Cannabis use among Americans aged 65 and older has surged by 46% from 2021 to 2023, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. This trend reflects a growing acceptance of marijuana, particularly in retirement communities.

At a recent gathering in the Trilogy retirement community, located an hour east of San Francisco, attendees shared their experiences with cannabis. Don Searles, who brought peanut brittle infused with marijuana to the party, noted the shift in attitudes toward the drug.

"We added the marijuana," Searles said, highlighting how cannabis has become a popular topic among seniors. Gayle Crawley, the 74-year-old host of the party, believes that marijuana offers solutions for various medical issues.

The legalization of cannabis in 40 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use has contributed to the diminishing stigma surrounding its use. Steven Clarke, another party attendee, shared his preference for edibles over smoking. He explained, "It does work on PTSD, pain issues, relaxation issues, brain disorders, heart disease."

However, not all medical professionals are in agreement about the safety of cannabis for seniors. Matt Springer, a professor at UC San Francisco, cautioned that THC, the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, may pose health risks regardless of how it is consumed.

"If they are smoking marijuana, we can be pretty confident that they're harming their cardiovascular system," Springer stated. He also noted that consuming THC in edible form is not without its own risks.

Research has indicated that cannabis use is associated with a doubled risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, a 29% higher risk for acute coronary syndrome, and a 20% higher risk for stroke, based on a study that analyzed data from 24 studies published between 2016 and 2023.

Searles, who suffers from chronic pain due to a motorcycle accident five years ago, expressed skepticism about health recommendations. "I go to my doctor and he says, geez, quit drinking milk. Uh, stay away from the sugar. What isn't bad for you nowadays?" he remarked, reflecting the complex landscape of health advice for seniors.