The "Goldilocks" Choice: Why Older Adults are Turning to Cannabis

Key Points:

• Cannabis use among adults over 60 is the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S., primarily driven by desires to improve quality of life through relief from chronic pain, insomnia, and mental health issues rather than seeking psychoactive effects.
• Older adults often rely on word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family for cannabis product choices, with minimal engagement or guidance from healthcare providers, indicating a gap in clinical support.
• Most seniors prefer edible cannabis products containing a combination of THC and CBD, viewing them as a balanced option that offers both therapeutic and mood-enhancing benefits without strong psychoactive effects.
• The study, conducted in Colorado where recreational cannabis is legal, underscores the need for better informational tools and clinical resources to help physicians support older patients in making safe and informed cannabis-related decisions.
• Published in JAMA Network Open, the research highlights that older adults seek cannabis as a non-pharmaceutical alternative to manage common age-related ailments, emphasizing the importance of fostering open conversations between patients and healthcare providers.