A narrative review found that most older adults who use cannabis do so for medical purposes like pain and insomnia, but cardiovascular risks, cognitive effects during aging, and potential for treating neurodegeneration remain poorly studied.
Older adults using or considering cannabis, geriatricians, and researchers studying cannabis effects across the lifespan.
Fastest-growing demographic of cannabis users; most for medical purposes
What the researchers found
Most older adults who use cannabis report doing so for medical purposes, primarily targeting pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Many do not discuss cannabis use with their medical providers. Emerging evidence from younger populations suggests cardiovascular risks of heavy use, but this has not been thoroughly studied in aging adults.
Why it matters
The older adult population is growing and using cannabis at increasing rates, yet clinical trials and safety data are almost entirely from younger populations. Age-related changes in metabolism, cardiovascular health, and cognition create unique risk profiles.
The numbers in context
Most older adult cannabis users report medical purposes. Common targets: pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression. Many do not discuss use with providers. Cardiovascular risks documented in younger populations but unstudied in seniors.
How the study worked
Narrative review synthesizing current literature on cannabis use trends, health considerations, and preclinical models relevant to older adult populations.
What this study cannot tell us
Narrative review without systematic methodology. Limited evidence base specific to older adults. Most existing data extrapolated from younger populations.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: narrative review identifying important knowledge gaps with limited direct evidence from older adult populations.
When this study was published
Published 2026.
The bigger picture
Cannabis sits in an interesting tension for older adults: it may help with common aging complaints (pain, sleep, appetite) while also carrying understudied risks for the cardiovascular and cognitive systems most vulnerable to aging.
Questions still open
- Does cannabis accelerate or slow cognitive decline in aging? How do age-related changes in metabolism affect cannabis safety and dosing? Why are many older adults not discussing cannabis use with their providers?
Common questions
Is cannabis safe for older adults?
Why do older adults use cannabis?
Read the original research
Recent Trends in Cannabis Use in Adults Ages 60 Years and Older.
Substance abuse and rehabilitation, 17, 560360
Citation
Thayer, Rachel E; Anquillare, Elizabeth; Coromac-Medrano, Juliamaria; Hardin, Emily E; Hatcher, Kyle; Hermann, Greta E. (2026). Recent Trends in Cannabis Use in Adults Ages 60 Years and Older.. Substance abuse and rehabilitation, 17, 560360. https://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S560360
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