More seniors are smoking Marijuana


Every day more stereotypes about seniors are being broken. As reported by the San Francisco Gate-Chronicle newspaper, an increasing number of seniors are smoking marijuana.

A study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that marijuana use among Americans aged 50 and over grew from 1.9 per cent in 2002 to 2.9 per cent in 2008. The biggest jump in marijuana use was among the 55 to 59 year-old demographic.

According to the newspaper, many Baby Boomers and seniors look to the drug as a way to ease various aches and pains.

But those aren’t the only reasons. Florence Siegel, an 88 year-old marijuana user, told the news source that she uses the drug to help her relax and fall asleep at night, although she did have one complaint. “I never learned how to roll a joint,” she said. “It's just a big nuisance. It's much easier to fill a pipe.”

As the Baby Boomer population ages across North America, and as more seniors begin to expand and move into assisted living and Alzheimer’s Care communities in larger numbers, there is a good chance that marijuana will continue to grow in popularity.

What do you think? Is marijuana a good option for seniors in pain or discomfort? Should it be legalized?

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