Cannabis use among older adults, particularly Baby Boomers, has seen a substantial increase, leading to a surge in health care encounters related to cannabis use disorders. A study by FDA epidemiologist Silvia Perez-Vilar analyzed data from nearly 56 million Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older, revealing that from 2017 to 2022, rates of health care encounters involving cannabis-related disorders rose significantly. These disorders ranged from abuse with withdrawal to dependence with intoxication delirium.
The study found that the increase in cannabis-related disorder encounters occurred across all states, regardless of cannabis legality. However, rates were highest in locations where cannabis is legal for both medical and adult recreational use, reaching approximately 45 encounters per 10,000 beneficiaries in 2022. This contrasts with 42 per 10,000 beneficiaries in states with only medical cannabis and 28 in places where cannabis is illegal. The greatest increases were observed in nonemergency outpatient settings.
Several studies corroborate this trend. A University of Michigan survey published in February 2024 indicated that 12.1% of US adults aged 50–80 reported consuming cannabis in the past year, up from 9.5% in 2019. A 2020 Reuters article highlighted a 75% increase in marijuana use among Americans aged 65 and older in just four years. Additionally, research from the University of Colorado noted a tenfold increase in past-year cannabis use among US adults 65 or older, from 0.3% in 2007 to 3.7% in 2017.
Older adults are increasingly turning to cannabis for relief from conditions like osteoarthritis, degenerative joint diseases, and insomnia, often viewing it as a safer alternative to other medications for pain and sleep. However, this increased use is also linked to a dramatic rise in acute care visits. One study found that emergency room visits and hospitalizations for cannabis-related problems among older adults increased by nearly 27-fold since 2008, with those 65 and older experiencing a 26.7-fold increase in acute care rates by 2021. Furthermore, seniors admitted for weed-related issues were up to 72% more likely to develop dementia.
Despite the increasing use and associated health issues, many older Americans face challenges in accessing medical cannabis and adequate medical guidance. Some study participants reported difficulties obtaining medical marijuana cards or finding doctors knowledgeable about cannabis use for seniors. This often leads them to purchase from recreational dispensaries, which can be more expensive, or to self-medicate without professional oversight, exacerbating potential risks.
