A new federally funded study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reveals that marijuana use among U.S. adults aged 65 and older has climbed significantly in recent years, coinciding with broader legalization for both medical and recreational use.
Drawing on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the report shows that past-month cannabis use among seniors rose from 4.8 percent in 2021 to 7.0 percent in 2023—an increase that reflects a continued upward trend from just 1.0 percent in 2005.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego and New York University noted particularly strong increases among women, white individuals, higher-income earners, married people, and those with college degrees. Use also rose notably among individuals managing multiple chronic illnesses, suggesting that some older adults may be turning to cannabis for relief from pain, sleep issues, or other health concerns.
“Adults with the highest incomes initially had the lowest prevalence of cannabis use,” the authors wrote, “but by 2023, they had the highest, which may indicate better access to medical cannabis given its costs.”
However, the report also cautions that this rising trend highlights a growing need for patient education and medical oversight. In states with legal marijuana access, the authors recommend clinicians engage in open, judgment-free conversations with older patients about cannabis, and assess potential interactions with other medications or conditions.
An accompanying JAMA editorial points to mixed research on cannabis’s benefits for older adults, citing inconsistent therapeutic evidence and potential harms such as increased risks of cardiovascular events, cognitive decline, sedation, and falls.
As marijuana legalization spreads across the U.S., researchers urge continued study into both the benefits and risks of cannabis use among seniors. They stress the need for age-appropriate dosing guidance and high-quality clinical data to inform safe and effective use.
With more older Americans embracing cannabis, experts say the medical community must adapt quickly to ensure both safety and informed decision-making in this growing population of users.
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