Cannabis Use and Perceptions of Cannabis Safety, Effectiveness, and Stigma amongst older Canadians: A Cross-Sectional Survey
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Older Canadians are increasingly using cannabis, with nearly half perceiving low risks. Key concerns include cognitive and physical health effects, and a lack of information on cannabis safety and effectiveness.
Area Of Science
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Cannabis Research
Background
- Cannabis use among older Canadians (50+) has risen since 2018 legalization.
- Understanding perceptions of cannabis in this demographic is limited.
Purpose Of The Study
- To determine cannabis usage patterns in older Canadians.
- To characterize perceptions of cannabis safety, effectiveness, and stigma.
Main Methods
- An electronic survey was administered to Canadians aged 50 and older.
- Data included cannabis experience, perceptions (Likert scale, open text), and demographic factors.
- Logistic regression analyzed influences on perceptions.
Main Results
- 1,615 participants completed the survey; 44% reported current cannabis use.
- Nearly half (49.2%) perceived low risks; major concerns were cognitive/mental health (40.8%) and physical health (19.1%).
- 60.4% felt there was insufficient information on safety, 63.8% on effectiveness; 34.7% perceived stigma.
Conclusions
- Significant generational and sex-based differences in cannabis use and perceptions exist among older Canadians.
- Health practitioners and public health officials must address these differences to meet educational needs.
- Tailored educational strategies are crucial for safe and informed cannabis use in older adults.
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