The research utilized nationally representative data from over 14,000 older adults collected between 2021 and 2023. The primary focus was to quantify the prevalence of cannabis and other drug use screenings and conversations between patients and healthcare providers. Findings showed that while approximately one-third of older adults were screened for cannabis or other drug use in the past year, a markedly smaller fraction who reported cannabis use—whether recreational or medicinal—had discussions with their healthcare professionals.

This discrepancy is particularly concerning given the unique vulnerabilities present in the older adult population. Aging correlates with a heightened likelihood of chronic medical conditions, polypharmacy, and physiological changes that might amplify the potential adverse effects of cannabis. The absence of open dialogue about cannabis use may impede clinicians’ ability to anticipate and manage potential drug interactions or adverse events effectively.

Pia Mauro, a core member of Rutgers’ Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science and lead author of the study, emphasized the critical need for clinicians to proactively address cannabis use. She underscored that cannabis consumption is climbing among older adults, with 10.5 percent reporting use in the past year as per the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data. Despite this upward trend, the reluctance or discomfort by clinicians in initiating screenings and conversations about cannabis use remains a barrier to optimized patient care.

Clinician discomfort often stems from ambiguity regarding the medical pharmacodynamics and potential risks associated with cannabis in aging populations. There exists a pronounced need for continued professional education focusing on cannabis’ therapeutic potential, contraindications, side effects, and its complex interactions with standard geriatric medications. Increased knowledge among healthcare providers would facilitate evidence-based counseling, enabling responsible cannabis use while minimizing harm.

The study’s analytical framework leveraged advanced statistical methods to explore demographic disparities in screening rates. Intriguingly, older women and Hispanic or Latine older adults reported significantly lower rates of cannabis screening and discussions with their clinicians. Experts posit that these disparities may mirror broader societal and systemic issues such as cultural stigma, healthcare access inequalities, and differential cannabis use patterns across gender and racial lines.

Addressing these disparities requires multifaceted interventions inclusive of culturally competent education for both providers and patients, enhancement of healthcare access, and structural reforms to reduce systemic barriers. Additionally, expanding research to integrate geographical data would shed light on how local and state-level cannabis legalization policies shape patient-provider interactions around cannabis use.

Rutgers researchers advocate the integration of cannabis use screening as a routine aspect of geriatric medical evaluations. The implementation of validated single-item screening tools offers a time-efficient mechanism to initiate crucial conversations. These tools empower clinicians to detect cannabis use promptly, assess potential risks, and guide patients towards safer consumption practices or cessation if necessary.

Awareness campaigns tailored towards both healthcare professionals and older adults may bridge the informational void inhibiting open cannabis discussions. Knowledge dissemination regarding cannabis’ pharmacokinetics, risks in the context of chronic diseases such as hypertension or diabetes, and its impact on cognitive and motor function is imperative. Such communication promotes safer drug management regimens, reducing adverse events and improving overall patient outcomes.

The study’s significance is amplified by its support from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, underlining the growing importance of substance use research in an aging population. It catalyzes a critical discourse around how health systems can evolve to incorporate cannabis-related health concerns into comprehensive elder care paradigms amidst changing societal norms surrounding cannabis.

In essence, this investigation illuminates a considerable missed opportunity within clinical practice to identify and manage cannabis use among older adults—an oversight that jeopardizes patient safety and impairs holistic care. It challenges healthcare systems to adapt, normalize cannabis discussions, and ensure that older adults receive timely, accurate, and nonjudgmental information from trusted professionals.

Researchers also call for longitudinal studies to track the long-term health outcomes of cannabis use in older populations and to assess the efficacy of various screening approaches. This will guide the development of nuanced clinical guidelines and protocols customized for geriatric patients, thereby refining preventative strategies and therapeutic interventions within this demographic.

This groundbreaking work, coauthored by Mireia Triguero Roura, Elsa Carey, and Benjamin Han, paves the way for transformative changes in geriatric healthcare. It underscores the imperative that as cannabis legalization and usage expand, healthcare providers must equally broaden their competencies and comfort levels to respond ethically and effectively to the needs of older adults navigating cannabis use.

Subject of Research: People

Article Title: Cannabis or Drug Screening and Discussions With Clinicians Among Older Adults Who Use Cannabis in the U.S., 2021–2023

News Publication Date: 19-Jul-2026

Web References:
https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(26)00047-4/fulltext
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2024-nsduh-detailed-tables

References:
DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2026.108304

Keywords: Cannabis, Health care, Older adults

At the heart of this investigation was a qualitative survey of 169 adults aged 60 and above who were approaching their very first legal cannabis purchase. This group, diverse in background but united by common health concerns, sought cannabis as an alternative or complement to traditional pharmaceutical treatments. Researchers found that the primary motivation for these older adults was an improved quality of life. Pain management, enhanced sleep quality, and better mental health emerged as the key domains where participants hoped cannabis would offer relief. Notably, these older adults expressed little interest in the psychoactive “high” typically associated with cannabis, instead prioritizing functional wellness improvements.

The research team, led by Assistant Professor Rebecca Delaney at Utah and Professor Angela Bryan at Colorado Boulder, underscored that many participants arrived with expectations shaped largely through social networks. Anecdotal evidence from friends, family members, and community contacts was often the most influential source of information. This reliance on word of mouth bypassed professional medical advice in most cases, highlighting a significant gap in communication between older cannabis users and healthcare providers. Such findings suggest a pressing need for clear, evidence-based educational resources tailored to both patients and clinicians to foster more informed conversations about cannabis use in geriatric care.

From a pharmacological perspective, older adults face the complex decision of selecting between products dominated by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), or a combination of both. THC is the principal psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for euphoric and mood-enhancing effects, while CBD is non-intoxicating and believed to confer therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties. The survey indicated a strong perception among participants that CBD-only products were more “medicinal” and preferable for managing specific ailments, particularly because they do not induce intoxication. Conversely, THC-containing products were associated with mood improvement and a sense of relaxation.

Most intriguingly, the study found that many older adults deliberately chose combination products that contain both THC and CBD. This “Goldilocks” approach reflects an intuitive attempt to balance therapeutic efficacy with manageable psychoactive effects. Respondents described these blended formulations as providing the optimal synergy—enough THC to relax and uplift mood without overwhelming psychoactivity, complemented by CBD’s calming and restorative properties. This nuanced understanding signals an emerging sophistication among older consumers about cannabis pharmacodynamics and individual tolerance.

While the study focused on Colorado—where recreational cannabis is legal—researchers believe the core motivations for cannabis use in older adults are likely universal. Chronic pain, insomnia, and mental health issues are pervasive challenges among the elderly regardless of legal context. However, in states where cannabis remains restricted to medical use, older adults may encounter additional obstacles in terms of access, physician guidance, and stigma. Delaney emphasized the importance of further research in diverse regulatory environments to fully capture the spectrum of decision-making influences.

The study’s implications extend beyond characterization of user motivations to suggest actionable pathways for healthcare improvement. Sparking conversations about cannabis use between patients and healthcare providers could aid in personalized, safer treatment planning. Currently, many older adults navigate cannabis products with minimal clinical input, heightening risks of drug interactions, improper dosing, and unforeseen side effects. Developing targeted informational materials grounded in clinical evidence can empower both providers and patients to address these risks proactively.

Moreover, this evolving trend highlights the broader therapeutic potential of cannabis in geriatric medicine, warranting rigorous clinical trials and pharmacovigilance studies. Historical reluctance to include older adults in cannabis research has left a gap in evidence-based guidelines specific to this demographic. Understanding how cannabinoids interact with aging physiology, polypharmacy profiles, and comorbid conditions is essential for optimizing therapeutic regimens and enhancing patient quality of life.

The social dimension of cannabis use among seniors also merits attention. Social sharing of experiences and recommendations can play a constructive role in knowledge dissemination but may also propagate misinformation. Thoughtful integration of community education initiatives with formal healthcare support could balance these dynamics. Digital platforms and patient advocacy groups may prove instrumental in bridging the gap between anecdote and science.

In conclusion, this pioneering survey enriches our understanding of why and how older adults choose cannabis as an alternative treatment modality. Their pursuit of better sleep, pain relief, and mental wellbeing reflects a broader shift towards holistic and personalized approaches in managing chronic health conditions. Recognizing the central role of social influence alongside the pharmacological considerations of THC and CBD can inform the development of educational tools and clinical practices that support this demographic’s unique healthcare needs. As legalization expands and public perceptions evolve, such research will be critical in guiding safe, effective cannabis use among older populations.

Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Edible Cannabis and Pain, Sleep, and Mental Health Management in Older Adults
News Publication Date: 8-May-2026
Keywords: Cannabis, Decision making, Older adults, Medicinal plants, Cannabinoids