May 16, 2026

65+ and Using Cannabis? Warning Signs Nobody Talked About

65+ and Using Cannabis? Warning Signs Nobody Talked About

Consumption of Cannabis in India is increasing with time. It is the second most consumed substance after alcohol. According to studies, around 2.83% of Indians aged between 10 and 75 are active consumers.

Here is a Stanford Medicine study that indicates Cannabis side effects in elderly, precisely the 65+ age group.

Do you fall under this age bracket? 

If yes, you must go through this blog on Cannabis use in older adults. So, stay with us till the end.

Use of Cannabis among Older Adults: Here's the Real Picture

We already mentioned that there has been a steady increase in the use of Cannabis by elderly people here in India.

Cities like New Delhi and Mumbai rank among the top cities with the highest consumption of Cannabis. Even states like Odisha and Haryana have a much higher consumption of Cannabis.

In the USA, both medical and recreational cannabis use is allowed.

Most people in the said group are using Cannabis for the following reasons:

• Pain Management Treatment

• Insomnia or anxiety management

The dizziness after cannabis use helps provide peace to individuals in managing excruciating pain.

However, medical Cannabis for seniors is associated with a few red flags. Yes, we are mentioning a few risks of Cannabis for elderly people.

Cannabis side effects in the elderly: Let’s Understand the Red Flags

Cannabis Can Be Addictive

There are studies that indicate that around 30% of Cannabis consumption cases are related to cannabis use disorder.

The level of addiction is measured based on the person's reaction to events in their daily lives. In addition, researchers are trying to observe how the human brain reacts to the disorder and addiction.

They used MRI scans and found that people who relapse after treatment showed sensitivity to drug-related signals.

You may be from Kolkata or California, Birati or Birmingham, but your consumption of Marijuana must be done with adequate consciousness. You must consult a senior health care professional treating elderly wellness in North Dumdum.

Cannabis Increases The Risk Of Heart Disease And Mental Health Problems

Researchers found that the consumption of Cannabidiol may affect senior citizens' mental health. Yes, there is a predominant idea that marijuana and elderly brain health management are interrelated. However, excessive consumption does just the opposite.

There is more to it. 

Researchers also identified a relation between the consumption of cannabis and heart problems. Yes, heart attack cases increased by 29%, and stroke instances increased by 20% among the 65+ population consuming it.

Cannabis Is Stronger Than It Used To Be

The study on senior cannabis health risks claimed that its intensity or potency has increased manifold.

During the 1970s, the Tetrahydrocannabinol content in Marijuana was 4%. The picture has changed thoroughly. At present, the average Cannabis content is around 20%.

Researchers further pointed out that they are actively studying how the psychoactive ingredients impact the brain and the body.

Limitation Of Research

The Food and Drug Administration has not ratified its benefits. CBD is approved in some forms of childhood epilepsy. However, the benefits of Cannabis for old age are yet to be established clinically.