Marijuana use among seniors in the United States has reached an all-time high, with 7% of adults aged 65 and older reporting usage in the past month, according to a recent analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine. This marks a significant increase from 4.8% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022, representing an almost 46% rise over just two years.
The study, conducted by the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research at NYU School of Global Public Health, analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health collected from 2021 to 2023. It highlights a demographic shift in cannabis consumption, with notable increases among older adults who are college-educated, married, female, and have higher incomes.
Benjamin H. Han, MD, a researcher in the Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology & Palliative Care at UC San Diego, emphasized that the rise in usage could complicate clinical and legal operations for nursing homes. With many seniors now accustomed to using medicinal marijuana, there may be growing expectations for its availability in long-term care settings. Han points out that cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I substance, although CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are not. Only a few states have enacted laws permitting skilled nursing facilities to provide medical cannabis.
As marijuana becomes increasingly normalized in society, many older adults may expect to continue their cannabis use even in nursing homes. This trend necessitates that skilled nursing providers adapt their practices to understand which patients might use cannabis and how it will affect their healthcare needs.
The research also revealed rising cannabis use among seniors with multiple chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Han and other authors of the study recommend that clinicians routinely screen for cannabis use among elderly patients, utilizing verbal or self-administered tools developed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Moreover, with a growing number of older adults using cannabis, there is a risk of problematic use or cannabis use disorder, especially among those with prior substance use issues. Han cautioned that smoking cannabis could be harmful for patients with chronic lung disease, and potential cardiovascular risks may exist for those with heart conditions.
Han advocates for open discussions with patients and their families about cannabis use, examining reasons for usage, potential health effects, and interactions with other medications. He encourages a tailored approach based on each patient’s health goals, stressing the need for healthcare providers to be proactive in addressing this emerging trend of cannabis use among seniors.
Overall, the findings of this study highlight the necessity for nursing homes and healthcare providers to reevaluate their policies and practices in light of the increasing prevalence of cannabis use among older adults.
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