By Terry Hacienda

The Fresh Toast

As North American adults are living longer, can marijuana help them be more productive?

Canadian are extended to live longer (52 more years) than Americans (49.3 more years). But both are an extension of life expectancy, allowing for a longer life and more years to have fun and be productive.  While being productive could mean work, it also includes enjoying life, family and passions. Can marijuana help boomers extend productivity? With legalization inching across the country, more 65+ citizens are taking a second look at the plant and starting to use it for chronic pain, intimacy and sleep.

Both the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians agree cannabis has medical benefits. Not surprising since the majority of older cannabis consumers report using the plant for medicinal reasons rather than for recreational usage. Marijuana can help older people physically and mentally be more productive to enjoy well rounded later years.

Photo by PICNIC_Fotografie via Pixabay 

While Boomers still primarily use cannabis for a medical benefits, there are more who are slowly seeing it as an alternative to alcohol, which is more harmful.  Medical marijuana’s anti-inflammation and ability to help with pain makes movement easier allowing for a more physical life. A good night’s sleep and helping with anxiety and depression are another to key factors to have a clear mind to make the most of the day ahead.

Millennials make up the most of the full-time workforce with 49.5 million workers followed by Gen X at 42.8 million, Baby Boomers and Gen Z are tied at a little over 17 million. But Boomers are seasoned workers and adding a few years can make a difference in a strong economy. And while many companies are dealing with transitions from changing technology and trends. They can be a key factor in the economy.

A large marjority of Boomers who consume cannabis believe it relieves pain and has medical benefits. Boomers also have a highly favorable opinion if it can help a sick loved one, with 97% supporting its use in such cases. So the generation who continued the drug wars are now seeing value and are using it to make the most of their senior years.

What is interesting, this generation entered adulthood when weed was the thing in the free love era, but we scared away by the Drug Wars. As they drift back to marijuana, they are staying true their roots. Boomers tend to purchase flower or bud and go the traditional routes of consumption by smoking or vaping.

Photo by joyce huis via Unsplash 

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