As the number of older adults using cannabis increases, recent research indicates that health risks associated with its use also grow. A study from Canada highlights a concerning link between cannabis use and cognitive decline in older individuals, raising alarms among medical professionals.
Benjamin Han, a geriatrician and addiction medicine specialist at the University of California, San Diego, recounts a case of a 76-year-old woman who turned to cannabis gummies to address her insomnia. After taking four gummies—each containing 10 milligrams of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis—she experienced severe anxiety and heart palpitations. Despite not suffering a heart attack, her episode led her to the emergency room, underscoring the risks of improper dosing, particularly for older users.
Han advises that older patients should start with much lower doses, ideally between 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC, to mitigate potential adverse effects. He notes that the aging brain is more sensitive to psychoactive substances, which can exacerbate existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart arrhythmias.
The legalization of cannabis in 39 states and the District of Columbia has contributed to a surge in usage among older adults. According to a recent analysis published in JAMA, the rate of cannabis use among adults aged 65 and older rose to 7% in 2023, up from 4.8% in 2021. In contrast, only 1% reported using cannabis in 2005. This increase reflects changing perceptions about cannabis, with many older adults seeking relief from chronic pain, insomnia, and mental health issues. However, the effectiveness of cannabis for these conditions remains unproven, leading experts to question the safety of its rising use.
Data shows that cannabis-related emergency room visits among older adults are rising sharply. For instance, in California, emergency room visits for cannabis-related issues among individuals aged 65 and older increased from about 21 per 100,000 visits in 2005 to 395 in 2019. Similarly, Ontario reported a fivefold increase in acute care episodes related to cannabis use among middle-aged adults and more than a 26-fold increase in those aged 65 and older between 2008 and 2021.
Despite the growing use of cannabis, many older adults remain unaware of the associated health risks. One study found that 44% of American adults believed smoking cannabis daily is safer than smoking cigarettes, a misconception not supported by scientific evidence. The cannabis industry also actively targets older consumers, offering discounts and educational programs to encourage use.
While some older users report positive experiences, such as improved sleep and reduced anxiety, caution is warranted. Research indicates that older veterans using cannabis are at risk for cannabis use disorder, with over 10% of those surveyed reporting cannabis use within the past month, and 36% meeting the criteria for mild to severe cannabis use disorder.
Furthermore, a study led by Daniel Myran in Ontario found that older patients with cannabis-related conditions had a 1.5 times higher risk of receiving a dementia diagnosis within five years compared to peers seeking care for other reasons. Even after accounting for health conditions and demographics, cannabis users in acute care faced a 23% higher risk of dementia than those without cannabis-related issues.
These findings highlight a pressing need for healthcare providers to address cannabis use among older patients, as current standards do not require clinicians to inquire about cannabis consumption. Myran suggests that healthcare professionals should be proactive in discussing cannabis with their older patients, given the increasing evidence linking cannabis use to adverse cognitive outcomes.
In summary, as more older adults turn to cannabis for relief, the medical community must balance the potential benefits with the growing evidence of health risks, particularly concerning memory and cognition. With cannabis products now more potent than in previous decades, experts urge caution and recommend that older adults consult with healthcare providers before using cannabis.
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