Seniors & Cannabis: A Growing Trend Worth Our Attention

An intriguing shift is under-way in how older Americans approach cannabis. A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reports that usage of cannabis among seniors jumped 46% between 2021 and 2023. This isn’t simply a statistical blip—it’s part of a broader story that touches public health, regulation and the evolving conversation around cannabis across age groups.

What the Study Found

• Among older adults, cannabis use saw a near-half increase in a two-year span.

• The article highlights seniors with multiple chronic conditions as especially likely to use cannabis.

• One senior, 68-year-old Gary Stein from Hernando County, Florida, described visiting a dispensary like picking up a prescription—he uses cannabis for chronic pain and depression, preferring it over opiates or the long-term effects of something like Tylenol.

• A licensed medical-marijuana prescriber notes that more seniors are seeking cannabis as an alternative to traditional prescription medications.

• The study authors and public-health officials caution: despite growing use, cannabis remains federally illegal, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns of risks including brain, lung, heart, mental-health impacts, cannabis-use disorder and unintentional poisoning.

Why This Matters for the Suncoast Community

Here in the Suncoast region, we’re part of a demographic wave. Many of our residents are entering retirement age—or are already there. The uptick in cannabis use among seniors signals a couple of key things:

• Alternative treatment interest – When seniors say “I’d rather this than opiates or Tylenol,” it marks a clear desire for alternatives. Stein’s remark—“I rather use this than opiates … even Tylenol eventually becomes toxic to your liver”—speaks volumes.

• Regulatory and safety implications – With more seniors using cannabis, health-care professionals in our region will increasingly encounter cannabis in older patients. Screening and education become more important, as noted by the study authors.

• Opportunity for cannabis advocacy and education – For Suncoast NORML, this trend offers a chance to engage a growing audience: older users, caregivers, medical-marijuana patients. We can help shape safe practices, dispel myths, and highlight legal frameworks specific to Florida.

• Bridging generational divides – Often cannabis advocacy is cast as youth­-centric. But here, we’re seeing seniors step into the narrative. That broadens the societal conversation about cannabis beyond stereotypes.

Points of Caution & Consideration

• Despite the growth, cannabis remains federally illegal and unapproved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of any disease or condition.

• Risks must not be ignored. The CDC’s warnings apply especially when older adults have multiple health conditions, are on several medications, or have different metabolism or sensitivities.

• Dosage and method matter. As Stein himself observed: “The best thing to do is to find out what is best for you. The dosage is up to you, and the method of use is up to you.”

• Local legal/regulatory frameworks vary. Florida’s medical-marijuana program and rules for sales/distribution differ from other states. Seniors in our region must still ensure they comply with state law, medical-marijuana requirements, safe product sourcing, and proper use.

What Suncoast NORML Will Do

• We’ll amplify trustworthy education aimed at older adults: how to ask the right questions, understand product labels, interact with their physician about cannabis use.

• We’ll host forums/workshops that bring together seniors, caregivers, dispensary staff and medical professionals to discuss safe use in a friendly environment.

• We’ll push for regulatory clarity and data collection about senior use in Florida—so we can understand not just how many are using cannabis, but why, how, and with what outcomes.

• We’ll provide resources tailored to the Suncoast region: local dispensaries, medical-marijuana registration help, age-appropriate advisories, and regional data.

Final Thoughts

The rise in cannabis use among seniors is more than a headline—it’s a reflection of shifting attitudes, increasing openness, and the search for alternatives in health and wellness. For our community, it’s a call to engage: let’s make sure older adults aren’t left behind in cannabis advocacy, yes—but also that they’re supported with accurate information, safety guidance and respect for their experiences.

If you’re a senior (or a caregiver to one) considering cannabis, here are a few starting questions:

1. Have you discussed cannabis use with your physician, especially given other medications or conditions?

2. Are you sourcing products from licensed, regulated providers in Florida?

3. Are you starting with the lowest possible dose, and paying attention to how your body responds?

4. Do you understand dosage, method, possible side-effects, and interactions (especially with heart, lung, mental-health issues)?

5. Are you aware of the legal status in Florida (medical use) and federal status (still illegal), and what that means for you?

Suncoast NORML is committed to fostering informed dialogue, safe practices and inclusive advocacy across ages. Let’s make it possible for seniors on the Suncoast to engage with cannabis on their own terms—responsibly, knowledgeably, and confidently.