Recent research indicates that cannabis use among older adults is climbing sharply. A study conducted by researchers at UC San Diego and NYU reveals that marijuana consumption among Americans aged 65 and older surged by nearly 46% from 2021 to 2023. This increase correlates with the growing legalization of cannabis for both recreational and medicinal use across various states, making it more accessible to older populations.
According to the findings published in JAMA Internal Medicine, 7% of nearly 15,000 surveyed adults aged 65 and above reported using cannabis within the past month. This figure is noticeably higher than the 4.8% recorded in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022. The uptick in usage is particularly pronounced among women, although men also reported increased usage rates.
The study highlights a concerning relationship between cannabis use and several health conditions prevalent among seniors, including hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Factors such as higher education levels, annual incomes of $75,000 or more, marital status, and residing in states with legalized medical cannabis were associated with increased likelihood of cannabis use.
Researchers noted that adults with the highest incomes initially had the lowest rates of cannabis use compared to other income brackets. However, by 2023, these individuals exhibited the highest prevalence of use, suggesting improved access to medical cannabis, which often comes with higher costs. The study underscored the need for educational support for both patients and healthcare providers in states where medical cannabis is legal.
Joseph Palamar, PhD, the senior author of the study and an associate professor at NYU Langone, expressed concern about the rising cannabis use among older adults. He attributed this trend to a combination of greater availability, reduced stigma, and the aging of previous cannabis users into the 65+ demographic. Palamar cautioned that older adults may experience adverse psychiatric reactions, particularly with edible cannabis products, which can lead to unintentional overconsumption.
Dr. Barbara Krantz, the medical director at Caron Treatment Centers in Florida, has observed a marked increase in cannabis use among individuals over 50. While many older Americans turn to cannabis for sleep improvement, pain relief, and mental health support, Krantz highlighted several associated risks. These include an elevated likelihood of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, increased hypertension, and exacerbation of conditions like COPD.
Moreover, cannabis can interact with other medications, potentially heightening toxicity or diminishing effectiveness. Other risks for seniors include impaired balance, delayed reaction times, cognitive decline, and increased anxiety or depression. There are also surgery-related concerns, such as anesthesia complications and delayed recovery.
Krantz emphasized the importance of consulting healthcare providers and pharmacists before using cannabis products, given the specific dangers these substances present to older adults. Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Fox News, echoed these concerns, warning that regular cannabis use can lead to dangerous outcomes if not monitored. He noted that increased use of cannabis products can result in heightened anxiety and confusion, with a notable rise in emergency room visits linked to these issues.
Siegel compared the health risks of cannabis to those of smoking cigarettes, pointing out potential damage to the heart and lungs. He expressed alarm over the increasing number of elderly individuals using cannabis and criticized the rapid pace of legalization without adequate consideration of the associated health risks. He highlighted troubling findings from Colorado, where cannabis was legalized, indicating unforeseen medical complications and adverse events.
As cannabis use among seniors continues to rise, the medical community emphasizes the necessity of cautious approaches and informed discussions about its implications for health and well-being.
English 
Spanish 
German 
Czech