What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Pain.

Where was this research published?

Published in Substance abuse and rehabilitation on January 1, 2026.

Cannabis and Aging: A Growing Trend with Unanswered Questions

Q: What did this Review find?

**Majority of older adults use cannabis for medical purposes**, targeting symptoms like **pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression**

Recent Trends in Cannabis Use in Adults Ages 60 Years and Older.

Substance abuse and rehabilitation • January 1, 2026 • Review • Moderately Relevant

🤖

AI Summary

Cannabis use among older adults is experiencing a significant shift, with growing numbers of individuals aged 60 and above turning to cannabis for medical purposes. The primary motivations for use include managing chronic symptoms such as pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. However, the research highlights a critical gap: many older adults are using cannabis without consulting their healthcare providers, which raises important safety and communication concerns.

The review emphasizes the need for more comprehensive clinical research to understand the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use in aging populations. Of particular interest are emerging investigations into potential cardiovascular risks and cognitive effects. While preliminary preclinical models suggest cannabis might have potential in addressing cognitive decline and neurodegeneration, scientists caution that more research is necessary to fully understand its impacts on healthy aging versus dementia processes.

One of the most significant insights is the disconnect between cannabis use and medical guidance in older adults. Despite widespread medical use, many users do not discuss their cannabis consumption with healthcare professionals. This gap underscores the importance of open dialogue and further controlled clinical trials to establish clear guidelines for safe and effective cannabis use among older populations.

💡 Key Findings

Majority of older adults use cannabis for medical purposes, targeting symptoms like pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression

High

80%

Many older cannabis users do not discuss use with medical providers, creating potential health communication gaps

Good

70%

Preliminary research suggests potential for cannabis in addressing cognitive decline, but more studies are needed

Good

60%

📄 Original Abstract

This narrative review highlights the growing population of older adults (OA) who use cannabis and health considerations of cannabis use especially relevant to aging. The majority of OA who endorse using cannabis also report choosing it for medical purposes, most commonly to target symptoms of pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. However, many OA who use cannabis also do not discuss their use with their medical providers, and additional controlled clinical trials are needed to delineate which symptoms cannabis can successfully alleviate and any conditions or circumstances for which it is contraindicated. Further, emerging research in younger populations has documented possible cardiovascular risks of heavy cannabis use, and this area has yet to be thoroughly investigated in aging adults despite risk for vascular and other forms of dementia. Preclinical models are beginning to offer insight into health effects of cannabis use with aging, including cognition and dementia risk. In particular, cannabis represents a possible treatment for cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in OA, but further research is needed to characterize effects of cannabis use in healthy aging versus dementia processes.

Paper Type

📚 Review

Publication

Journal: Substance abuse and rehabilitation
Published: January 1, 2026
PMID: 41710121
DOI: 10.2147/SAR.S560360

Authors (6)

Rachel E Thayer Psychology Department, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
Elizabeth Anquillare Psychology Department, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
Juliamaria Coromac-Medrano Psychology Department, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
Emily E Hardin Psychology Department, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
Kyle Hatcher Psychology Department, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
+1 more authors