New Cannabis Statistics: Increased use during COVID; geriatric use increased 75% for insomnia and anxiety; NJ study for employers– Workman’s Comp claims declined 20% with access to medical cannabis

There is new data to notice recently relating to increased cannabis use in the senior population, especially during times of COVID and some interesting impact on seniors in the workplace:

March 20, 2021.  New York Times  CANNABIS USE DURING COVID

Over 65 use of cannabis has jumped 75% from 2015 to 2018 to now include a total of 5% of the senior population.  Health surveys report mostly medical use in COVID 2020 for insomnia, anxiety, and depression.  The warning here is to not use it with alcohol.

Read Article at NYT

April 19, 2021.  Forbes Magazine.  SENIOR USE DURING COVID

A new government study reports 25% of Americans have used cannabis in the last 2 years, growing 56% probably as a result of legalization and COVID, and 43% of seniors tried it in the last year.

Read Article at Forbes

March 2, 2021.  William Patterson University Study  LEGALIZATION IMPACT ON WORKMAN’S COMP CLAIMS 

After states legalized recreational cannabis, the rate of Workman’s Comp benefits for seniors declined by 20% (mostly as a substitute for opioids) and injury rates declined.  Should employers take another look at prohibiting cannabis use for older workers?

Read Article at NJ101.5