The cannabis landscape is shifting constantly, and recent research reveals a rising trend of cannabis use among seniors and older adults, creating conversations about its implications.
While some authors of these studies remain cautious about cannabis consumption, it’s hard to overlook that cannabis, even with limited research to support its uses fully, appears to be significantly safer than many prescribed pharmaceuticals.
With no recorded cases of deaths from cannabis overdose, could it be time to rethink how society approaches cannabis, especially when compared to the sometimes devastating side effects of legal medications?
Recent Research on Seniors and Cannabis Use
A study published recently in JAMA Internal Medicine highlights that the use of cannabis among those 65 years and older has surged. Specifically, the prevalence of past-month cannabis use in this demographic climbed from 4.8% in 2021 to 7.0% by 2023.
This spike suggests that seniors are not only open to alternative therapies but are actively looking into the potential of cannabis to help chronic health issues like pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
Interestingly, the greatest increases in cannabis use were noted among individuals with specific chronic conditions, including COPD, hypertension, and diabetes.
This aligns with anecdotal evidence that cannabis might offer relief from certain symptoms or serve as an alternative to medications with unpleasant or harmful side effects.
Shift from Pharmaceuticals to Cannabis as an Alternative
Pharmaceutical drugs most certainly can save lives, but many carry risks that cannabis simply doesn’t. Common medications for seniors, such as opioids for pain or sedatives for sleep, are associated with a host of side effects ranging from dependency to overdose fatalities.
Opioid overdoses alone claimed over 80,000 lives in the U.S. in 2022. Cannabis, by contrast, has no lethal dose.
Take sleep aids as an example. Many seniors rely on benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics to manage insomnia, which often leads to issues like daytime grogginess, dependency, or even falls.
Preliminary research suggests that cannabis might work as a natural alternative, enabling better sleep without the harsh trade-offs.
Or consider opioids, prescribed widely for managing chronic pain. The opioid crisis has shown us the costs of overlooking the addictiveness and dangers of these drugs. Cannabis has shown the potential to provide pain relief, especially for conditions such as arthritis, without the risk of fatal overdose.
That’s not to say cannabis is without risks for some, especially for older adults, whose sensitivities to certain substances may increase with age.
However, these risks are manageable and mild compared to those associated with some prescription medications, making cannabis a perfect alternative.
Why More Research on Cannabis Is Crucial
Despite its benefits, we remain in the cannabis prohibition era at the federal level, and this hinders the research needed to unlock the plant’s true potential.
The drug’s Schedule I classification in the United States makes most controlled, large-scale studies on cannabis use nearly impossible.
This federal stance stands in contrast to the growing number of states legalizing both medical and recreational cannabis, making it difficult to have the conversation.
For researchers to explore cannabis’s therapeutic properties in-depth, federal policies restricting cannabis research must evolve. It’s critical, for example, that scientists be able to pinpoint the specific cannabinoids and delivery methods most effective for conditions ranging from chronic pain to Alzheimer’s disease.
Without comprehensive studies, we may continue to misunderstand or underutilize a plant that could provide life-changing benefits.
Skepticism about cannabis use in seniors stems from a lack of education and awareness. Many healthcare providers have limited knowledge of cannabis and its potential applications, leading to fear and misinformation.
That said, responsible cannabis use should always be encouraged. Seniors venturing into the realm of cannabis, especially for the first time, need access to accurate information, proper products, and guidance from informed healthcare professionals.
Cannabis is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its effects can vary based on the strain, dose, and method of consumption. An informed approach that weighs the pros and cons is essential—not just for seniors but also for the broader medical community.
Why the Time for Federal Cannabis Policy Reform Is Now
To ensure safety and maximize benefits for older adults, federal legalization and regulation are so important. By doing so, we can enforce consistent quality standards for cannabis products while funding research initiatives to identify best practices for medicinal use.
Furthermore, legalizing cannabis would open the doors for widespread education—not just for individuals but for healthcare providers tasked with advising patients.
It’s impossible to ignore the growing demand from seniors who are taking health matters into their own hands. Policies must start looking at the realities of cannabis’s proven safety and potential.
While seniors looking into using marijuana should proceed with care, it’s without question that marijuana offers a safer alternative to some traditional medications when used properly.
No one has ever died from a cannabis overdose, a statement that cannot be made about opioids, sleep aids, or even some over-the-counter medications.
For cannabis to become a viable mainstream option, further research, proper education, and federal recognition are critical. It’s time to break away from the stigma and prohibition surrounding marijuana to fully explore its role as a revolutionary tool in modern medicine.
If you’re a senior considering marijuana as part of your health regimen, consult with a healthcare provider versed in cannabis therapies.
Together, we can build a future where seniors don’t just survive—but thrive—with safe, effective alternatives like marijuana.
