Research Suggests the Older You Get, the More Weed You Should Smoke

Live updates

1. 7d ago

   Cannabis Use Rises Among Americans as Alcohol and Cigarette Use Drops

   A federal survey indicates that cannabis use is increasing among Americans even though it remains illegal. This rise occurs alongside a decline in the use of cigarettes and alcohol. Other recent health research highlights how aging lungs can trigger inflammatory responses that damage tissue during flu and COVID infections. Additionally, some studies suggest that high protein intake may accelerate aging in sedentary individuals, contradicting the current trend of protein maxxing.

   Why it matters

   These shifts in substance use and dietary habits reflect broader changes in how adults manage health and aging. Understanding the intersection of lifestyle choices and biological decline helps identify risks for older populations.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Cannabis use is growing among Americans while alcohol and cigarette use are declining according to a federal survey
   • Aging lung cells can trigger an exaggerated immune response that damages tissue during flu and COVID infections
   • Reducing protein intake could add years to a person's life
   • High protein intake may accelerate aging in sedentary people

   What to watch next

   • Further federal data on the demographics of increasing cannabis use
   • Clinical trials on protein restriction and lifespan extension
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.sciencedaily.com — Scientists discover why flu and COVID hit older adults so hard
   2. www.forbes.com — Cannabis Use Climbs As Alcohol And Cigarette Use Decline, Survey Shows
   3. www.scientificamerican.com — Eating less protein could help you live longer
   4. www.sciencenews.org — The protein craze may not be for everyone
   5. www.psychologytoday.com — Aging Well at Any Age
   confidence 70%
2. 13d ago

   Cannabis Use Trends Among Older Adults

   Cannabis use is increasing among adults aged 60 and older to treat pain and sleep issues. This trend occurs as substance use metrics improve among youth. Research continues into how aging bodies respond to dietary and medicinal changes.

   What's confirmed:

   • U.S. government data shows continued improvements in several metrics regarding substance use and addiction among young people.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Adjusting diet from midlife onwards may possibly add a decade to a person's life.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. Your body changes as you age and so should your diet – here’s how
   2. Federal survey shows promising trends for youth mental health and drug use
   confidence 90%
3. 40d ago

   Older Americans Use Cannabis in Record Numbers

   Cannabis use is rising among older adults, particularly for managing sleep and pain. This growth occurs while use among adolescents is not increasing. Recent trends focus on the medical implications for the 60 and older population.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Older Americans have been using marijuana in record numbers recently to help with sleep and pain.
   • Cannabis use is increasing in most age groups except adolescents.
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. National Today
   2. Marijuana News -- ScienceDaily
   3. Smoking News -- ScienceDaily
   4. Cannabis Use in Adults 60 and Older: Recent Trends & Insights
   5. Green goes gray: Older folks trying weed in record numbers for help ...
   6. Marijuana News: Latest & Breaking Marijuana Headlines and Today's News ...
   7. Cannabis Wire - US and world cannabis news, policy, regulation, and ...
   8. AARP Research
   confidence 50%
4. 45d ago

   Research Indicates Cannabis May Protect Aging Brains

   New studies suggest cannabis use in middle-aged and older adults may slow brain aging and improve cognitive function. Some research indicates that higher consumption levels might be necessary for these health benefits. However, older adults remain more susceptible to the drug's side effects.

   What's confirmed:

   • Cannabis use by older adults is linked to slower brain aging and improved cognitive function.
   • Middle-aged and older adults use cannabis to treat medical conditions, improve mood, and relieve pain.
   • Older adults are more vulnerable to the side effects of cannabis.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Aging adults may need higher cannabis consumption to achieve health benefits.
   • Daily low-level cannabis use does not negatively impact cognition in older adults.
   • Cannabis helps protect the aging brain against biological wear and tear and neurodegenerative diseases.
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. 7 unexpected takeaways from the newest research on cannabis and brain effects
   2. New Study Links Cannabis Use to Memory Changes, Sparks Discussion Among Local Users
   3. Research Suggests the Older You Get, the More Weed You Should Smoke
   4. A Complete Guide To The Very Best Prime Day Deals — Here Are The Top Items From Every Category
   5. Does heavy drinking accelerate brain aging and Alzheimer’s? What the latest evidence says
   6. Research Suggests the Older You Get, the More Weed You Should Smoke
   7. Cannabinol May Guard Seniors' Brains Against Dementia, Researchers Say
   8. Cannabis may benefit aging brains, study finds - New York Post
   9. The Benefits of Daily Cannabis for the Middle-Aged Brain
   10. Relief or risk? Using cannabis as we age - Harvard Health
   11. Cannabis Compounds May Promote Healthy Aging, New Research Finds - Forbes
   12. Cannabis Use by Older Adults Linked to 'Younger Brains' and Improved ...
   confidence 80%