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News
A new NYC survey finds that nearly 1 in 4 adults aged 65+ used cannabis in the past year, with a third of those users meeting criteria for cannabis use disorder. Adverse effects like dry mouth, drowsiness, and anxiety were common. Researchers are calling for better education around age-related risks and drug interactions for this growing population.
Cannabis isn't just a younger generation's habit. A new cross-sectional survey of 315 New York City adults aged 65 and older found that 22.2% had used cannabis in the past year — and among those users, nearly 1 in 3 met the criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD). The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, highlights a growing but underexamined concern among older adults.
Smoking was the most popular method (74.3%), followed by edibles (35.7%) and vaping (15.7%). The top reasons for use were getting high, easing tension, and improving sleep. Side effects were common, with dry mouth, drowsiness, and anxiety topping the list. Notably, older age and female sex were linked to lower odds of use, while recent cigarette smoking was tied to higher odds.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: As cannabis becomes more widely legalized and socially accepted, older adults represent a vulnerable and often overlooked user group. Clinicians need to proactively screen for cannabis use, counsel patients on age-specific risks, and watch for drug-drug interactions in this population.
