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 When you think of marijuana use, jam-bands and young people come to mind, but think again. The Baby Boomer generation, consisting of the 78 million people born between 1945 and 1964, is growing older and getting high.
The percentage of people aged 50 and older who reported marijuana use has risen from 1.9 to 2.9. These numbers are based on surveys given by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration between 2002 and 2008.
In the 55-59 age range, the most significant increase occurred. Reported use more-than tripled, jumping from around 1.5 to 5.1 percent. Seniors in the 50-54 age range saw the next largest increase, going from around 4.2 to 5.3 percent.
Dr. Kenneth B. Muir, a professor in the sociology department, said:
“There are a few reasons for the rise in marijuana use by older Americans: First, their acceptance is based on Baby Boomers suffering from more diseases associated with aging -- things like arthritis, degenerative joints, etc. -- And second, and they grew up with a more accepting attitude toward marijuana use than the generation before them.
Finally, the cost of medical marijuana is far less than prescription drugs and many older Americans are, obviously, on fixed incomes.”
88-year old Florence Siegel told the Associated Press that smoking marijuana helps her sleep and she doesn’t understand why everyone her age isn’t participating. Siegel was well into her 50’s before she tried marijuana.
“They’re missing out on a lot of fun and a lot of relief,” she said. Her only complaint is that she finds rolling a joint to be a hassle, so she prefers using a pipe.
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) is a group working to change marijuana laws all over the country. They see this shift in usage as a positive thing in terms of marijuana politics.
Keith Stroup, the founder and lawyer of NORML, said, “For the longest time, our political opponents were older Americans who were not familiar with marijuana and had lived through the 'Reefer Madness' mentality and they considered marijuana a very dangerous drug.”
Stroup, 66, openly admits to smoking marijuana on a daily basis ever since his days as a freshman in college, but many older Americans are reverting back years after quitting.
"The kids are grown, they're out of school, you've got time on your hands and frankly, it's a time when you can really enjoy marijuana," Stroup said. "Food tastes better, music sounds better, and sex is more enjoyable."
Marijuana is listed by the federal government is a Schedule 1 drug, which means it has no recognized medicinal value and a high risk for being abused, but the debate over this has been going on for decades
On one side of the argument, some doctors say that marijuana use among this aging generation can pose some health risks. Along with the increased risk of heart disease and mental impairment, users could get dizzy and have an increased chance of falling.
In support of Medical Marijuana, 14 states currently have laws in place that allow doctors to prescribe marijuana as an alternative medicine for everything from body aches to glaucoma.
“I think the medical evidence is clear that the medicinal value of marijuana use far outweighs any negative consequences of occasional smoking,” Muir said.
Story: WILL JOHNSON, World Today Contributor
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