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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

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  • 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

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