the use of THC, not CBD-only products.
The latest findings indicate significant growth – in 2023 the survey found 12.1% of participants reported cannabis use in the prior year compared to 9.5% in 2019 and just 3% in 2006, when only 12 states had passed medical cannabis laws.
The most common reasons among this age group for using cannabis were:
- As a sleep aid (68%)
- For pain relief (63%)
- Help with mental health (53%)
- and/or to relax or feel good (81%).
But the poll results also highlight potentially risky behaviors related to cannabis use.
- Nearly half using cannabis products at least monthly had not discussed this with their health care provider – this is a concern as cannabis can interact with other medicines; impacting their potency and effectiveness.
- 27% of monthly users said they had driven a vehicle within two hours of consumption, which in some cases would be during the impairment window.
- 20% reported at least one sign of potential dependence on cannabis.
- 22% of monthly users said in the past year they had to use more cannabis to feel the desired effects.
- 21% said using the same amount of cannabis had less of an effect.
- 17% had increased the amount or frequency of use.
- 13% reported strong desires or cravings to use cannabis with THC.
Other findings include:
- 79% agreed that cannabis is stronger today than it was 20 to 30 years ago.
- 72% said they believe people can become addicted to cannabis.
“With some form of cannabis use now legalized in 38 states and on the ballot this November in several others, and the federal rescheduling process under way, cannabis use is likely to grow,” said Erin E. Bonar, Ph.D., who worked with the polling team. “But as this poll shows, it is not risk-free, and more attention is needed to identify and reduce those risks.”
