Stanford Medicine specialists said Friday that modern cannabis may increase the risk of heart problems, falls, and addiction for people over 65 [1].
This warning comes as the potency of available marijuana increases, potentially making older adults more vulnerable to side effects that are often underestimated by patients and providers.
Specialists identified five specific risks for adults over the age of 65 [1]. These include heart problems, memory issues, and a higher likelihood of falls [1]. The experts said that the drug can lead to dangerous interactions with other medications and a risk of addiction [1].
"Modern cannabis can increase the chances of heart problems, falls, memory issues, dangerous drug interactions, and even addiction, especially for people over 65," Stanford Medicine specialists said [1].
The researchers said that the chemical composition of today's cannabis differs from the versions used in previous decades. Because the drug is now far more potent, the physiological impact on the aging body can be more severe.
While some scientists have said that marijuana is far from a "silver bullet" for various illnesses, they noted it has some promising applications [2]. However, the Stanford team focused on the necessity of recognizing these vulnerabilities in a demographic that may already be managing multiple chronic health conditions.
Medical professionals said that the intersection of high-potency cannabis and the natural decline of organ function in older age creates a higher risk profile. This necessitates a more cautious approach to prescribing or recommending the substance for geriatric care [1].
“Modern cannabis can increase the chances of heart problems, falls, memory issues, dangerous drug interactions, and even addiction.”
The shift toward high-potency cannabis strains creates a gap between historical perceptions of the drug and its current medical reality. For adults over 65, whose bodies may metabolize substances differently and who often take multiple prescriptions, the increased THC concentration elevates the risk of adverse drug-drug interactions and cognitive impairment.
