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According to recent research, senior cannabis use is on the rise, growing by 46% across the U.S. in just two years. As more adults aged 55 and older turn to the substance, researchers are shedding light on the specific health risks and long term side effects that cannabis can cause in this population.
Why Senior Cannabis Use Is Increasing
One study by the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR) found that seniors are increasingly using cannabis to self-medicate a variety of different health conditions including diabetes, cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD).
This movement not only affects the U.S. but also our neighbors to the north. In June 2024, hosts on a radio program called “The Current”, produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, shared that the fastest growing group of cannabis users in the country isn’t adolescents, it’s seniors.
Not incidentally, they also noted a rise in cannabis poisonings and cannabis related emergency room visits since it was legalized through the Cannabis Act in 2018.
Cannabis Health Risks for Older Adults
Historically, studies have focused on how cannabis affects the developing minds of teens and young adults. Despite its popularity and widespread legalization, the reality is that marijuana can have negative effects on a person’s physical and mental state, leading to issues that range from impaired cognitive function to an increased risk of heart disease. For people who use cannabis heavily, the effects could lead to more severe conditions such as cannabis use disorder (CUD) and addiction.
Now, researchers have discovered that older adults face their own set of risks when they choose to use cannabis or cannabis-based derivatives, including CBD.
This population often turns to cannabis to help manage chronic pain and complex medical conditions such as cancer, COPD, heart disease and diabetes. However, many are unaware how dangerous this practice can be particularly when cannabis products are combined with prescription drugs, over the counter medications, or herbal supplements. Combining these substances can lead to a host of health concerns including a higher risk of drowsiness, falls, and car accidents.
Perhaps the most concerning are findings from a Canadian study that was published in JAMA in June 2025. In the study, researchers explain that seniors who require hospital care for cannabis related issues are significantly more likely to develop dementia within five years compared to the general population.
Seeking Treatment for Cannabis Addiction
The JAMA study’s lead author Dr. Daniel Myran emphasized that senior cannabis use is expanding faster than research can keep up with. He cautioned that certain groups particularly older adults may face serious health consequences.
For seniors using marijuana, these findings serve as an urgent reminder to reconsider usage, consult with healthcare professionals, and explore safer alternatives for pain management and wellness.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a cannabis addiction, explore our database of treatment centers or call
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