Cannabis Among Seniors: A Growing Trend with Hidden Dangers
As cannabis legalization spreads and its use becomes more mainstream, a surprising demographic is turning to these products: older adults. But here's where it gets controversial—while many see cannabis as a natural remedy for pain, sleep issues, and chronic conditions, a recent study reveals a darker side. Are we overlooking the risks?
A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine (https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007/s11606-025-10009-7?sharingtoken=NQAkJNvdEU9AwOs0cNuzHve4RwlQNchNByi7wbcMAY4ZYj8YvUQBcyogs4UUX8f1nFg1hPoniWkJDEeqr9QB9tC55XOuXY7dZZJwIAwPH8w8mXE02Flm4SF3S-euyjBltbaC6x496Dqz0QizI49zeLo-Am4v1yF0Hft6aZvA%3D) by Dr. Jerry H. Gurwitz and his team at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sheds light on this issue. The research, spanning 2016 to 2023, analyzed emergency department (ED) visits among U.S. adults aged 50 and older linked to medical cannabis use, including marijuana, CBD, and hemp-derived products. The findings are alarming: ED visits for adverse events skyrocketed from 4,408 in 2020-2021 to 7,490 in 2022-2023.
And this is the part most people miss—Dr. Gurwitz emphasizes that these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. The study only captures ED visits, excluding urgent care, doctor consultations, and unreported adverse events. So, the real scale of the problem could be much larger.
Why the Surge?
Accessibility is a key factor. With medical cannabis legal in most states and recreational use permitted in nearly half, it’s easier than ever to obtain. But greater availability doesn’t guarantee safety. Dr. Gurwitz warns, “These products haven’t been thoroughly evaluated by the FDA, and their contents are often unclear.” The complexity of cannabis compounds adds another layer of uncertainty. Many products contain multiple active ingredients, leaving users—and even healthcare providers—in the dark about what they’re consuming.
Dr. Gurwitz’s personal experience highlights the issue. When a relative in her 90s used cannabis for back pain and stopped due to side effects, it was an eye-opener. “I realized many of my patients were likely using cannabis, and I hadn’t even asked,” he said.
What Are the Real Risks?
Many assume cannabis is safe because it’s “natural,” but the study uncovered a range of adverse effects, including confusion, psychiatric symptoms (anxiety, paranoia), fainting, gastrointestinal issues, falls, and injuries. These aren’t minor concerns—they’re precisely the preventable issues geriatricians strive to avoid in older patients. Additionally, older adults are often more sensitive to medications, increasing their risk of adverse events.
Who’s Using It and Why?
National survey data shows that about 12% of U.S. adults aged 50 to 80 use cannabis, often as an alternative to prescription medications. However, this choice may come with hidden risks. Dr. Gurwitz’s study focused solely on legal, medical products, but recreational use among seniors is also common. Combining cannabis with alcohol, for instance, could exacerbate risks—a point that sparks debate.
How to Stay Safe
If you’re over 50 or caring for someone who is, and considering cannabis, Dr. Gurwitz recommends an open conversation with your doctor. Ask critical questions like:
- Is this the best option for me?
- What alternatives exist, such as physical therapy or behavioral strategies?
- What side effects are more likely in older adults?
Dr. Gurwitz’s principle is clear: “I only prescribe medications when the benefits outweigh the risks. With cannabis, that certainty is lacking.”
A Call to Action for Clinicians
Dr. Gurwitz urges healthcare providers to routinely screen older patients for cannabis use, especially those with chronic pain or sleep issues. If new symptoms arise, like mental status changes, cannabis use should be investigated. The goal is to prevent avoidable harm.
This research also highlights the need for FDA evaluation, accurate labeling, and better education for patients and providers. Until we fully understand cannabis’s impact on older adults, caution is key.
Food for Thought
As cannabis becomes more prevalent, how can we balance its potential benefits with its risks? Should there be stricter regulations for products marketed to seniors? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s start a conversation that could shape safer practices for older adults.
