For years, public health conversations around substance use often focused on youth. However, new data reveals an alarming shift: a significant increase in marijuana use among Americans aged 65 and older. This trend isn’t just a curiosity; it poses serious health risks for a vulnerable population and demands immediate attention from policymakers, healthcare providers, and families.
The Alarming Rise in Senior Cannabis Use
Recent research published in JAMA Internal Medicine highlights a substantial jump in past-month marijuana use among older adults. Between 2021 and 2023, the rate of cannabis use among those 65 and older increased by nearly 46 percent. This isn’t a minor fluctuation; the study, which analyzed the habits of almost 16,000 older adults across various demographics (gender, race, income, education), found sharp increases across the board. Regardless of background, more seniors are using marijuana.
This surge in use among older individuals mirrors, in magnitude, increases seen in other age groups, like teenagers. Yet, the public and policy response to this trend in the senior population has been surprisingly muted.
Hidden Health Risks Older Adults Must Know
Increased marijuana use among seniors is particularly worrying due to growing evidence about its potential negative health impacts, which can be amplified in older adults with pre-existing conditions or who are taking other medications.
Cardiovascular Dangers: Research consistently links marijuana use to significant heart risks. Studies, including one led by researchers at the University of California San Francisco and published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, show that daily marijuana users have a 42 percent increased risk of stroke and a 25 percent increased risk of heart attacks, even when accounting for other factors like tobacco use. Adults diagnosed with Cannabis Use Disorder face an even higher risk – 60 percent more likely to experience heart failure, strokes, or heart attacks compared to non-users. These cardiovascular risks are particularly concerning for older adults already susceptible to heart conditions.
Potential Cognitive Impacts: Data suggests a disturbing link between marijuana use and cognitive health in seniors. An Ontario study found that older adults hospitalized for marijuana-related issues faced a 72 percent higher risk of developing dementia compared to the general population. While more research is needed, this potential connection to cognitive decline is a critical concern for the senior population.
Increased ER Visits and Hospitalizations: As more seniors use cannabis, there’s been a dramatic rise in healthcare visits related to the drug. Between 2008 and 2021, marijuana-related hospital admissions and emergency room visits jumped 26-fold among people 65 and older in Ontario. Similarly, California saw nearly a 19-fold increase in marijuana-related ER visits for this age group between 2005 and 2019. These numbers underscore the real, acute risks leading to medical crises.
Other Risks: Daily marijuana use has also been associated with an increased risk for certain cancers, including head, neck, and laryngeal cancers.
While often perceived as low-risk, especially when compared to substances like opioids, evidence increasingly shows marijuana can pose serious health challenges, particularly for older adults.
Why the Surge?
The reasons behind this surge in senior marijuana use are complex but likely involve shifting societal perceptions and increased accessibility, partly influenced by the growing legalization movement and promotion of cannabis products. While discussions about drug use often focus on preventing youth exposure, this trend shows that relaxed attitudes and easier access affect all age groups. Surprisingly, the recent JAMA study found some of the sharpest increases among older adults with higher education (nearly a 70 percent increase for those with post-college education) and higher incomes (more than doubled for those earning over $75,000 annually). This suggests that even highly educated and affluent individuals may be influenced by evolving norms and perceptions around the drug.
What Needs to Happen?
Addressing the rise in senior marijuana use requires a multi-faceted approach:
- Targeted Prevention and Awareness Campaigns: Just as prevention efforts are crucial for youth, they are needed for seniors. Messaging should be tailored to resonate with this age group, focusing on relevant health risks like cardiovascular impacts and the potential link to cognitive decline, rather than outdated messaging. Effective prevention involves community-wide efforts to promote healthy norms regarding substance use across all age groups.
- Healthcare Provider Education: Doctors and other healthcare professionals must be equipped and encouraged to discuss the risks of marijuana use with their older patients during routine checkups. Many older adults may not be aware that “today’s weed” is often much more potent and available in different forms (like edibles) than what they might remember, and they need to understand how it interacts with existing health conditions and medications.
- Family Conversations: Families should have open, gentle conversations with their older relatives about the potential risks associated with marijuana use.
- Increased Research: More specific research is desperately needed to understand the unique impacts and risks of marijuana use on the aging brain and body. Data suggests general risks might worsen with age, necessitating dedicated study for the 65+ population.
Dismissing the idea of seniors using marijuana as humorous overlooks a deadly serious issue. Marijuana carries risks, and age doesn’t negate them. Recognizing this trend and initiating informed conversations and targeted interventions is crucial for protecting the health and well-being of America’s growing senior population.
