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#168: Cannabis After 55: A Beginner’s Guide for Older Adults

Written by

Chester Sam

#168: Cannabis After 55: A Beginner’s Guide for Older Adults

#168: Cannabis After 55: A Beginner’s Guide for Older Adults

If you're over 55 and curious about cannabis, you're not alone. One in four Canadians between 55 and 65 now use cannabis, making older adults the fastest-growing demographic of cannabis consumers in Canada.

Whether you're dealing with arthritis that won't quit, sleepless nights, or age-related discomfort, you've probably heard friends or family mention that cannabis helped them. But where do you start? And more importantly, how do you use it safely? Consider this your starting point for exploring cannabis as an older adult.


What’s driving the shift

The numbers tell a compelling story. Since cannabis was legalized in 2018, its use among seniors has risen dramatically. In 2012, less than 1% of adults over 65 used cannabis; by 2019, that figure had jumped to 7%. That's a 700% increase in just seven years!

Research shows that two-thirds of older adults use cannabis to manage health issues such as chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep problems. Many turn to cannabis after finding traditional medications either ineffective or burdened with side effects.

For example, arthritis pain may persist despite NSAIDs, or prescription sleep aids might leave you feeling groggy. Cannabis offers a potential alternative, with fewer side effects and a wide range of options and delivery methods to choose from.


Where cannabis may offer relief

Arthritis and joint pain: Arthritis pain stems from inflammation in the joints and abnormal pain signalling in nearby nerves. Early research suggests cannabis may address both issues. Cannabidiol (CBD) appears to calm overactive inflammation, while THC interacts with receptors in the brain and nerves that influence pain perception.

The Arthritis Society of Canada notes that while medical cannabis cannot cure arthritis or slow disease progression, studies demonstrate it can help relieve arthritis pain and address associated sleep issues and anxiety.

Neuropathic pain: Neuropathic pain, often described as a burning, shooting, or tingling sensation from nerve damage, is one of the conditions where cannabis shows a lot of promise.

A 2023 study found that approximately 63% of middle-aged and older adults initiating medical cannabis reported overall effectiveness for chronic pain, along with improved sleep, better mood, and reduced reliance on pain medications.

Sleep disturbances: As we age, sleep issues often become more common. Cannabis may offer a solution, as it has been shown to improve sleep quality. Orally ingested cannabis oils, in particular, provide longer-lasting effects than inhaled products, which can be especially helpful for maintaining sleep throughout the night.

In an Israeli study of older adults using medical cannabis, nearly 85% reported some improvement in their general condition, with better sleep quality being one of the most frequently mentioned benefits.

Appetite loss: Loss of appetite is a significant concern for older adults, often leading to malnutrition and weakness. THC-dominant cannabis products have been shown to effectively stimulate appetite.

Clinical guidelines now strongly recommend these products for individuals experiencing appetite loss related to chronic pain.


Delivery methods matter

Oils and capsules offer precise dosing and long-lasting effects, making them ideal for sustained pain or appetite support.

Inhalation (vaping or dried flower) works faster but requires more careful dosing and may not be suitable for those with respiratory conditions.

Topicals (creams, balms) can relieve localized pain without entering the bloodstream — a good option for arthritis in hands or knees.

Edibles are discreet and easy to dose but take longer to kick in (30 minutes to 2 hours). Always check the label for THC and CBD content per piece.



Less Is often more

Here's what many people don't realize: your body processes cannabis very differently at 65 than it did at 25. As we age, several physiological changes make cannabis use riskier if not approached carefully:

Slower metabolism: Your liver processes drugs more slowly, meaning cannabis stays in your system longer.

Increased sensitivity: Your nervous system becomes more sensitive to psychoactive substances.

Multiple medications: Polypharmacy (taking multiple medications) increases the risk of drug interactions.

Changing body composition: Age-related changes in body fat and water content affect how cannabis is distributed and stored in your body.

Health Canada advises adults over 55 to "start low, go slow" when using cannabis. Begin with the smallest dose, around 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC, and wait several days before considering an increase.


The medication factor

For older adults, this might be the most crucial section to read. Cannabis can have significant and serious interactions with common medications:

Blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban): THC and CBD can amplify blood-thinning effects, increasing the risk of bleeding. If you're on anticoagulants, consult your doctor before using cannabis and monitor for unusual bruising or bleeding.

Sedatives and sleep aids (benzodiazepines, zopiclone): Cannabis can enhance sedation, increasing the risk of drowsiness, confusion, or falls, particularly in seniors.

Heart medications (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers): Since cannabis can affect blood pressure and heart rate, people with cardiovascular conditions should use it cautiously and only under medical supervision.

Opioids: Some people use cannabis to help reduce opioid dependence, but combining them without proper guidance can increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression.

Always disclose cannabis use to your healthcare provider. Many doctors are now more open to discussing cannabis, especially as evidence grows and stigma fades.


What Health Canada emphasizes

Health Canada continues to stress the importance of informed, responsible use — especially for vulnerable populations like older adults. Their guidance includes:

• Avoid driving or operating machinery after consuming cannabis
• Store products securely, away from grandchildren or pets
• Be aware of potential cognitive effects, including short-term memory impairment
• Watch for signs of overconsumption: dizziness, rapid heart rate, anxiety, or nausea

Cannabis is not a cure-all, and it won't work for everyone. But for many older Canadians, it offers a meaningful improvement in quality of life.


A thoughtful approach

For older adults dealing with pain, insomnia, or poor appetite, cannabis can be a gentle yet effective option. It offers a potential alternative to pharmaceuticals, often with fewer harsh side effects, by working more harmoniously with the body’s natural systems.

If you're new to cannabis, patience and education are key. Stay informed, start low and go slow, and always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Cannabis has been valued for its therapeutic benefits for millennia, and it’s never too late to explore if it could be right for you.

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