# Recent Trends in Cannabis Use in Adults Ages 60 Years and Older. > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-in-adults-60-and-older-trends/ > **Published:** 2026-03-24T18:07:21-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:40:23-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore recent trends in cannabis use in adults 60 and older, focusing on health considerations and medical use in this growing population. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #94High Clinical Relevance  Strong evidence or policy relevance with direct clinical implications. 🔬 Evidence Watch  |  CED Clinic GeriatricsPainSleepCardiovascularDrug_Interactions Journal Substance abuse and rehabilitation Study Type [Clinical Study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome-psychiatric-risk/) Population Human participants Why This Matters [Cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) among adults over 60 is rapidly increasing, yet this population faces unique physiological vulnerabilities and medication interactions that require specialized clinical consideration. This review addresses a critical gap between growing older [adult cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-adult-low-risk-dependence/) and the limited evidence base guiding safe, effective care for this demographic. Clinical Summary This narrative review examines [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) patterns in adults 60 and older, finding that most older users choose cannabis for medical purposes, primarily targeting pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. The authors highlight concerning gaps: many older adults don’t discuss cannabis use with providers, controlled trials in this population remain limited, and emerging cardiovascular risks documented in younger users haven’t been adequately studied in aging adults who already face higher vascular and dementia risks. The review calls for more targeted research on efficacy, safety, and contraindications specific to older adults. Dr. Caplan’s Take “This review crystallizes what I see clinically – older patients are increasingly turning to cannabis but often without medical guidance, creating both opportunity and risk. The cardiovascular safety question is particularly pressing given that my older patients frequently have multiple cardiac risk factors.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should proactively ask older patients about cannabis use and create non-judgmental spaces for these discussions. Given the limited evidence base and potential for drug interactions or cardiovascular risks, older [adult cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-adult-low-risk-dependence/) requires more cautious, individualized approaches with closer monitoring than younger populations. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Recent%20Trends%20in%20Cannabis%20Use%20in%20Adults%20Ages%2060%20Years%20and%20Older.%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41710121/)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41710121/)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Recent%20Trends%20in%20Cannabis%20Use%20in%20Adults%20Ages%2060%20Years%20and%20Older.%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41710121/)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41710121/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41710121/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[What are the most common medical reasons older adults use cannabis?](#What_are_the_most_common_medical_reasons_older_adults_use_cannabis) - [Should I tell my doctor about my cannabis use?](#Should_I_tell_my_doctor_about_my_cannabis_use) - [Are there cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use in older adults?](#Are_there_cardiovascular_risks_associated_with_cannabis_use_in_older_adults) - [Is there enough scientific evidence to support cannabis use for medical conditions in older adults?](#Is_there_enough_scientific_evidence_to_support_cannabis_use_for_medical_conditions_in_older_adults) - [Could cannabis use affect my memory or increase dementia risk?](#Could_cannabis_use_affect_my_memory_or_increase_dementia_risk) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### What are the most common medical reasons older adults use cannabis? According to this research, older adults primarily use cannabis to manage symptoms of pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. The majority of older adult cannabis users report choosing it specifically for medical purposes rather than recreational use. #### Should I tell my doctor about my cannabis use? Yes, you should discuss cannabis use with your healthcare provider. The study found that many older adults don’t share their cannabis use with medical providers, which can impact medication management and overall care coordination. #### Are there cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use in older adults? Emerging research has documented possible cardiovascular risks of heavy cannabis use in younger populations, but this area hasn’t been thoroughly investigated in aging adults. Given that older adults have higher risk for vascular conditions and dementia, this warrants careful consideration and medical supervision. #### Is there enough scientific evidence to support cannabis use for medical conditions in older adults? Additional controlled [clinical trials](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-emotional-memory-ptsd-treatment/) are needed to definitively determine which symptoms cannabis can successfully treat in older adults. While many report benefits, more rigorous research is required to establish efficacy and identify any contraindications specific to this population. #### Could cannabis use affect my memory or increase dementia risk? This is an area of active investigation with limited data in older adults specifically. Preclinical studies are beginning to examine cannabis effects on cognition and dementia risk with aging, but definitive conclusions about long-term cognitive impacts require further research. {“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “ScholarlyArticle”, “headline”: “Recent Trends in Cannabis Use in Adults Ages 60 Years and Older.”, “url”: “https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41710121/”, “about”: “substance abuse rehabilitation [clinical study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome-psychiatric-risk/) recent”, “isPartOf”: “Substance abuse and rehabilitation”} [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. 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[Read More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-drug-interactions-older-adults/) [Older Adults Turn to Cannabis Primarily for Symptom Management](https://cedclinic.com/older-adults-turn-to-cannabis-primarily-for-symptom-management/) Learn why many older adults choose cannabis to manage symptoms like pain, anxiety, and insomnia. [Discover Insights](https://cedclinic.com/older-adults-turn-to-cannabis-primarily-for-symptom-management/) [Edible cannabis and pain, sleep, and mental health management in older adults](https://cedclinic.com/edible-cannabis-and-pain-sleep-and-mental-health-management-in-older-adults/) Understand the role of edible cannabis in managing pain, sleep, and mental health among seniors. [Explore Details](https://cedclinic.com/edible-cannabis-and-pain-sleep-and-mental-health-management-in-older-adults/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).