They fought in wars, raised families, and now—many are discovering marijuana for the first time. America’s seniors are lighting up, and it’s changing everything we thought we knew about aging and cannabis.
Key Points at a Glance
- 7% of U.S. adults aged 65+ now report monthly cannabis use
- Usage rising fastest among women, the married, and college-educated
- Higher income and education levels are linked with increased use
- Legalization and shifting social norms drive new demographic trends
The stereotype of the typical cannabis user—young, rebellious, and maybe a little lost—has officially gone up in smoke. According to new research published in JAMA Internal Medicine, marijuana use among Americans aged 65 and over is not just rising—it’s surging, reaching a record 7% who report using cannabis within the last month.
Behind this statistic lies a surprising evolution. Today’s older cannabis consumers are more likely to be female, married, college-educated, and financially secure. These findings, based on data collected from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health between 2021 and 2023, challenge decades-old assumptions and point to deeper cultural shifts happening across America’s retirement communities and urban neighborhoods alike.
“Our study shows that cannabis use among older adults continues to increase, although there have been major shifts in use according to demographic and socioeconomic factors,” says Dr. Joseph Palamar, senior author of the study and associate professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. His team’s analysis at the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR) highlights how legalization, changing social attitudes, and curiosity about potential health benefits are pulling cannabis out of the shadows for seniors.
Not long ago, the idea of your grandmother casually enjoying cannabis might have raised eyebrows—or even caused a family scandal. But today, it could just as easily be a scene from her next book club meeting. As more states legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use, the stigma is melting away, even among the generations that once viewed it with suspicion or outright hostility.
What’s especially noteworthy is the demographic twist. Older cannabis users are no longer primarily male or from lower-income backgrounds. The data shows a striking rise among women, those who are married, and individuals with higher education levels—indicating that cannabis is becoming normalized across more affluent and traditionally conservative groups.
But why are seniors turning to cannabis now? For some, it’s about pain relief or sleep. For others, it’s about curiosity, social bonding, or even self-discovery. And as aging Americans live longer, healthier lives, many are seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals and embracing wellness options that reflect more open attitudes about health and quality of life.
Yet the trend also raises questions. Are seniors equipped to handle cannabis safely, especially when mixed with medications? Are healthcare providers prepared to guide them? And will the legal system keep pace with these changes in use and need?
One thing is certain: cannabis use in later life is no longer a quirky exception—it’s becoming part of the mainstream aging experience. As today’s seniors rewrite the rules of retirement, they’re proving that growing older doesn’t have to mean growing predictable. Sometimes, it means trying something entirely new—and sparking a social revolution in the process.
