Cannabis Use Among People Aged 65 and Older: Results From an Intercept Survey in New York City.

Han B.; Jagasia K.; Simi T.; Abukahok N.; Palamar J. · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 2026

**Background & Methods** This intercept survey enrolled 315 adults aged ≥65 years in New York City, primarily recruited from public parks and outside older adult centers. Participants completed surveys assessing past-year cannabis use, reasons for use, adverse effects, and cannabis use disorder (CUD) symptoms. **Key Findings** - Past-year cannabis use prevalence was 22.2% (n=70), with 11.1% (n=35) reporting use in the past 24 hours, suggesting cannabis use among older adults is more common than previously documented in national surveys. - Younger age, male gender, and current cigarette smoking were significant correlates of cannabis use, with cigarette smokers having 3.73-fold higher odds of cannabis use compared to non-smokers. - Primary reasons for use included getting high (60.0%), relieving tension (55.7%), improving sleep (52.9%), and managing chronic pain (30.0%); approximately 32.9% of cannabis users met criteria for CUD, with 5.7% having severe CUD. **Dosage & Administration** Not reported. **Safety & Adverse Effects** Dry mouth was the most commonly reported adverse effect (41.4%), followed by drowsiness (18.6%). The study notes that age-related physiological changes and concurrent medication use may exacerbate potential adverse effects in this population, though specific medication interactions were not detailed. **Evidence Quality** This cross-sectional intercept survey has notable limitations. The sampling method (public recruitment in NYC) may introduce selection bias, potentially overestimating cannabis use prevalence compared to homebound or institutionalized older adults. The relatively small sample size (n=315) and geographic limitation to New York City restrict generalizability to other populations and regions. Self-reported data is subject to recall and social desirability bias. As a 2026 study classified as a "Review," the methodological rigor and peer-review status require verification. The study represents exploratory evidence suggesting cannabis use in older adults warrants increased clinical attention, but higher-level evidence from prospective cohort studies and nationally representative samples is needed to establish causality and refine prevalence estimates.

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