Cannabis use among older adults in the United States is rising as more people seek alternatives to traditional treatments for chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety and age-related discomfort. A new study involving adults aged 60 and older found that many are turning to cannabis after other therapies failed to provide relief or caused unwanted side effects.
Why older adults are using cannabis
Researchers from the University of Colorado and the University of Utah spoke with 169 adults with an average age of nearly 71. Among participants, 57 per cent said they used cannabis to improve sleep, while around half were trying to manage ongoing pain. Others reported using it for anxiety, depression or general wellbeing.
According to the researchers, most participants were not interested in recreational effects but were looking for ways to improve daily quality of life.
Frustration with conventional treatments
Many participants said they turned to cannabis only after trying other treatments, including prescription medication, acupuncture, massage, yoga and over-the-counter products. Some expressed concerns about the long-term effects of sleeping pills and psychiatric medications, while others said standard treatments had stopped working.
Several participants also viewed cannabis as a potentially less harmful alternative to alcohol or stronger medication.
Preference for mixed cannabis products
The study found that products combining THC and CBD were the most popular choice among older adults. Around 57.5 per cent preferred mixed products, while 29 per cent chose CBD-dominant products. Only 14 per cent selected THC-dominant options. Researchers said many participants wanted symptom relief without the intoxicating effects commonly associated with THC.
Concerns over THC
Participants frequently raised concerns about memory problems, anxiety, dependency and next-day drowsiness linked to THC use. Despite these concerns, some participants dealing with severe pain said they were more willing to accept the risks if the products provided relief.
CBD products were generally viewed as safer because they allowed users to continue daily activities without feeling impaired.
Limited medical guidance
A major finding of the study was the lack of guidance from healthcare professionals. Many participants said their doctors rarely discussed cannabis use, leaving them to rely on advice from friends, family, media reports and community recommendations.
Researchers warned that older adults are often making decisions without clear medical information about dosing, interactions or long-term effects.
Need for further research
The researchers said more studies are needed on how cannabis affects older adults, particularly products combining THC and CBD. They also stressed the importance of improving education for both patients and doctors as cannabis use becomes more common among ageing populations.
The study was published in JAMA Network Open.
