Cannabis use among older adults is on the rise — and for good reason. From chronic pain to sleep problems to anxiety, medical cannabis is proving to be a viable alternative to traditional medications for many seniors. At Local’d, Washington DC’s trusted medical cannabis delivery service, we believe every patient deserves access to accurate, honest information. Here’s what older adults and their families need to know.
Why are More Seniors Using Medical Cannabis?
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that cannabis use among adults 65 and older increased steadily between 2015 and 2018, with past-year use nearly doubling from 2.4% to 4.2%. Doctors who recommend cannabis as part of their practice report similar trends in their own patient bases.
Several factors are driving this shift. Stigma around cannabis use has decreased significantly in recent years — a recent poll found that 94% of Americans support legal access to medical marijuana. Even the AARP, representing over 38 million members, has declared support for medical cannabis use among older adults in states where it’s legal, provided it’s done in close consultation with a medical provider.
Many older adults — particularly those who came of age in the 1960s — are also simply more comfortable with cannabis than previous generations of seniors were.
What Conditions Do Seniors Use Cannabis For?
Research shows that older adults commonly use medical cannabis for many of the same conditions as younger patients:
- Chronic pain — particularly for patients who can’t tolerate traditional pain medications due to kidney disease or other conditions
- Insomnia — as a safer alternative to traditional sleeping pills with fewer side effects
- Neuropathy — nerve pain that is often difficult to treat with conventional medications
- Anxiety — particularly for patients looking to avoid habit-forming anti-anxiety medications
- Inflammation — associated with arthritis and other age-related conditions
What Are the Potential Risks for Older Adults?
While medical cannabis is generally well-tolerated among older adults, there are some important considerations to be aware of:
Cardiac Health A review published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology notes that cannabis can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Older patients with underlying coronary disease should consult their doctor before using cannabis — particularly with edibles, where dosing can be less predictable and effects stronger than expected.
Drug Interactions Cannabis can interact with certain medications commonly prescribed to older adults including blood thinners and sedatives. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before adding cannabis to your wellness routine.
Dosing & Edibles Older adults are generally advised to start with a low dose and increase gradually — particularly with edibles, which have a delayed onset and can be easy to accidentally over-consume. The golden rule is start low, go slow.
Balance & Coordination Some cannabis products — particularly those high in THC — can affect balance and coordination. This is an important consideration for older adults who may already be at risk for falls.
Tips for Seniors Getting Started with Medical Cannabis
If you’re an older adult in Washington DC considering medical cannabis for the first time, here are a few practical tips:
- Talk to your doctor first — especially if you have existing health conditions or take prescription medications
- Start with low-THC or CBD-dominant products — these tend to have milder effects and are a good starting point for new patients
- Choose your delivery method carefully — tinctures and low-dose edibles are often easier to control than smoking or vaping
- Keep a journal — track how different products and doses affect you so you can adjust over time
- Be patient — cannabis affects everyone differently and it may take some experimentation to find what works best for you
Getting Medical Cannabis Delivered in Washington, DC
For older adults in Washington DC, Local’d makes accessing medical cannabis simple and stress-free. No need to travel to a dispensary — we deliver a curated selection of lab-tested flower, edibles, tinctures, concentrates, vapes, and pre-rolls directly to your door across DC, typically within the hour.
Getting started is easy — both DC residents and non-residents can apply for a medical cannabis card online and receive a digital registration card within minutes. Browse our full menu to find the right products for your needs, or visit our FAQ page if you have questions about getting started as a new patient in DC.
The Bottom Line
Medical cannabis is becoming an increasingly important option for older adults managing pain, sleep issues, anxiety, and more. While it’s not right for everyone and should always be discussed with a medical provider, the growing body of research — and the growing number of seniors who are benefiting — makes a compelling case. If you’re curious about whether medical cannabis might be right for you, Local’d is here to help every step of the way.
