Cannabis use among Americans over 50 surged between 2006 and 2013, with a 250% increase among those 65 and older | Research

The takeaway

Past-year cannabis use increased 57.8% among Americans aged 50-64 and 250% among those 65+ between 2006 and 2013, with the vast majority perceiving no or slight risk from regular use.

Read this if you want to understand the rapidly growing trend of cannabis use among older Americans.

250% increase in cannabis use among Americans 65+ from 2006 to 2013

What the researchers found

Analyzing data from 47,140 adults aged 50 and older in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2006-2013), researchers found significant increases in past-year cannabis use. Adults aged 50-64 showed a 57.8% relative increase, while those 65 and older showed a 250% relative increase.

Among older cannabis users, 6.9% met criteria for cannabis abuse or dependence. The majority perceived little risk: 85.3% saw no or slight risk from monthly use, and 79% saw no or slight risk from weekly use.

Older cannabis users were more likely to be younger (within the 50+ age range), male, non-Hispanic, free of multiple chronic conditions, and users of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.

Why it matters

The aging US population includes an unprecedented number of people who used cannabis in their youth. As social norms shift and medical cannabis becomes available, older adults are returning to or initiating cannabis use. Their low risk perception and the 250% increase among those 65+ represent an emerging public health phenomenon that healthcare systems are not yet equipped to address.

The numbers in context

47,140 respondents aged 50+. Past-year use increase: 57.8% (ages 50-64), 250% (ages 65+). 6.9% met abuse/dependence criteria. Risk perception: 85.3% perceived no/slight risk from monthly use, 79% from weekly use.

How the study worked

Secondary analysis of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2006 to 2013. Nationally representative probability sample of US households. Estimated trends, patterns, attitudes, and correlates of past-year cannabis use among adults aged 50+.

What this study cannot tell us

Cross-sectional survey design. Self-reported cannabis use may be underreported due to stigma. Cannot distinguish medical from recreational use. Survey excludes institutionalized populations (nursing homes). Does not capture use changes after 2013.

How to read the evidence

Nationally representative survey with large sample. Strong for trend estimation but cross-sectional and self-reported.

When this study was published

Published in 2017. Cannabis use among older adults has continued to increase with legalization.

The bigger picture

The graying of cannabis use creates new clinical challenges. Older adults face unique risks: drug interactions with chronic disease medications, fall risk from impairment, cardiovascular vulnerability, and potential cognitive effects in aging brains. Yet the low perceived risk and high rates of increase suggest many older adults are using cannabis without medical guidance.

Questions still open

Has the trend continued to accelerate with legalization? Are older cannabis users at higher risk for adverse drug interactions? Should healthcare providers routinely screen older adults for cannabis use?

Common questions

Why are more older adults using cannabis?

Several factors contribute: baby boomers who used cannabis in their youth are aging, social stigma is decreasing, medical cannabis programs provide legal access, and some older adults are using cannabis for chronic pain, sleep, and other age-related conditions.

Is cannabis safe for older adults?

Older adults face unique risks including drug interactions with medications for chronic conditions, increased fall risk, cardiovascular vulnerability, and potentially different cognitive effects. The finding that most older users perceive little risk suggests a gap between perception and the medical reality of age-related vulnerabilities.

Read the original research

Demographic trends among older cannabis users in the United States, 2006-13.

Addiction (Abingdon, England), 112(3), 516-525

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Han, Benjamin H; Sherman, Scott; Mauro, Pia M; Martins, Silvia S; Rotenberg, James; Palamar, Joseph J. (2017). Demographic trends among older cannabis users in the United States, 2006-13.. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 112(3), 516-525. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.13670