Senior citizens face increased health risks due to cannabis use
Share this @internewscast.com

New data has revealed that cannabis use among older adults is at an all-time high.

A study from UC San Diego and NYU reveals that marijuana consumption among Americans aged 65 and older rose by almost 46% between 2021 and 2023, detailed in an NYU press release.

With the increasing number of states allowing recreational and medicinal marijuana, the drug is now more accessible, especially for older adults.

The findings, shared in JAMA Internal Medicine, indicate that 7% of 15,000 seniors reported using cannabis in the last month, based on 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data.

This was an increase from 4.8% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022.

While marijuana use surged in both men and women, it was more prevalent among women.

The research found that increased use was associated with health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Those with a college or post-grad degree, an annual income of $75,000 or more, married status and residence in a state with legalized medical cannabis were also more likely to partake.

“Adults with the highest incomes initially had the lowest prevalence of cannabis use versus other income levels, but by 2023, they had the highest prevalence, which may indicate better access to medical cannabis given its costs,” the researchers noted in the study discussion.

“The substantial increased prevalence in states with legalized medical cannabis highlights the importance of structural educational support for patients and clinicians in those states.”

The researchers also warned that the use of cannabis products, especially with psychoactive properties, could cause complications in chronic disease management in older adults.

The study did not look at the frequency of cannabis use, cannabinoid type or recreational versus medical use.

In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, senior author Joseph Palamar, PhD, associate professor of population health at NYU Langone, noted his concern about cannabis use increasing among older populations.

Palamar suggested the increased use is likely due to a combination of greater availability, decreased stigma and previous marijuana users aging into the 65+ cohort.  

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

In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Barbara Krantz, medical director at Caron Treatment Centers in Florida, confirmed that she’s seen a “significant uptick” in cannabis use by individuals over 50.

While polls have shown that most older Americans use cannabis to improve sleep, reduce pain, alleviate mental health issues and to relax, Krantz shared some potential dangers of the habit.

Those include increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, increased hypertension and tachycardia, as well as worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Cannabis may also lead to interactions with other medications, which can increase their toxicity or decrease their effectiveness, Krantz cautioned.

Other potential risks include balance issues, delayed reaction times, increased confusion or cognitive impairment, and heightened anxiety, depression or anger.

There could also be surgery-related risks, including complications due to anesthesia and delays in healing, the expert noted.

“Seniors should talk to their healthcare provider and their pharmacist before using any marijuana or cannabis product, because there are very real and specific dangers for older adults when using these substances,” Krantz advised.

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel commented on these findings during an appearance on “America’s Newsroom” on Tuesday, noting that regular use of cannabis can be dangerous if not tracked.

“You might use a gummy to go to bed, and then the next thing, you’re using two gummies, or three gummies, and it could increase anxiety, it can increase discombobulation, you’re not thinking clearly, ER visits are on the increase,” he cautioned.

“We know about problems with the lungs,” Siegel added. “It can accelerate dementia and can affect behavior.”

The doctor likened the use of marijuana to the effects of smoking cigarettes in terms of damage to the heart and lungs.

“It is absolutely an active chemical we need to watch out for, and I’m very disturbed that the elderly are using it,” he said.

“We’ve completely jumped the gun [on legalization] because people are going to the ER with psychosis. They’re going there with vomiting disorders. They’re having car accidents as a result,” he went on.

“We are studying Colorado ever since it was legalized there, and the results are not pretty. We definitely jumped the gun by not anticipating all the medical risks here.”

Fox News Digital reached out to UC San Diego Medicine researchers for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
TikTok star Sana Yousaf, 17, shot dead at her home by man she repeatedly rejected

17-Year-Old TikTok Star Sana Yousaf Tragically Killed at Home by Man Whose Advances She Declined

A TikTok sensation met a tragic end, falling victim to a horrific…
Grandma's recipes, mom's love inspire Indian fast-casual spot

Inspiration from Grandma’s Kitchen and Mom’s Love Ignites New Indian Fast-Casual Spot

NEW YORK — Inday is an Indian-American, fast-casual dining spot with multiple…
SEPTA bus fire: Blaze that damaged 40 decommissioned buses at Philadelphia storage yard now under control

SEPTA Bus Yard Fire: Flames Engulf 40 Retired Buses in Philadelphia Storage Area, Now Contained

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A fire damaged 40 decommissioned SEPTA buses, including 15…
Michelle Obama Is Back, Complains About Her Time As First Lady in New Book

Michelle Obama Returns with a New Book Critiquing Her First Lady Experience

Penguin Random House has issued a statement via Crown Publishing Group about…
Private lunar lander from Japan falls silent while attempting a moon touchdown

Japanese Moon Lander Silence During Lunar Landing Attempt

A private lunar lander from Japan fell silent while descending to the…
My family is not supportive of my health journey

My family doesn’t support me in my efforts to improve my health.

DEAR ABBY: I’m currently dealing with a serious diagnosis of severe liver…
CNN Scott Jennings puts head in trash representing Republicans feelings about Trump-Musk feud

CNN Analyst Scott Jennings Expresses Republican Frustration Over Trump and Musk Dispute

CNN’s conservative commentator Scott Jennings playfully placed his head in a trash…
FBI Exposed: Deep State Plot Against Traditional Catholics

FBI Uncovered: Secret Agenda Targeting Traditional Catholics by the Deep State

On June 4, 2025, new documents released by Senator Chuck Grassley exposed…
Midea air conditioner recall: Nearly 2 million units recalled due to mold risk

Midea A/C Recall: Close to 2 Million Units Recalled Over Mold Concerns

As the weather begins to heat up ahead of summer, you may…
Detained Columbia graduate claims ‘irreparable harm’ to career and family as he pleads for release

Columbia Graduate, Detained, Appeals for Release Citing ‘Irreparable Harm’ to Career and Family

A Columbia graduate at risk of deportation due to his pro-Palestinian activism…
Wow: Disastrous Biden 'Response' to Trump Ordering Conspiracy Investigation Only Prompts *More* Questions

Unbelievable: Biden’s Poor Reaction to Trump Investigation Spurs Even Greater Inquiries

On Wednesday, news broke that President Donald Trump has instructed the President’s…
Michelle Beadle fired from SiriusXM after Stephen A. Smith drama

Michelle Beadle let go from SiriusXM following conflict with Stephen A. Smith

Michelle Beadle’s time with SiriusXM has come to a close. SiriusXM officially…