Older Canadian Cannabis Users Want More Information From Healthcare Providers

Five themes emerged from 10 focus groups with 72 participants: common practices (primarily edibles and inhalation), general knowledge gaps, perceived harms (physical and cognitive effects, drug interactions), perceived benefits (pain management, mental health), and decreased stigma following legalization. Both frequent and infrequent users noted therapeutic benefits but expressed concerns about medication interactions and lack of trustworthy information sources.

Ten online focus groups with 72 participants aged 60+ across five Canadian regions, segmented by cannabis use frequency. Open-ended questions explored consumption methods, motivations, risk/benefit perceptions, and legalization effects. Thematic analysis of transcribed recordings.

Cannabis use among older Canadians has risen faster than any other age group since legalization. This population has specific risks, including medication interactions and cognitive effects, yet they report that healthcare providers are unable or unwilling to provide guidance, leaving them to navigate cannabis use largely on their own.

The post-legalization landscape has left older adults in a knowledge vacuum. They have legal access to cannabis and are using it therapeutically, but the healthcare system has not adapted to provide the guidance this population needs, particularly around medication interactions.

Qualitative design with 72 participants. Self-selected sample may overrepresent engaged users. Focus group dynamics may influence responses. Canadian context may not generalize to other countries. Did not assess actual health outcomes.