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2w ago

Cannabis Use Among Adults 65+ Rises 46% to 7% in 2023

Growing acceptance in states with legal medical cannabis has led to more use by well-off seniors seeking relief from chronic conditions.

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Male hands making marijuana joint
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Representative image. | Image: AP

Overview

  • Past-month cannabis use among US adults aged 65 and older climbed from 4.8% in 2021 to 7% in 2023, marking a 46% increase over two years.
  • Older adults with annual incomes over $75,000 experienced the steepest growth, rising from 4.2% in 2021 to 9.1% in 2023.
  • Use surged among college-educated, married seniors and increased most sharply among women, although men remain more likely to use cannabis overall.
  • Significant uptake was seen among those with chronic diseases—including heart issues, diabetes, hypertension, cancer and COPD—who may be using cannabis for symptom relief.
  • Geriatricians advise clinicians to screen for cannabis use and inform older patients about risks such as drug interactions and impaired coordination.