Medical Cannabis Finds Favor Among Seniors Across Continents

LEIPZIG, WASHINGTON – Medical Cannabis adoption among older populations is accelerating, with recent data from Germany and the United States illustrating parallel trends in usage for chronic and age-specific conditions.

In Germany, following partial legalization in April 2024, Grünhorn Apotheke documented a 640% spike in prescriptions for patients aged 55 and above, peaking at 711% [!] for those between 55 and 64, per a company statement. Key drivers include chronic pain, sleep issues, and arthritis, with a preference for extracts and capsules over traditional flowers.

The German pattern mirrors developments in the US, where Cannabis consumption among adults 65 and older jumped from 0.4% in 2006 to 7% in 2023, according to studies cited in a recent Psychiatric Times report and JAMA Internal Medicine journal. Older Americans similarly pursue relief from pain, anxiety, insomnia, and neurological symptoms, often opting for edibles, tinctures, or topicals. However, US clinicians face hurdles from federal Schedule I classification, contrasting with state-level approvals, leading to inconsistent product quality and limited insurance support.

However, when both regions highlight demographic shifts like an aging population exploring alternatives to conventional drugs amid rising healthcare demands, regulatory gaps persist in both countries. Germany’s post-legalization framework emphasizes physician oversight, while the US relies on FDA-approved options like dronabinol and cannabidiol for specific ailments, leaving dispensary products [not talking about the illegal Cannabis market] as an option.

These trends underscore a need for tailored studies on geriatric Cannabis use, balancing therapeutic potential against vulnerabilities like cognitive decline and polypharmacy.

The parallel increases in Germany and the US reflect a broader acceptance of Cannabis by seniors, fueled by regulatory progress and patient demand. Yet, without stronger evidence and standardized guidelines, growth risks outpacing safety measures. Industry players should prioritize education and research to harness this opportunity while mitigating health concerns in aging demographics.