Among older adults who use cannabis, fewer than one in five discussed it with their healthcare provider.
Geriatricians; primary care providers; older adults who use cannabis.
Only 19% of older cannabis users discussed use with their doctor
What the researchers found
36.8% of US adults 65+ reported drug screening at healthcare visits. Among 8.1% with past-year cannabis use, only 19.2% discussed it with clinicians. Hispanic/Latine adults were significantly less likely to be screened. Multiple chronic conditions and mental illness predicted discussions.
Why it matters
Older adults are the fastest-growing cannabis demographic, often on multiple medications. Low discussion rates create risk for unmanaged drug interactions.
The numbers in context
14,387 older adults. 36.8% screened. 8.1% used cannabis. 19.2% discussed with clinicians. Hispanic/Latine: aRRR=0.23 for discussions.
How the study worked
2021-2023 NSDUH data. 14,387 US adults 65+ with past-year healthcare visits. Weighted regressions.
What this study cannot tell us
Self-reported. Cannot determine why discussions didn't occur. May underestimate use.
How to read the evidence
National survey with large sample, but self-reported data.
When this study was published
2026 study
The bigger picture
Rising cannabis use among seniors with low clinical discussion rates represents a significant safety gap.
Questions still open
- Why are Hispanic/Latine adults less likely to be screened? Would routine screening improve outcomes?
Common questions
Why should older adults discuss cannabis with doctors?
Why are Hispanic/Latine adults screened less?
Read the original research
Cannabis or drug screening and discussions with clinicians among older adults who use cannabis in the US, 2021-2023.
American journal of preventive medicine, 108304
Citation
Mauro, Pia M; Roura, Mireia Triguero; Carey, Elsa; Han, Benjamin H. (2026). Cannabis or drug screening and discussions with clinicians among older adults who use cannabis in the US, 2021-2023.. American journal of preventive medicine, 108304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2026.108304
Explore the wider topic
- Cannabis and Your Cardiovascular System: Heart Risk, Stroke, and What the Research Shows
- Cannabis and Your Heart: What the Cardiovascular Research Shows
- Coughing Up Black Stuff After Quitting Weed: What It Means
- Lung Recovery After Quitting Weed: The Complete Timeline
- Weed and Your Lungs: Recovery Timeline After Quitting
- Quitting Weed as a Woman: Hormones, Cycles, and Recovery
- Cannabis, Weight, and Diet: What Quitting Does to Your Appetite
- Sex After Quitting Weed: What Changes and What Doesn't
- Cannabis and Driving: DUI Laws, Impairment Science, and What You Need to Know
- Weed and Acne: Can Quitting Cannabis Clear Your Skin?
- Weed and Fertility: What Couples Should Know
- Weed and Your Gut: How Cannabis Affects Digestion
- Weed and Your Heart: Cardiovascular Effects and Recovery
- Weed, Testosterone, and Male Health: What the Research Actually Shows