One of the consequences of hateful politics and a polarized federal government is distress. Many folks are disenchanted, morose, sometimes even openly agitated.

Then there is the social media culture, a place of chaos and narcissism that is so pervasive it smacks us in the face every day. So, the quest to escape is growing. The solution for some: self-medication.

ADVERTISEMENT

Thanks to politicians, that situation is becoming much easier. Thirty states have now legalized medical marijuana, one of the greatest cons in history. While millions of Americans do achieve pain relief from cannabis, many others without ailments simply stroll over to some "clinic" and the party is on.

A few years ago, we investigated a number of medical marijuana concerns that were advertising in a Los Angeles weekly newspaper. The process was a snap. You walk into a dingy storefront and tell "Dr. Jim" you get migraines.

You then give "Dr. Jim" a hundred bucks for a "diagnosis." Quickly, the good doctor hands you a "prescription" that you, in turn, show to "Seth" who sells you some weed.

Have a nice day.

The farce is played out all over the U.S., sometimes causing anti-social behavior. In San Francisco and other places, some hardcore drug addicts sell medical marijuana on the street to support their addiction. Kids are the key demographic for that.

Eight states and Washington, D.C., have now legalized pot for recreational use, creating a $6 billion-a-year industry. By the year 2026, analysts believe that legal pot could bring in $50 billion each year.

Cheech and Chong are more delirious than usual.

And it's not just Jeff Spicolli and his friends at Ridgemont High who are getting wasted. Nope, there is another crew that is becoming deeply invested in the THC culture: seniors!

That's correct. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, between the years 2002 to 2014, pot use among Americans 65 or older increased an astonishing 950 percent! For the demographic 50 to 64, the rise was 210 percent.

That gives a whole new perspective to the TV show "Golden Girls." Betty White and pals did look a bit glazed from time to time, did they not?

Also, this senior stoner trend could be the end of bingo: So many letters, I just can't remember ... .

My theory is that many seniors have simply had enough. To them, all the texting, general ignorance about the world and PC madness have taken a huge toll.

With just a few years left, older Americans are bailing. When faced with a choice between Rachel Maddow or a voyage to the land of giggles, they are increasingly choosing the good ship Lollipot.

American senior citizens were raised and came of age in a much different world — one that has been obliterated by forces beyond their control.

Older folks know the past and they know the present. For some, one toke over the line is the only way to cope with what our society has become.

Can you blame them?

Bill O'Reilly hosts a daily podcast on BillO'Reilly.com. His new book, "Killing England," will be released on September 19. He is also the former host of "The O'Reilly Factor" on Fox News. Follow him on Twitter @billoreilly.