A new study shows that more older adults in the United States are using marijuana than ever before, with 7% of people aged 65 and older reporting they used cannabis in the past month. This number, based on national survey data from 2023, marks a big jump from 4.8% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022—a 46% increase in just two years.
The study was led by researchers from the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR) at NYU’s School of Global Public Health and was published in JAMA Internal Medicine. It paints a clearer picture of how cannabis use is growing among older adults and how the typical user profile is changing.
Until recently, researchers could only track past-year cannabis use because so few older people reported using marijuana regularly. But now that more are using it, the data is strong enough to focus on monthly use, giving scientists a better idea of how often older adults are turning to cannabis today.
Dr. Benjamin Han, the lead author from the University of California, San Diego, says this is the first time researchers have had enough data to analyze “current” use in this age group.
In earlier years, cannabis use was rare among seniors—less than 1% used it yearly back in 2006 and 2007. But as legalization spreads and social views shift, more people over 65 are using marijuana on a regular basis.
The study also found that cannabis use is becoming more common among older adults who are college-educated, married, female, and have higher incomes. In fact, those with household incomes of $75,000 or more showed one of the biggest increases.
Interestingly, this group had the lowest use in 2021, but by 2023, they had the highest. Researchers believe this might be related to better access to medical cannabis and the ability to afford it.
Women aged 65 and over showed especially sharp increases in cannabis use, though men in this age group still use it more overall. People living in states where medical marijuana is legal were also more likely to report using it. This supports the idea that easier access and more social acceptance are encouraging more older people to try it.
Dr. Joseph Palamar, the study’s senior author, explained that many of these changes likely reflect a combination of factors—including aging baby boomers who already used cannabis in younger years and are now entering older adulthood.
The study also looked at health conditions. It found more cannabis use among older adults with chronic diseases, such as heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and lung diseases like COPD. While some older adults may be using cannabis to ease pain or manage symptoms, doctors are warning that this can be risky.
As people age, their bodies process substances differently. Older adults may become more sensitive to the effects of cannabis, which could make them more vulnerable to dizziness, confusion, or interactions with other medications. For people managing several health conditions, using cannabis without proper guidance can make things more complicated.
Dr. Han, a geriatric specialist, says many of his patients are interested in using cannabis to manage ongoing health problems. However, he warns that without the right information and support, cannabis use can create more problems than it solves—especially when it comes to managing multiple medications and conditions.
This study offers a clear warning and a clear opportunity. On one hand, it shows that marijuana is no longer limited to younger adults—it’s now part of the health and lifestyle choices of many older Americans. On the other hand, the quick rise in use, especially among those with complex health issues, calls for more education and support from doctors and health professionals.
The sharp rise in cannabis use among wealthier, more educated groups and in states where medical marijuana is legal also points to the growing social and legal acceptability of cannabis. However, the gap in access and knowledge remains a concern, especially for those who may be self-medicating without guidance.
The researchers suggest that doctors should regularly talk with older patients about cannabis—asking whether they use it, why, and how often. They should also offer information about possible risks, especially for those on multiple medications or with chronic conditions.
In short, cannabis is becoming a normal part of life for many older Americans. With that shift, there’s a growing need to treat it like any other health topic—openly, carefully, and with the right information.
If you care about smoking, please read studies about smoking may increase heart disease risk by 200% and e-cigarette smoke may cause lung cancer and bladder disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the cause of weight gain after smoking cessation, and results showing smoking may cause white scars on the brain.
The research findings can be found in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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