The Cannabis Talk That Doesn't Happen - Takeaways - MDSpire

The Cannabis Talk That Doesn't Happen

Clinicians screened just one in three older patients for drug use, and discussed cannabis with fewer still—leaving women and minoritized groups out most.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • June 11, 2026

  • 4 min

Share

  • 1

    Fewer than 1 in 5 older adults who used cannabis discussed it with a clinician, according to a national survey.

  • 2

    Cannabis use among older adults increased, with 9.5% reporting past-year use in 2023, partly due to the aging Baby Boomer cohort.

  • 3

    37% of older adults reported being screened for cannabis use, with higher rates among those with chronic conditions and higher income.

  • 4

    Discussions about cannabis use were less common among Hispanic/Latine older adults and women compared to White men.

  • 5

    The study highlights missed opportunities for clinicians to discuss cannabis use with older adults, especially those with chronic diseases.

Original Source(s)

The Cannabis Talk That Doesn't Happen

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • June 11, 2026

Related Content

Psychologists, Physicians Scarcer in Rural Areas?

National survey data found lower per-capita representation across 23 occupations in nonmetropolitan communities, with the largest workforce differences observed among psychologists, physicians, and surgeons.

Not All Poststroke Cognitive Patterns Plateau

Researchers identify divergent recovery, persistence, and decline patterns across cognitive domains following stroke.

FDA Monthly Preview: Key June Decisions to Watch

Several FDA decisions across multiple specialties are expected this month.