Overview

• Monthly cannabis use among Americans aged 65 and older climbed from 4.8% in 2021 to 7% in 2023, marking a 46% increase according to national survey data.
• Seniors with college degrees saw usage rise from 4.9% to 8.3% while those earning over $75,000 nearly doubled their use from 4.2% to 9.3%.
• States with legal medical cannabis reported senior usage growth from 5.4% to 7.9%, and married seniors experienced larger increases than their unmarried counterparts.
• Older adults living with chronic conditions including COPD, heart disease, diabetes and depression are turning to cannabis to manage symptoms despite limited clinical guidance.
• Clinicians warn that today’s high-potency THC products and combining cannabis with alcohol or prescription drugs can heighten risks of cognitive decline, falls and cardiovascular complications.