# Results from COSMOS Trial Reveal Cannabis Use in Older Adults > **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-older-adults-cosmos-trial-results/ > **Published:** 2026-04-25T09:42:47-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:58:14-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore cannabis use older adults as revealed by the COSMOS trial, highlighting prevalence, safety, and clinical considerations for seniors. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance #75 Strong Clinical Relevance High-quality evidence with meaningful patient or clinical significance. AgingResearchSafety Dr. Caplan’s Take “What the COSMOS trial demonstrates is that [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) in older adults is far more prevalent than most physicians realize, and our [clinical training](https://cedclinic.com/clinical-experience-medical-cannabis-student-support/) hasn’t kept pace with our patients’ actual behavior. If we’re not asking about it, assessing it, and understanding potential [drug interactions](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-liver-interactions-study-insights/), we’re missing a critical piece of their medical history that could affect everything from fall risk to medication efficacy.” Clinical Perspective The COSMOS trial’s finding that over 75% of older adults have used cannabis highlights a significant gap between patient behavior and clinical conversation, particularly since many seniors may not spontaneously disclose [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) due to lingering stigma or assumptions that their providers lack interest. This high prevalence underscores the importance of routine, non-judgmental screening for cannabis use in geriatric populations, as older adults may use cannabis for legitimate symptom management (pain, insomnia, anxiety) but face unique pharmacokinetic considerations, drug-drug interactions with polypharmacy, and increased fall risk compared to younger users. However, the evidence base for [cannabis efficacy](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-efficacy-new-study-no-medicinal-benefits/) and safety in older adults remains limited, with most trials conducted in younger populations, making it difficult to provide evidence-based counseling specific to this demographic. Clinicians should incorporate cannabis use screening into standard geriatric assessments, discuss potential risks and benefits in the context of individual patient 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? 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Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Refining Cannabinoid Ratios for Geriatric Pain: Methodological and Clinical Reflections on …](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-ratios-geriatric-pain-optimization/) Explore clinical insights on optimizing cannabinoid ratios for effective [pain management](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-cbg-topicals-for-eczema/) in older adults. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-ratios-geriatric-pain-optimization/) [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/) Learn about the role of edible cannabis in managing common symptoms among seniors. [Discover Insights](https://cedclinic.com/edible-cannabis-and-pain-sleep-and-mental-health-management-in-older-adults/) [Older Adults Turn to Cannabis Primarily for Symptom Management – Pulmonology Advisor](https://cedclinic.com/older-adults-turn-to-cannabis-primarily-for-symptom-management-pulmonology-advisor/) Understand why symptom management drives cannabis use among older adults from a pulmonology perspective. [Explore Article](https://cedclinic.com/older-adults-turn-to-cannabis-primarily-for-symptom-management-pulmonology-advisor/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), 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).