Older adults’ marijuana use is surging, with a 46% increase in just two years, according to a new study.reaching 7% among those aged 65 and older, this growth is particularly noticeable among married, college-educated women, and also those with higher incomes. The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, suggests evolving attitudes towards cannabis and increased access, especially in states with legalized medical marijuana. This pivotal shift marks a meaningful trend in the demographics of cannabis consumption. NYU researchers highlight these developments, examining the shift and potential links between income and use—crucial insights for health professionals.News Directory 3 brings you the latest on this evolving story. Discover what’s next for this aging demographic and its relationship with cannabis.
Marijuana Use Surges Among older Adults in the US
Updated June 08, 2025
A recent analysis indicates that marijuana use among older adults in the United States has reached a new peak.Seven percent of adults aged 65 and over reported using cannabis in the past month, according to research from NYU’s Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV research (CDUHR).
The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, highlights shifts in cannabis use demographics. Researchers observed critically important increases among older adults who are college-educated, married, female, and have higher incomes. This suggests changing attitudes and access to marijuana among this demographic.
Joseph Palamar,associate professor at NYU grossman School of Medicine and CDUHR researcher,noted the continued increase in cannabis use among older adults,along with major shifts based on demographic and socioeconomic factors. The study examined data from the National survey on Drug Use and Health from 2021 to 2023, focusing on respondents aged 65 and older.
benjamin Han, associate professor at the University of California San Diego, emphasized the ability to examine “current” cannabis use in this age group for the first time. Past studies only looked at past-year use due to smaller sample sizes for current use.
The data revealed a significant jump in current cannabis use, rising from 4.8% in 2021 to 7% in 2023—a nearly 46% increase in just two years. Han pointed out that past-year cannabis use was less than 1% in 2006 and 2007, underscoring the dramatic shift.
Certain subgroups experienced more pronounced increases. These include older adults who are married, white, have a college degree, and earn at least $75,000 annually. Older women also showed a marked increase in cannabis use, although older men still use it more frequently.
The study also found that cannabis use grew more in states where medical marijuana is legal, compared to those where it is not.
“It shouldn’t be surprising that use is becoming increasingly more common among peopel who live in states that allow medical cannabis, which could be due to increased availability or social acceptability,” said Palamar.
Palamar also noted an interesting trend related to income. In 2021, those with the highest incomes had the lowest prevalence of cannabis use. Though, by 2023, this group had the highest prevalence, potentially indicating access to medical cannabis given its costs.
Researchers also observed significant increases in cannabis use among older adults with chronic diseases, including heart issues, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease.
The authors suggest that the overall increase may be partly due to individuals who use cannabis aging into the 65+ age bracket. They recommend that clinicians screen and educate older patients about cannabis use, emphasizing that physiological changes with aging can increase sensitivity to psychoactive substances.
”As a geriatrician, I see more and more people interested in using cannabis for treating chronic health symptoms. But cannabis can complicate the management of chronic diseases and be potentially harmful if patients are not educated on its use and potential risks,” Han said.
What’s next
Further research is needed to understand the long-term health effects of marijuana use among older adults and to develop appropriate guidelines for safe and effective use.
