policy
Cannabis Use Often Never Reached the Exam Room
In a national survey, fewer than one in five older cannabis users reported discussing it with a clinician.
Summary
In a national survey, fewer than one in five older cannabis users reported discussing it with a clinician.
A University of Michigan-led analysis of more than 14,000 older adults found that only about one third were screened for cannabis or other drug use, and fewer than one in five people who used cannabis had discussed it with a clinician. Federal survey data cited by the researchers put past-year cannabis use among adults 65 and older at 10.5 percent in 2024. The findings describe self-reported communication and screening gaps; they do not show that cannabis caused a particular health outcome.
Why it matters
In a national survey, fewer than one in five older cannabis users reported discussing it with a clinician.
Limits and context
- A University of Michigan-led analysis of more than 14,000 older adults found that only about one third were screened for cannabis or other drug use, and fewer than one in five people who used cannabis had discussed it with a clinician.
- The findings describe self-reported communication and screening gaps; they do not show that cannabis caused a particular health outcome.
Key claims
In a national survey, fewer than one in five older cannabis users reported discussing it with a clinician.
Qualification: A University of Michigan-led analysis of more than 14,000 older adults found that only about one third were screened for cannabis or other drug use, and fewer than one in five people who used cannabis had discussed it with a clinician.
Evidence: source-2026-07-20-016
Sources
- University of Michigan via EurekAlert: Older adults and cannabis discussionsUniversity of Michigan via EurekAlert · official announcement
Corrections
No corrections have been recorded for this story.