The latest findings from US-based research show that marijuana use among seniors has surged to unprecedented levels, sparking both celebration and concern within the medical community. According to multiple 2025 reports and studies, the rate of cannabis use among adults aged 65 and older rose by nearly 46% from 2021 to 2023, with approximately one in every seven seniors now reporting cannabis use in the past month. This dramatic shift, up from just 1 in 100 twenty years ago, reflects not only changing generational attitudes towards cannabis but also signals new public health challenges and opportunities for societies embracing an aging population—Thailand included (Axios, FOX News, WGAU Radio).
This rising trend matters greatly to Thai readers for several reasons. Thailand has embarked on its own journey with medical cannabis liberalisation, leading to greater public access and shifting cultural norms. As Thai society ages rapidly—with the proportion of citizens over 65 steadily increasing—international experiences serve as a living laboratory for the health, social and regulatory debates now unfolding within the kingdom.
Among the key facts emerging from American research are both the reasons for cannabis use and its attendant risks for older adults. Study summaries published in outlets like AARP and McKnight’s Long-Term Care News note that many seniors turn to marijuana for relief from chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, or as a supplement in managing conditions such as arthritis and cancer. However, researchers highlight notable health risks, including interactions with medications, increased risk of falls, possible heart complications, and the challenges posed to memory and cognition. Data presented by the American Medical Association Journal also found that seniors with two or more chronic diseases are more likely to use marijuana than their healthier peers (AARP).
Geriatric care experts in the United States are now warning that greater cannabis consumption by elders could complicate disease management and demand fresh adaptations in senior care settings. One US geriatrician (as reported by Axios and McKnight’s) warns, “We are already seeing significant rises in adverse events—falls, confusion, heart problems—and these often overlap with medication misuse and delayed medical attention. Older bodies process drugs differently. Cannabis is not benign for this population.”
American nursing homes and post-acute care facilities are scrambling to update their policies, balancing residents’ rights to seek relief with concerns about safety for both individuals and the wider population. The US experience reveals a sharp learning curve for healthcare administrators and regulatory agencies. For example, while many seniors perceive marijuana as safer than prescription opioids and are relieved to be able to access cannabis alongside other therapies, medical professionals urge coordinated prescribing practices, more rigorous patient education, and careful monitoring for cognitive side effects.
The context for Thailand is particularly compelling. Following legalization of medical cannabis in 2018 and later, decriminalization steps in 2022, there has been a significant increase in cannabis product visibility and access nationwide. While recreational use remains a legal grey area, senior citizens—often under pressure from chronic illnesses and inadequate pain relief options—are among the early adopters of cannabis-based remedies. In public health clinics and in the private sector, Thai medical professionals share similar concerns about drug interactions and cognitive health as their Western counterparts, though few systematic studies on Thai seniors have yet been published (Bangkok Post).
From a historical perspective, the dramatic rise of cannabis use among elders marks a sea change in attitudes. For many decades, cannabis was stigmatised in both the US and Thailand, with older generations most likely to oppose liberalization. Today, as older adults themselves embrace cannabis, society’s moral compass and legal systems are being forced to adapt. The experience of Western countries suggests that Thailand may soon confront new regulatory dilemmas: Should cannabis be made readily available in nursing homes? How can public health warnings and safe-use guidelines be tailored specifically for elders? How should doctors monitor long-term effects in patients with multiple chronic diseases?
Looking ahead, the impact on Thailand could be profound. According to World Bank statistics, by 2030, nearly one in five Thais will be aged 60 or above. If the US pattern holds, demand for cannabis among Thai seniors will rise in parallel to their numbers. This could bring benefits—such as relief from pain, improved quality of life, and reduced dependence on prescription opioids—but risks, too, including greater rates of confusion, falls, and unanticipated interactions with common drugs for heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure (World Bank Thailand Aging).
Expert advice drawn from the international research consensus is clear: seniors considering cannabis use should always consult their healthcare provider first, to discuss potential interactions and appropriate dosing. Education about safe storage, awareness of side effects (especially for those living alone or with impaired memory), and regular medication reviews are essential. For caregivers, vigilance for early signs of confusion or physical instability in elderly cannabis users is crucial. There is also mounting interest in “cannabis stewardship” programs, where medical and pharmacy teams work together to monitor and guide safe prescribing and use (PubMed - Marijuana use and subjective cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults).
In conclusion, while the rising use of marijuana among seniors is likely a reflection of shifting social values and a search for better quality of life, it raises legitimate health and regulatory questions for Thailand’s aging society. Thai policymakers, public health authorities, and families should proactively discuss the benefits and risks of cannabis use among seniors—with a special emphasis on clear, accessible education and careful monitoring for adverse events. Responsible and informed cannabis use can be part of healthy aging, but only if guided by evidence and effective communication.