Marijuana use among older Americans is climbing at a record pace, with new research showing a nearly 46% increase in cannabis use among adults ages 65 and older between 2021 and 2023.
The sharp rise — reportedly fueled by broadened legalization, shifting norms and attempts to manage chronic conditions — has prompted warnings from geriatricians concerned about the drug’s effects on aging bodies.
A study published last week in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 7% of older adults reported using cannabis in the past month in 2023, up from 4.8% in 2021, based on federal data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
A parallel report from the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research at New York University highlighted a similar trend, with usage rising from 4.2% to 9.1% in the same time frame.
While men continue to report higher cannabis use overall, the steepest increase was seen among older women.
Once among the least likely to use marijuana, senior women are embracing it in growing numbers. It’s a shift researchers say reflects changing attitudes and broader accessibility.
Older women were especially likely to report using cannabis to address pain, anxiety and insomnia.
The JAMA analysis drew on 2021–23 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, examining past-month use among seniors and stratifying results by sex, income, education and chronic illness.
“As a geriatrician, I see more and more people interested in using cannabis for treating chronic health symptoms,” Dr. Benjamin Han, a geriatrician and associate professor at the University of California, San Diego, told Axios.
“But cannabis can complicate the management of chronic diseases and be potentially harmful if patients are not educated on its use and potential risks,” he added.
Wealth is a major indicator of use, too.
Researchers noted that increased use was most pronounced among wealthier seniors — particularly those with annual incomes above $75,000 — who went from reporting the lowest usage in 2021 to the highest by 2023.
College-educated and married older adults also saw significant gains, reflecting a reversal of previous usage patterns.
Many respondents cited the desire for a more “natural” alternative to pharmaceuticals when dealing with health problems related to aging, including hypertension, diabetes, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Doctors, however, remain cautious. Today’s marijuana is far more potent than it was decades ago, according to the Axios report.
Pot can interact with common medications or increase the risk of falls, confusion and other complications, experts say.
“Better evidence is needed on the risks and benefits of cannabis use in older populations,” said Dr. Han. “Without proper guidance, it can lead to unintended harm.”
• Emma Ayers can be reached at eayers@washingtontimes.com.