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The playbook for aging well is being rewritten, and cannabis is becoming a key player. A new study from the NYU School of Global Public Health and the University of California San Diego reveals a record-breaking 7% of Americans aged 65 and over reported using cannabis in the past month, nearly doubling from just two years prior. While this data may surprise some, it signals a significant shift in how older adults—and particularly retired athletes—are navigating chronic conditions and long-term pain management after the final whistle blows on their professional careers. With medical cannabis laws expanding and stigma fading, this generational pivot speaks volumes about the intersection of sports, health, science, and aging.

The findings, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2021 to 2023. Researchers discovered sharp increases in cannabis use among older adults who are female, married, college-educated, and earning over $75,000 annually. Of particular interest is the pronounced growth among those living in states with legalized medical cannabis, pointing to the significant impact of policy reform and increased access. According to Dr. Benjamin Han, associate professor of geriatrics at UC San Diego, these trends may reflect the growing willingness of older adults to seek alternatives for managing chronic health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and even cancer.

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For retired athletes—many of whom suffer from the very same chronic ailments—the cannabis conversation is no longer taboo. Former NFL, NBA, and UFC stars have become outspoken advocates, citing cannabis as a safer, more effective option than opioids for post-career recovery. 

“As a former pro athlete, I’ve got aches and pains and different stresses than before. Cannabis has helped with all that, safely.”

-Ben Wallace, Retired NBA Champion

Their voices are helping validate the plant’s therapeutic value, especially for populations grappling with pain, inflammation, and neurological conditions. “We’re seeing a cultural handoff,” explains Dr. Joseph Palamar of NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “A generation that once stigmatized cannabis is now leaning on it for wellness.”

The research also noted that cannabis use rose most dramatically among those with multiple chronic diseases, underscoring its perceived role in comprehensive wellness regimens. Yet medical experts urge caution, especially given age-related physiological changes that can intensify the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Dr. Han emphasizes the importance of clinician-patient dialogue: “Education is critical. Older patients need to understand dosing, interaction risks, and how cannabis may complement or complicate their existing treatment plans.”

As the senior demographic embraces cannabis at record rates, the parallels with retired athletes become even clearer. Both groups are seeking better quality of life, non-addictive alternatives to prescription medication, and a new narrative around aging and recovery. For sports medicine, cannabis science, and senior care, this is a defining moment—one that demands deeper research, better education, and responsible product development.

Sources:

• Han, B., Palamar, J., Yang, K. H., & Cleland, C. (2025). Marijuana use among older adults in the US reaches new high. JAMA Internal Medicine. Retrieved from: ScienceDaily
• National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2021–2023)
• UC San Diego Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging
• Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR), NYU School of Global Public Health