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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sarah Sloat

More people aged 65+ are trying out cannabis. Here’s what to know about the risks and benefits

a man smokes a joint while seated in a chair outside next to a palm tree and lake
A 69-year-old man smokes a joint in his back yard in Florida, in 2021. Despite the lack of clear studies showing the efficacy of using cannabis to treat specific health issues, many US adults self-reported benefits. Photograph: Anastasia Samoylova/The New York Times/Redux/eyevine

Polls suggest Americans aged 65 and older are trying cannabis for the first time more than any other group in the country. This trend is propelled by decreased stigma and increased legalization, with 24 states and the District of Columbia allowing recreational use (in the UK, recreational use is still illegal).

But there’s something else too. Getting older comes with its challenges, physically and emotionally. Some people are betting on cannabis as a way to navigate these hurdles. Research indicates older adults primarily use cannabis for health-related issues, like poor sleep, pain and mental health concerns such as anxiety.

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