Why more older adults are turning to cannabis—and what you need to know before trying it
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
For generations, cannabis carried a reputation that kept many people at a distance—especially older adults.
But that stigma is changing fast.
Across the US, seniors are embracing cannabis in growing numbers, whether for relief from chronic pain, better sleep, or simply out of curiosity.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that cannabis use among Americans aged 65 and up rose by 46% between 2021 and 2023.
For some, it’s about feeling better. For others, it’s about staying social—and sometimes, it’s both.
What’s driving the shift?
Aches, arthritis, insomnia, anxiety—getting older often comes with a longer list of physical and emotional challenges.
And for many older adults, traditional medications just don’t work as well anymore or come with unwanted side effects.
Cannabis, now legal in 40 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use, is becoming a widely accepted alternative.
Gayle Crawley, 74, told CBS News, “Marijuana is a good solution to a lot of medicinal issues.”
At a recent gathering in her Northern California retirement community, cannabis edibles were passed around alongside peanut brittle.
“We added the marijuana,” laughed Don Searles, another guest, “and suddenly, the golf course wasn’t the only thing drawing a crowd.”
Also read: Texas man accused of turning Easter scavenger hunt into illegal scheme
Health benefits—or hype?
While many seniors report relief from using cannabis, medical professionals urge caution.
Studies suggest THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, may help with pain, inflammation, sleep, and even anxiety or depression.
But not everyone agrees on its safety—especially for older adults.
Dr. Matt Springer, a cardiovascular researcher at UC San Francisco, warns that smoking cannabis can harm heart health.
“If they are smoking marijuana,” he says, “we can be pretty confident they’re harming their cardiovascular system.”
Even edibles, he adds, are not risk-free.
In fact, a recent analysis of 24 studies between 2016 and 2023 linked cannabis use to:
Also read: New York tragedy: How misuse of this animal's feces led to fatal pneumonia in two men
Smart ways to try cannabis safely
If you're a senior thinking about trying cannabis for the first time—or revisiting it after decades—here are some practical tips from doctors and fellow users:
Also read: Are you guilty of this everyday habit? New study reveals it could raise your colon cancer risk by 20x
More than medicine: Cannabis and community
Beyond pain relief or better sleep, cannabis is creating new opportunities for connection.
In retirement communities from California to Florida, cannabis social hours are becoming the new norm.
Residents gather to share infused snacks, compare notes, and simply unwind together.
Steven Clarke, a first-time user at Gayle’s party, said he never smoked in his life—but now swears by edibles.
“It does work on PTSD, pain issues, relaxation issues, brain disorders, heart disease,” he said. “It’s not about getting high. It’s about getting by.”
And for Don Searles, living with chronic pain from a motorcycle accident, the relaxed approach makes sense: “What isn’t bad for you nowadays?” he says with a shrug.
“Sometimes you just want to feel a little better.”
Also read: Rolling and driving? A blunt truth about driving habits that has experts concerned
Looking ahead: Cannabis and healthy aging
As the cannabis industry expands, more companies are beginning to develop products tailored to seniors, from low-dose edibles to CBD-infused creams.
Meanwhile, researchers continue to explore how cannabis affects older bodies and minds.
The key takeaway? If you’re curious, go into it informed—and listen to your body.
What works for one person may not work for another.
Feeling better shouldn’t come with fear—just facts, conversation, and curiosity. Let’s explore this together!
Read next: Traveling with medication? Some over-the-counter drugs could cause trouble abroad
Are you thinking about trying cannabis for pain, anxiety, or sleep? Do you already use it and have advice to share? Or maybe you’re curious but unsure where to begin?
We’d love to hear from you in the comments. Let’s have an open conversation—because navigating cannabis in later life is easier when we do it together.
For generations, cannabis carried a reputation that kept many people at a distance—especially older adults.
But that stigma is changing fast.
Across the US, seniors are embracing cannabis in growing numbers, whether for relief from chronic pain, better sleep, or simply out of curiosity.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that cannabis use among Americans aged 65 and up rose by 46% between 2021 and 2023.
For some, it’s about feeling better. For others, it’s about staying social—and sometimes, it’s both.
More older adults are exploring cannabis for relief, connection, and curiosity—as laws change and stigmas fade. Image Source: YouTube / CBS Evening News.
What’s driving the shift?
Aches, arthritis, insomnia, anxiety—getting older often comes with a longer list of physical and emotional challenges.
And for many older adults, traditional medications just don’t work as well anymore or come with unwanted side effects.
Cannabis, now legal in 40 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use, is becoming a widely accepted alternative.
Gayle Crawley, 74, told CBS News, “Marijuana is a good solution to a lot of medicinal issues.”
At a recent gathering in her Northern California retirement community, cannabis edibles were passed around alongside peanut brittle.
“We added the marijuana,” laughed Don Searles, another guest, “and suddenly, the golf course wasn’t the only thing drawing a crowd.”
Also read: Texas man accused of turning Easter scavenger hunt into illegal scheme
Health benefits—or hype?
While many seniors report relief from using cannabis, medical professionals urge caution.
Studies suggest THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, may help with pain, inflammation, sleep, and even anxiety or depression.
But not everyone agrees on its safety—especially for older adults.
Dr. Matt Springer, a cardiovascular researcher at UC San Francisco, warns that smoking cannabis can harm heart health.
“If they are smoking marijuana,” he says, “we can be pretty confident they’re harming their cardiovascular system.”
Even edibles, he adds, are not risk-free.
In fact, a recent analysis of 24 studies between 2016 and 2023 linked cannabis use to:
- A doubled risk of dying from cardiovascular disease
- A 29% increased risk of acute coronary syndrome
- A 20% higher risk of stroke
Also read: New York tragedy: How misuse of this animal's feces led to fatal pneumonia in two men
Smart ways to try cannabis safely
If you're a senior thinking about trying cannabis for the first time—or revisiting it after decades—here are some practical tips from doctors and fellow users:
- Talk to your doctor first
Cannabis may interact with blood thinners, heart medications, or other prescriptions. Your provider can help assess whether it’s safe for your specific conditions. - Start low and go slow
Begin with a small dose, especially with edibles, which can take 30–90 minutes to take effect. Overdoing it can lead to dizziness, paranoia, or discomfort. - Skip the smoke
Instead of smoking, try options like edibles, tinctures, or topicals. These may be gentler on the lungs and easier to dose. - Stay informed about interactions
Keep a full list of your medications handy, and ask your doctor about potential cross-reactions. - Check your state laws
Cannabis laws vary. Know what’s legal in your area before buying, using, or sharing products.
Also read: Are you guilty of this everyday habit? New study reveals it could raise your colon cancer risk by 20x
More than medicine: Cannabis and community
Beyond pain relief or better sleep, cannabis is creating new opportunities for connection.
In retirement communities from California to Florida, cannabis social hours are becoming the new norm.
Residents gather to share infused snacks, compare notes, and simply unwind together.
Steven Clarke, a first-time user at Gayle’s party, said he never smoked in his life—but now swears by edibles.
“It does work on PTSD, pain issues, relaxation issues, brain disorders, heart disease,” he said. “It’s not about getting high. It’s about getting by.”
And for Don Searles, living with chronic pain from a motorcycle accident, the relaxed approach makes sense: “What isn’t bad for you nowadays?” he says with a shrug.
“Sometimes you just want to feel a little better.”
Also read: Rolling and driving? A blunt truth about driving habits that has experts concerned
Looking ahead: Cannabis and healthy aging
As the cannabis industry expands, more companies are beginning to develop products tailored to seniors, from low-dose edibles to CBD-infused creams.
Meanwhile, researchers continue to explore how cannabis affects older bodies and minds.
The key takeaway? If you’re curious, go into it informed—and listen to your body.
What works for one person may not work for another.
Feeling better shouldn’t come with fear—just facts, conversation, and curiosity. Let’s explore this together!
Read next: Traveling with medication? Some over-the-counter drugs could cause trouble abroad
Are you thinking about trying cannabis for pain, anxiety, or sleep? Do you already use it and have advice to share? Or maybe you’re curious but unsure where to begin?
We’d love to hear from you in the comments. Let’s have an open conversation—because navigating cannabis in later life is easier when we do it together.
