As cannabis use becomes increasingly mainstream across the U.S., more adults—especially those over 50—are turning to it for health-related reasons. Whether to ease chronic pain, improve sleep, or reduce anxiety, cannabis is gaining popularity. But is it truly safe and effective?
According to Dr. Jeffrey Quinlan, a professor of family medicine at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, there has been a noticeable rise in cannabis use among older adults. “There’s been a significant increase, but unfortunately, we still don’t have enough research to fully understand its long-term effects,” he says.
A recent poll by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation found that 21% of adults aged 50 and older used cannabis in the past year, and 12% used it at least once a month. The top motivations: relaxation, better sleep, mood support, and pain relief.
What Health Benefits Does Cannabis Offer?
Some evidence supports cannabis as a treatment for chronic pain, nausea from chemotherapy, and muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis, according to a 2017 review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Cannabis may also provide short-term relief for conditions such as:
- Sleep disturbances due to fibromyalgia, MS, or chronic pain
- Obstructive sleep apnea (limited data available)
- Stress-related insomnia or anxiety
However, Dr. Erin Bonar, a psychiatry professor at the University of Michigan, stresses that dosing remains a challenge. “Effective dosages vary from person to person, and what works can change over time,” she says. Moreover, few studies compare cannabis directly to other treatments.
Potential Health Risks of Cannabis Use
While cannabis may be less dangerous than opioids for pain relief, it still carries risks:
1. Dependence and Overuse
Roughly 21% of frequent users may develop cannabis use disorder. This condition can lead to dependence, increased usage, and risky behaviors like driving while impaired.
2. Cardiovascular Risks
High doses may raise heart rate and blood pressure, according to Dr. Quinlan. For people with existing heart conditions, this could increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
3. Mental Health Concerns
Although cannabis can initially reduce anxiety, Dr. Bonar warns that some users experience heightened symptoms later. In high doses, it can even trigger paranoia or, rarely, psychosis. Long-term use is linked to an elevated risk of depression, substance abuse, and accidental injuries.
Safe and Informed Cannabis Use: What Doctors Recommend
1. Speak With Your Physician
Despite its popularity, 44% of monthly cannabis users haven’t discussed their usage with a healthcare provider, the Michigan poll found. This can be risky.
Cannabis may interact with common medications, including:
- Blood thinners
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Statins
- Sedatives
A doctor can help assess potential interactions, provide safe-use guidelines, and discuss whether medical cannabis is a suitable option. Keep in mind: it’s still not covered by Medicare or most insurance plans due to federal restrictions.
2. Avoid Smoking or Vaping
Dr. Quinlan advises against inhaled forms of cannabis. Smoking and vaping can irritate the lungs and have similar risks to tobacco.
3. Start Low, Go Slow
Due to a surge in product potency, today’s cannabis is much stronger than it used to be. “In the 1990s, THC content averaged around 4%. Now, products often range from 20–30%,” says Dr. Bonar.
Experts suggest starting with edibles containing 5 milligrams of THC or less, especially for first-time users.
4. Label Awareness
Don’t fully trust THC content labels—they’re not always accurate. Dosing inconsistencies can lead to unexpected side effects, particularly in edibles, which take longer to digest and kick in.
Conclusion
Cannabis may offer relief for chronic conditions and emotional distress, but it’s not a cure-all—and it’s not without risks. Whether you’re curious or already using it, talk to your healthcare provider, understand the side effects, and approach cannabis as you would any other medication: carefully and responsibly.
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