Cannabis Use Among Older Adults Rises as Potency and Health Risks Increase
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Cannabis use among adults over 65 is rising, with 7% reporting recent use in 2023, up from less than 5% in 2021. At the same time, the potency of legal cannabis products has increased dramatically, and new research links its use to cardiovascular risks and medication interactions. While medical cannabis is legal in 40 states, the FDA has not approved it as a medical treatment, and health professionals urge caution, especially for older users.
Facts First
- Cannabis use among adults over 65 rose to 7% in 2023, up from less than 5% in 2021.
- Potency of legal cannabis has surged, with flower averaging 20% THC versus 1-4% in the 1970s, and concentrates reaching near 90%.
- Research links THC to inflammation in blood vessels and associates regular use with increased heart attack and stroke risk.
- Cannabis can interfere with medications for older adults, who metabolize it more slowly.
- The FDA has not approved cannabis for medical treatment, though it has approved specific cannabinoids for limited conditions.
What Happened
Recent data shows a significant increase in cannabis use among older adults, coinciding with a dramatic rise in the potency of available products. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 7% of adults over 65 reported recent cannabis use in 2023, compared to less than 5% in 2021. Legal cannabis flower now averages around 20% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a substantial increase from the 1% to 4% typical in the 1970s. Oils, edibles, and concentrates can contain THC levels approaching 90%. Concurrently, scientific research is detailing potential health risks, particularly for cardiovascular health and medication safety.
Why this Matters to You
If you or someone you know uses cannabis, especially for medical reasons, understanding the potency and potential interactions is crucial. The cannabis available today is significantly stronger than in the past, which could lead to unexpected effects. For older adults, who metabolize cannabis more slowly, the risk of overconsumption or adverse reactions may be higher. Cannabidiol (CBD) can interfere with enzymes that break down common medications like blood thinners, potentially altering their effectiveness. Furthermore, research suggests regular cannabis use is associated with a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. This means your choice to use cannabis, even for pain or insomnia, could have direct implications for your cardiovascular health and the safety of your other prescriptions.
What's Next
Medical professionals... are focusing on cannabis therapy, indicating a growing clinical interest in its managed use. However, the American Psychiatric Association opposes cannabis as a psychiatric treatment due to a lack of evidence, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved cannabis itself for any medical condition. The FDA has approved specific compounds: CBD for certain childhood epilepsies and synthetic dronabinol for nausea and appetite loss in cancer or HIV/AIDS patients. Future public health efforts may need to focus on education about potency and safe use practices, particularly for older populations whose use is increasing.