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Cannabis Use Among US Seniors Rises to 7%, Up 46% Since 2021

Legal access is prompting more older adults to use cannabis for chronic symptom relief, with experts warning of medication interactions and accident risks.

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

Overview

  • 7% of US adults aged 65 and over reported past‐month cannabis use in 2023, up from 4.8% in 2021.
  • The largest increases occurred among women, college graduates, married seniors and those with annual incomes above $75,000.
  • Seniors living in states with medical marijuana laws displayed higher uptake, indicating availability and acceptance factors.
  • Notable gains in use were seen among older adults with heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and COPD seeking symptom management.
  • A separate Veterans Health Administration study found 10.3% of veterans aged 65–84 used cannabis monthly and 36.3% met criteria for cannabis use disorder.