Cannabis use among seniours aged 65 and older has jumped 46% in just two years, climbing from 4.8% monthly users in 2021 to 7% in 2023, according to a new JAMA Internal Medicine analysis. This record-high rise aligns with broader legalization trends and growing openness toward cannabis—but it also raises fresh concerns about health complications in older populations.
Drawing from 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data, researchers found older adults using cannabis report higher rates of chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and COPD compared to non-users. They warn of risks tied to cannabis interactions with medications, cardiovascular strain, cognitive impairment, and surgical complications—particularly when edibles are accidentally overdosed.
Survey data showed usage is most common among higher-income, married, college-educated seniors—especially in states with legal medical cannabis. Notably, women’s usage rates have seen a sharper upswing in recent years, approaching levels seen in older men. This demographic shift is further reflected in products: milder, functional formats like low-dose tinctures or lotions are gaining popularity over high-THC flower.
From the end-user viewpoint, cannabis offers older adults tantalizing benefits: pain relief, better sleep, and mood stability. But experts caution users to be vigilant about dosage, drug interactions, and underlying conditions. “Healthcare providers in legal states must begin routinely screening patients for cannabis use—especially those on antihypertensives or anticoagulants,” says researcher Joseph Palamar.
Culturally, the surge reflects shrinking stigma and expanding generational comfort with cannabis. For many seniors, cannabis is being embraced as part of a “well-aging” toolkit—alongside yoga, supplements, and mindfulness. But public health messaging must catch up: some users assume “natural equals safe,” overlooking risks, particularly when mixing cannabis with prescription meds.
In response, several states are piloting senior-specific education initiatives, including dispensary guidance, pharmacist consultations, and senior wellness workshops. Clinics in Arizona and New York have begun integrating cannabis screening into annual wellness visits. But such efforts remain sporadic and vary widely in quality and outreach.
Clinicians also highlight the need for more clinical studies: few randomized trials focus on seniors, especially regarding dosing, long-term effects, and interactions. JAMA’s study authors urge NIH and private funders to prioritize research in this demographic to inform safe use guidelines.
As more states legalize and cannabis-friendly aesthetic products for seniors emerge—from CBD teas to topical creams—the sector faces a dilemma: balance broader access with safeguards for vulnerable consumers. The current spike in senior use offers both a cultural milestone and a public health challenge.
Source: Science Daily
