A recent study published this week has found that older adults who seek medical help for cannabis use may face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia, highlighting urgent concerns as marijuana use rises among aging populations worldwide—including here in Thailand. This research, first reported by The New York Times, observed a meaningful connection between cannabis use disorder and subsequent dementia diagnosis in individuals aged 55 and older, prompting both health professionals and policymakers to re-examine guidelines and public health messaging regarding cannabis, especially in countries like Thailand that are reconsidering their cannabis policies.
Thailand, the first Asian nation to legalize medical cannabis and later to decriminalize the drug for broader use, has experienced a quiet but notable upswing in cannabis consumption among older adults, often for pain management or chronic health conditions. This trend has been accompanied by growing enthusiasm among some segments of the population but increasing concern among the Thai medical community, who worry that the long-term cognitive impacts have not been fully considered or communicated. The new study, drawing on the records of thousands of elderly patients who sought care for cannabis-related issues, found they were significantly more likely to receive a diagnosis of dementia within the next five to ten years, compared to similar patients who did not seek such care (New York Times).
Globally, research on cannabis and cognitive decline has produced mixed results, but the size and focus of this new study make its findings especially compelling. Dr. Daniel Myran, a public health physician not involved in the study, told The New York Times, “The findings raise real worries that cannabis use, particularly when it leads to problem use or medical attention, could be another risk factor for dementia—something clinicians and patients must weigh very carefully.” The analysis controlled for other known risk factors, such as heart disease and alcohol use, suggesting a direct link rather than just an indirect association.
Dementia—including conditions like Alzheimer’s disease—is an immense and growing health burden both globally and in Thailand, where the ageing population is rising rapidly. In 2023, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health estimated over 700,000 Thais were living with dementia, a number expected to double by 2050 as the country continues to “grey” (Ministry of Public Health). In this context, the potential added risk from cannabis use merits close attention.
The research is particularly relevant as more older adults turn to cannabis—legally or otherwise—hoping for relief from insomnia, arthritis, chronic pain, or cancer symptoms. In Thailand, a 2024 survey by the National Statistical Office found cannabis use among people aged over 55 had tripled since limited legalization, with most citing health-related reasons for their usage (Bangkok Post). However, as Associate Professor Kanittha Thaweekwong, a geriatrician at Siriraj Hospital, notes: “We must carefully balance the potential short-term benefits with these newly discovered long-term risks. Thai seniors must be informed that what feels good now might contribute to faster cognitive decline later.”
Importantly, the study does not claim that cannabis use directly causes dementia in all older users, but it does indicate that those struggling enough to seek medical care for cannabis-related problems are at marked risk. Researchers suggest that problem use may correlate with higher consumption, comorbid mental health conditions, or pre-existing cognitive vulnerabilities. In Thailand, where stigma around both mental health and substance use remains high, the risk could be compounded if seniors delay asking for help until symptoms are severe.
Historical context is also crucial: Thailand’s traditional view of cannabis shifted rapidly after decriminalization in 2022, with policy vacillating between open access and renewed restrictions in response to social concerns (BBC Thai). Older generations, many of whom remember when cannabis was a strictly controlled narcotic, now face confusing health messages—sometimes promoted as a “natural cure-all,” other times as a newly recognized risk. A 2023 campaign by Thailand’s Department of Health Service Support urged caution: “ไม่ใช่ของดีสำหรับทุกวัย”—“It’s not good for everyone and every age.”
Looking forward, the implications for public health are vast. If the link between problematic cannabis use and dementia risk proves robust, Thailand may need to tighten medical surveillance and provide clearer, age-targeted warnings in both community and clinic settings. Internationally, experts are urging further studies to determine causality, mechanisms, and whether certain forms or dosages of cannabis are more risky than others (PubMed). For now, the advice is clear: older adults—especially those with a history of heavy or problematic cannabis use—should consult their doctor before using cannabis products and consider alternatives for chronic pain or sleep issues whenever possible.
For Thai families caring for aging loved ones, this study is a crucial reminder to assist elders in making informed choices and to watch for early signs of cognitive decline, such as memory loss, confusion, or difficulty performing daily tasks. Community leaders might also consider reviving traditional wellness practices, such as meditation or herbal remedies known in Thai culture, alongside modern medical advice.
In conclusion, as Thailand navigates its evolving relationship with cannabis, it is vital to ground public health policy and individual choices in the best available evidence. Seniors interested in using cannabis should regularly check in with their healthcare providers, seek evidence-based guidance, and keep family members informed. With proactive steps now, Thailand can help its growing elderly population enjoy healthier, sharper lives well into old age.
For more, see the original reporting in The New York Times, and stay updated on cannabis health research via PubMed.