Recent U.S. research shows a sharp rise in cannabis use among adults 65 and older. From 2021 to 2023, use grew by about 46%, with roughly one in seven seniors reporting cannabis use in the past month. This marks a dramatic shift from two decades ago and highlights new public health considerations as societies age, including Thailand, which is watching international trends closely.
Why this matters for Thai readers lies in Thailand’s evolving stance on medical cannabis. Since legalization steps began in 2018 and continued with decriminalization in 2022, access to cannabis products has increased. As Thailand’s elderly population grows, international experience offers lessons for health care, regulation, and social norms in the kingdom.
In the United States, seniors often use cannabis to manage chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and conditions such as arthritis or cancer. Yet experts warn of real risks: drug interactions, higher fall risk, potential heart effects, and impacts on memory and cognition. Data from major medical sources indicate that those with multiple chronic illnesses are more likely to use cannabis than healthier peers.
Geriatric specialists warn that higher cannabis use in older adults could complicate disease management. Reports note rising adverse events—falls, confusion, heart problems—and the interplay with other medications. Older bodies process substances differently, and cannabis is not risk-free for this population. In care facilities, administrators are revising policies to balance residents’ relief needs with safety considerations for individuals and staff.
Thai health professionals see similar concerns. After medical cannabis was liberalized, cannabis products have become more visible in clinics and private practice. While recreational use remains legally uncertain, seniors dealing with chronic illnesses often seek alternative relief, making careful medical oversight essential. Thai researchers and clinicians emphasize potential drug interactions and cognitive effects as parallel concerns to the U.S. experience, though systematic studies in Thai seniors are limited.
This shift reflects a broader change in attitudes toward cannabis in many countries. Where earlier generations often opposed liberalization, older adults now increasingly view cannabis as a viable option for symptom relief. This evolving landscape presents regulatory questions for Thailand: Should cannabis be more accessible in long-term care settings? How can health warnings and safe-use guidelines be tailored for older patients with multiple conditions? How should doctors monitor long-term effects?
Looking ahead, Thailand’s aging trajectory could amplify these issues. World Bank projections indicate a rising share of Thais aged 60 and above in the coming decade. If global patterns hold, demand for cannabis among Thai seniors could grow alongside their numbers. Potential benefits include pain relief and improved quality of life, but risks such as cognitive effects, falls, and interactions with common heart, diabetes, or blood pressure medications warrant careful management.
Experts advocate informed decision-making: seniors should consult healthcare providers before using cannabis to review interactions and dosing. Education on safe storage and recognizing side effects is essential, particularly for those living alone or with memory concerns. Regular medication reviews are crucial for caregivers monitoring elderly cannabis users. There is growing interest in collaborative “cannabis stewardship”—joint efforts by medical and pharmacy teams to guide safe prescribing and use.
In summary, the rise of cannabis use among seniors signals shifting social values and a desire for a better quality of life, but it also raises health and regulatory questions for Thailand’s aging population. Policymakers, public health authorities, clinicians, and families should engage in proactive, evidence-based discussions about benefits, risks, and practical safeguards. With thoughtful education and careful monitoring, responsible cannabis use can be part of healthy aging in Thailand.