I’ve sat across from countless families—loving children, concerned spouses, and seniors themselves—wondering how something as “natural” and increasingly normalized as cannabis could unravel so much stability in their lives.

It often starts innocently enough: a suggestion from a friend, a gummy for sleep, a puff to ease pain.

But what many don’t realize is that aging bodies respond differently, and what might seem harmless can quietly become harmful.

In my work at Sanctuary Clinics, I’ve seen firsthand how cannabis use among older adults is growing—and so are the dangers. Let’s take a closer look at what the latest data reveals, and why this trend should concern all of us.

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows a troubling surge in cannabis use among Americans aged 65 and older—an increase of nearly 46% from 2021 to 2023.

While cannabis use is often touted as a harmless way to relieve pain or improve sleep, this research, and what I’ve seen in my practice, is a stark reminder marijuana is far from safe, especially for older adults.

According to 2023 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 7% of seniors reported using cannabis in the past month, up from 4.8% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022.

This surge is not limited to any one group:

• More older women are using cannabis than ever before.
• High-income seniors (earning $75,000 or more annually) now have the highest rates of cannabis use—rising from the lowest in 2021.
• Those with college degrees and those living in states with legalized medical cannabis are more likely to partake.

Researchers at UC San Diego and NYU attribute this increase to greater accessibility, reduced stigma, and the aging of long-time marijuana users into the senior population.

While many seniors turn to cannabis for relief from chronic pain, stress, or sleep problems, the risks far outweigh the benefits in this vulnerable group.

• Cardiovascular risks – Cannabis use in older adults can:
  • Increase the risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Cause hypertension and tachycardia
  • Worsen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Medication interactions – Cannabis can interact with common medications, leading to:
  • Increased toxicity of prescription drugs
  • Reduced effectiveness of critical medications
  • Dangerous side-effects like confusion, falls, and hospitalization
• Mental health concerns – Cannabis is not just a physical risk—it can cause or worsen mental health issues in seniors, such as:
  • Heightened anxiety and depression
  • Disorientation and confusion
  • Cannabis-induced psychosis, which may present as paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions

As we age, our bodies metabolize drugs differently. Seniors often have multiple health conditions and are on complex medication regimens, making them more sensitive to the side-effects and interactions of cannabis use.

Dr. Barbara Krantz, Medical Director at Caron Treatment Centers in Florida, warns cannabis can:

• Impair balance and reaction time, increasing the risk of falls
• Complicate anesthesia and delay healing after surgery
• Accelerate cognitive decline and even dementia

Senior author Dr. Joseph Palamar from NYU Langone expressed deep concern about cannabis use among older adults.

“My worry is some of these people may have adverse psychiatric reactions, especially if they use edibles,” he noted. “It’s very easy to accidentally eat too much—and there’s no turning back once it’s ingested.”

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel compared cannabis use to cigarette smoking, warning:

• ER visits are on the rise due to psychosis, vomiting disorders, and accidents
• Cannabis can accelerate lung damage and behavioral issues

“We definitely jumped the gun by not anticipating all the medical risks,” he said.

Before using cannabis, seniors should always consult their doctor and pharmacist.

Education is key—both for patients and clinicians—to prevent harmful interactions and unintended consequences. Here’s what you should consider:

• Talk to your healthcare provider before using any cannabis product
• Understand how cannabis can interact with your medications
• Watch for signs of confusion, anxiety, or disorientation
• Avoid edibles, which are harder to dose and can have delayed, unpredictable effects

The growing acceptance and availability of cannabis among older adults might make it seem like a safe option for pain or stress relief—but the research, and what I’ve seen, shows otherwise. From cardiovascular risks to psychosis and falls, cannabis use can pose serious dangers to seniors.

If you or a loved one is considering cannabis use, proceed with caution and seek professional guidance.

The risks simply aren’t worth the hype.

Dr. Sesi Akoto is one of the world’s foremost authorities on Cannabis Use Disorder and Cannabis-Induced Psychosis.

As Medical Director of Sanctuary Clinics, a world-class Christian mental health and substance use treatment program, she brings her research and experience, and Sanctuary Clinic’s reputation and success in treating patients to you in laymen’s terms in the pages of How to Help Your Loved One Get Off Cannabis.