NYU study seeks to understand the prevalence of use in older adults.

NYU study seeks to understand the prevalence of use in older adults.

In April 2015, Carrie Tice was despairing over her 80-year-old mother’s advancing Alzheimer’s when a caregiver at her senior center in California recommended giving her a topical dose of marijuana.

A recent study found a 71 percent increase in the number of people older than 49 who reported using marijuana between 2006 and 2013.

Inspired partly by their own use of the drug for pain relief, or by caring for others who use it for their own aches, these women see viable business opportunities and view their work as therapeutic for their customers.

And it's not just middle-aged folks who are indulging more often.

And it's not just middle-aged folks who are indulging more often.

In California, seniors are getting together to sample weed-laced lip balms, topical ointments, and tinctures in Mary Kay-style parties at their retirement communities.

From retirement communities to nursing homes, older Americans are increasingly turning to marijuana for relief from aches and pains.

Adults in late middle age tended to consume more cannabis than those of retirement age – but that seems to be quickly changing.

Older Americans are among the fastest growing groups of pot users, according to recent research and drug surveys.

Cannabis, according to doctors, nurses and caregivers who work with seniors, is an effective treatment for elderly people and others who suffer from insomnia.