High Treatment Admissions In States Banning Marijuana Amid Senior Usage Rise During COVID-19

Newly released data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reveals a paradoxical scenario in the United States, where states upholding marijuana prohibition witness elevated treatment admissions, juxtaposed with a surge in cannabis use among older Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, as highlighted by a study from the University of Michigan's Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.

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SAMHSA Data Exposes Treatment Disparities

Recent data covering 2021 challenges preconceived notions about marijuana legalization's impact. States where cannabis sales remain illegal report disproportionately higher rates of treatment admissions related to the substance.

The Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) for 2021 discloses that 10.2 percent of all admissions were marijuana-related, positioning it as the fourth most common substance for treatment, following alcohol, heroin and methamphetamine, reported Marijuana Moment. Strikingly, states without recreational marijuana sales lead the nation in admissions, underscoring a complex relationship between legality and treatment demands.

Despite a national decrease in treatment admissions from 2020 to 2021, cannabis-related admissions followed suit, dropping from 141,091 to 129,343. This decline occurred even as more states embraced cannabis legalization, challenging assumptions about a potential surge in problematic use following legalization.

See Also: New Study Finds Marijuana Research Has Increased Despite Prohibition

University of Michigan Study Unveils Senior Cannabis Use Surges

Concurrently, a study from the University of Michigan illuminates a significant uptick in cannabis use among older Americans (aged 50 to 80) during the pandemic. Published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, the study shows that 12% of respondents reported consuming THC-containing substances in the past year, a notable increase from pre-pandemic levels.

The study accentuates the correlation between high-risk alcohol consumption and heightened cannabis use among older adults. Notably, 4% of respondents reported using cannabis four or more times a week, with an additional 5% using it once a month or less. This demographic, vulnerable due to potential medication interactions, increased their risk of accidents and mental health impacts, necessitates enhanced education and screening.

Lead researcher Dr. Anne C. Fernandez emphasizes the importance of healthcare providers addressing dual-substance users, especially those with high-risk alcohol patterns. Open communication between older adults and healthcare providers is crucial, particularly when combining cannabis with alcohol or certain medications, reported Neuroscience News.

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