1 in 4 Older Michiganders Now Use Cannabis as Stigma Fades

Older Michiganders Embrace Cannabis, but Some Face Risks of Dependence

As cannabis becomes increasingly popular among Michiganders aged 50 and older, its use for relaxation, pain relief, and mental health is growing faster in the state than the rest of the country. According to a recent University of Michigan survey, older adults in Michigan are turning to cannabis more frequently than their counterparts nationwide, although some are encountering risks of dependence.

Older Adults in Michigan Turning to Cannabis

Whether it’s to manage pain, help with sleep, or simply “feel good,” more than 1 in 4 Michiganders aged 50 and older (27%) reported using cannabis in the past year, compared to 21% of older adults across the U.S. Additionally, 9% of older Michiganders use cannabis daily, almost double the national average of 5%. These findings were revealed in the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging, which focused on the use of cannabis products containing THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana.

According to the poll, Michiganders aged 50 and older use cannabis for a variety of reasons:

84% to relax

70% to help with sleep

66% for pain management

65% to feel good

54% to improve mental health

Older adults in Michigan are also more likely than others to discuss their cannabis use with a doctor—56% of respondents had done so, compared to 42% nationally. However, cannabis-related risks still exist, including impaired driving. About 1 in 5 Michigan respondents admitted to driving within two hours of using cannabis, a behavior that can lead to accidents and legal consequences.

Growing Acceptance and Use Among Seniors

Cannabis use among older adults is becoming more normalized, according to Jerry Millen, owner of Greenhouse, a cannabis shop in Walled Lake, Michigan. Millen recently hosted an educational event for retirees interested in cannabis. “Older people now are more comfortable with it. It’s our job to normalize it,” Millen said, noting that he has seen a growing number of seniors visiting his dispensary.

Alcohol, which takes a greater toll on the aging body, is being replaced by cannabis for some. Seniors prefer using cannabis creams for arthritis pain and gummies to help them relax and sleep. “Gummies seem to be the go-to because there are more of them than anything,” Millen said, adding that seniors still enjoy traditional cannabis smoking as well.

Michigan’s Legal Cannabis Access Boosts Usage

Michigan has long been a leader in cannabis accessibility, having legalized medical marijuana in 2008 and recreational use in 2018. With more than $3.2 billion in cannabis sales for the year ending in May, Michigan’s cannabis market is one of the most robust in the U.S. According to Pew Research, the state is among the top five with the most dispensaries. The legal landscape in Michigan, coupled with easy access to cannabis products, has likely contributed to higher-than-average cannabis use among older adults.

Erin Bonar, a University of Michigan addiction psychologist and advisor to the poll, believes Michigan’s longer history of legal marijuana plays a role in the higher usage rates among seniors. Bonar also noted that many older adults in Michigan are using cannabis to manage health conditions such as chronic pain. “Generally speaking, people want to feel good. They are using it [cannabis] in an attempt to try to treat the pain or mental health condition,” she said.

While some older adults are trying cannabis for the first time, others are returning to it after years of abstinence, often due to increased availability and new medical needs. Many older users report that the stigma surrounding cannabis has diminished significantly.

Concerns About Risky Behavior and Dependence

Despite the benefits some older adults experience from using cannabis, there are concerns about potential risks. One of the most alarming findings from the University of Michigan poll was the rate of risky behavior among Michiganders who use cannabis, particularly those who drive under the influence. Driving within two hours of using cannabis is dangerous due to the potential for impaired judgment and reaction times.

Another concern is the increased risk of dependence. The poll showed that older Michiganders were more likely than their national peers to exhibit signs of cannabis dependence, including needing higher doses to feel the effects (35% in Michigan versus 22% nationally) and increasing the frequency of use (20% in Michigan versus 11% nationally).

Bonar warned that while not everyone becomes addicted to cannabis, and the drug does not carry the same overdose risks as opioids, dependence can still negatively impact quality of life. “Cannabis dependence gets in the way of your life and your relationship, your social role, how you feel day-to-day and what you can do,” she said.

Stronger Cannabis Products Raise New Risks

One of the factors contributing to dependence and risky behavior is the potency of modern cannabis. In the survey, 83% of Michigan respondents said that today’s cannabis is stronger than it was 20 or 30 years ago. This increase in potency may lead to users unintentionally consuming more THC than intended, increasing the likelihood of adverse effects such as anxiety, paranoia, or physical discomfort.

While cannabis dependence is less harmful than other substances, Bonar emphasizes the importance of balancing the positive effects with potential drawbacks. She expressed concern that the risks associated with cannabis use are often overshadowed by widespread promotion and marketing of the drug. The challenge now is to ensure that older adults have access to reliable information about both the benefits and potential risks of using cannabis.

As more older Michiganders turn to cannabis for relaxation, pain relief, and mental health support, the state’s cannabis industry continues to thrive. With long-standing legal access and a wide variety of products available, older adults in Michigan are embracing cannabis at higher rates than the rest of the country. However, as cannabis use becomes more common, the risks of dependence and dangerous behaviors like impaired driving also grow. The challenge for health professionals and the cannabis industry will be to educate users, particularly seniors, on how to use cannabis safely and responsibly while minimizing potential harm.