LOS ANGELES – Cannabis use is surging among older Americans. A new study published Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine found a 45% increase in past-month marijuana use among U.S. adults aged 65 and older between 2021 and 2023—a sharp uptick that researchers say reflects changing attitudes, increased access, and growing interest in marijuana as a tool for managing chronic health conditions.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 15,000 adults aged 65 and older using the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The rise in use was most pronounced among individuals with chronic conditions, high incomes, and those living in states where medical cannabis is legal.
How much has cannabis use increased among older adults?
By the numbers:
4.8% of adults 65+ reported using cannabis in the past month in 2021.That number rose to 7.0% in 2023, marking a 45% increase.
The steepest rise in use occurred among older adults who identified as “other race” (up from 1.6% to 7.4%). Increases were also observed across several groups, including:
WomenWhite adultsCollege-educated individualsAdults earning $75,000 or moreMarried individualsResidents of states with legalized medical marijuana
Those with chronic medical conditions—particularly COPD, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer—saw some of the most significant increases in cannabis use.
Why are more older adults using marijuana?
The backstory:
Authors suggest the spike may be due in part to increased legalization and shifting cultural attitudes, especially among wealthier Americans who may now have better access to medical cannabis. But they also note that marijuana use in this demographic comes with potential risks.
Older adults may be more vulnerable to adverse effects due to age-related physiological changes and existing health conditions. The study found high rates of tobacco and alcohol use among older cannabis users, compounding health risks.
Researchers emphasized the importance of educational support for patients and clinicians in states with legal medical cannabis, where usage rates were highest.
What they’re saying:
“Given physiological changes and chronic diseases, older adults are susceptible to adverse effects of cannabis, which may require acute medical care,” the study authors wrote. They recommend that clinicians screen for cannabis use in older patients and educate them on potential health impacts.
While cannabis is increasingly used to manage pain, insomnia, and other chronic symptoms, the evidence for its medical effectiveness in older adults remains mixed. The researchers called for more clinical guidance on cannabis use in this growing demographic.
The Source: This article is based on a peer-reviewed study published June 2, 2025, in JAMA Internal Medicine. The study used nationally representative data from the 2021–2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), focusing on noninstitutionalized adults aged 65 and older. The authors include researchers from New York University Langone Health and other academic institutions. Findings were analyzed using weighted logistic regression models to estimate trends and subgroup differences.
A new study finds marijuana use among adults 65 and older rose 45% between 2021 and 2023, with sharp increases among those with chronic conditions and higher incomes. Read More
