Cannabis Use Over 65: Stanford Experts Warn of 5 Key Risks

By VirentaNews Staff — May 16, 2026

As cannabis legalization spreads across the U.S., use among adults over 65 has surged—increasing more than fourfold in some studies over the past decade. But Stanford Medicine experts caution that modern marijuana, far more potent than products from previous generations, poses underappreciated health dangers for older adults. They identify five critical risks: cardiovascular strain, cognitive decline, increased fall risk, dangerous interactions with prescription medications, and potential for dependence—challenges that may outweigh perceived benefits for pain, sleep, or anxiety in this vulnerable population.

Modern Cannabis Potency and Health Data

Today’s cannabis is markedly stronger than in decades past, with average THC levels—the primary psychoactive compound—rising from around 4% in the 1990s to over 15% in recent years, according to data from ScienceDaily citing federal monitoring. For older adults, whose bodies metabolize substances more slowly, this heightened potency can have outsized effects. A 2023 Stanford-led study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that adults over 65 who used cannabis were 2.3 times more likely to experience dizziness and 1.8 times more likely to fall within 30 days of use. Additionally, research shows a 20-30% increased risk of acute cardiovascular events, such as arrhythmias or ischemia, within the first hour after smoking cannabis—particularly concerning for seniors with preexisting heart conditions. Cognitive assessments also reveal subtle but measurable declines in memory consolidation and executive function, even with infrequent use.

Key Medical and Policy Players

The growing concern stems from clinicians at Stanford Medicine’s Division of Primary Care and Population Health, who have observed a sharp uptick in cannabis-related consultations among older patients. Dr. Keith Humphreys, a professor of psychiatry and addiction expert at Stanford, has been vocal about the normalization of cannabis without adequate safety education. He and colleagues have urged the FDA and CDC to develop age-specific guidelines, noting that current public health messaging often overlooks seniors. Meanwhile, organizations like the American Geriatrics Society have updated their Beers Criteria—a widely used list of potentially inappropriate medications for older adults—to include cannabinoids due to fall and cognitive risks. On the policy side, state cannabis regulatory boards face pressure to require clearer labeling and dosage warnings, especially for edibles, which can take hours to take effect and lead to unintentional overconsumption among older users.

Trade-offs Between Relief and Risk

Many older adults turn to cannabis to manage chronic pain, insomnia, or anxiety—conditions often inadequately addressed by conventional treatments. Some studies suggest low-dose THC or CBD may offer modest benefits in these areas, particularly for neuropathic pain or sleep latency. However, the risk-benefit calculus shifts in older populations due to polypharmacy, age-related physiological changes, and higher baseline health vulnerabilities. For instance, cannabis can amplify the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, opioids, or certain antidepressants, increasing the risk of respiratory depression or confusion. It may also lower blood pressure unpredictably, posing dangers for those on antihypertensives. While some patients report improved quality of life, clinicians warn these gains may come at the cost of increased emergency department visits or functional decline. The lack of standardized dosing and product regulation further complicates efforts to isolate therapeutic effects from adverse outcomes.

Why the Timing Matters Now

The convergence of cannabis legalization, aging baby boomers, and aggressive marketing of cannabis products has created a perfect storm for increased use among older adults. Unlike previous generations, many in this cohort have prior experience with marijuana and view it as safe by familiarity. Additionally, the proliferation of discreet delivery services, gummies, tinctures, and ‘wellness’-branded CBD products has made cannabis more accessible and socially acceptable. However, the medical community is only now catching up with research on long-term impacts in aging populations. Regulatory lag means most cannabis products are sold without the rigorous safety testing required for pharmaceuticals. This timing gap—between widespread use and clinical understanding—heightens the urgency for targeted public health guidance and physician education, particularly as life expectancy rises and more seniors manage multiple chronic conditions.

Where We Go From Here

In the next 6 to 12 months, three scenarios could unfold. First, federal and state health agencies may issue formal advisories for older adults, similar to alcohol guidelines, outlining safe use thresholds and contraindications. Second, primary care providers could begin routinely screening for cannabis use during annual wellness visits, integrating it into medication reconciliation processes. Third, if adverse event reporting increases, we may see a regulatory push for mandatory health warnings on packaging—especially for high-THC products. Each path depends on whether policymakers prioritize prevention over commercial interests. Research funding for geriatric cannabis studies will be a key indicator of institutional commitment to evidence-based guidance.

Bottom line — while cannabis may offer symptom relief for some older adults, the growing body of evidence suggests that its risks, particularly with modern high-potency formulations, are substantial and often overlooked, warranting caution, clinical oversight, and urgent public health action.

Source: ScienceDaily