Summary: Cannabis use among older adults in Colorado is rising faster than in any other age group. Yet many older adults report barriers to accessing medical marijuana, limited communication with their physicians, and a persistent stigma that makes discussing cannabis use difficult.
Source: University of Colorado
Cannabis Use Rising Among Older Adults, but Barriers Remain
Researchers analyzing perspectives of older Colorado residents found that cannabis use is increasing rapidly among adults over 60, and that older adults use cannabis for a variety of medical and non-medical reasons. The study, published in the journal Drugs & Aging, explored how older adults perceive cannabis, how they obtain and use it, and what benefits and problems they experience.
“Older Americans are using cannabis for many different reasons,” said Hillary Lum, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. “Some use it to manage pain, while others use it for depression or anxiety.” Data from national surveys reflect a large increase in cannabis use in people over 65, and this qualitative study sought to understand the lived experiences behind those numbers.
Methods: Focus Groups Across Colorado
Between June and November 2017, researchers held 17 focus groups at senior centers, health clinics and cannabis dispensaries across 13 Colorado counties. More than 136 people aged 60 and older participated; some were cannabis users and others were not. The research team analyzed session transcripts using thematic analysis to identify common patterns and themes.
Key Themes Identified
The study identified five major themes that describe older adults’ experiences and attitudes toward cannabis:
- Lack of research and accessible education about cannabis
- Limited communication between patients and healthcare providers about cannabis use
- Barriers to accessing medical cannabis, including difficulty obtaining the required medical certification
- Insufficient information about outcomes—both benefits and harms—related to cannabis use
- Reluctance among some older adults to discuss cannabis use openly, driven in part by stigma
Many participants said they wanted more information and counseling from their primary care providers but found conversations about cannabis brief, dismissive or nonexistent. One participant described telling a doctor about using cannabis for shoulder pain and receiving no follow-up questions about reasons, effects or side effects.
Access and Stigma
Some older adults reported choosing to purchase recreational cannabis rather than request a medical certificate from a physician—often because they felt embarrassed or worried about judgment. Others said they encountered physicians who were unwilling or felt unprepared to provide medical certification for cannabis. The researchers concluded that these communication gaps reflect a broader need for clinicians to learn more about cannabis and discuss it non-judgmentally with older patients.
Although cannabis is legal in Colorado, the study found that a stigma persists among some older adults. Participants referenced long-standing anti-marijuana messaging—such as historical propaganda from the early 20th century—that continues to shape attitudes and make open discussion difficult for some people.
Reported Benefits and Concerns
Older participants who used cannabis for medical reasons often reported positive outcomes, particularly for pain relief. Some described using cannabis as an alternative to prescription opioids and valued fewer or different side effects compared with highly addictive pain medications. Study participants generally distinguished between medical and recreational use; while recreational cannabis was sometimes viewed negatively, many compared it to alcohol and preferred it over alcohol’s effects.
At the same time, older adults emphasized the need to better understand both benefits and potential risks, and they expressed a desire for guidance from knowledgeable healthcare professionals when considering cannabis for medical purposes.
Conclusions and Implications for Practice
The study adds to growing evidence that older adults are using cannabis in varied ways for multiple purposes and want reliable information about options and risks. Co-author Sara Honn Qualls, PhD, ABPP, professor of psychology and director of the Gerontology Center at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, noted that older adults show increasing acceptance of medical cannabis and want their primary care providers to help educate them.
Hillary Lum emphasized the practical implication for clinicians: physicians should approach conversations about cannabis in a non-judgmental way and become familiar with the current evidence on risks and benefits so they can advise older patients effectively.
The study authors include Julie Bobitt, Melissa Schuchman, Robert Wickersham, Kanika Arora, Gary Milavetz and Brian Kaskie, in addition to Lum and Qualls.
Source: University of Colorado
Media Contacts:
David Kelly – University of Colorado
Original Research: “Qualitative Analysis of Cannabis Use Among Older Adults in Colorado.” Julie Bobitt, Sara H. Qualls, Melissa Schuchman, Robert Wickersham, Hillary D. Lum, Kanika Arora, Gary Milavetz, Brian Kaskie. Published in Drugs & Aging. DOI: 10.1007/s40266-019-00665-w (closed access).
Abstract summary: This qualitative study explored perceptions, access and outcomes of medical and recreational cannabis use among 136 Colorado residents over age 60 using 17 focus groups. Researchers found five primary themes: a need for more education and research, limited provider communication, challenges accessing medical cannabis, mixed outcome information, and persistent stigma. Older adults expressed a desire for clearer information and more open dialogue with healthcare providers about cannabis.