Cannabis May Improve Sleep and Ease Anxiety in Older Adults

Cannabis Use Linked to Better Sleep and Lower Anxiety in Older Adults, New Study Shows

A recent study published in the journal Psychiatry sheds light on the growing benefits of medical cannabis among older adults. Researchers from the University of Central Florida analyzed the experiences of patients aged 55 to 74 who use medical cannabis, and the findings are promising: cannabis may significantly reduce anxiety, depression, and pain—while also improving sleep quality.

According to the study, these improvements are not only noticeable but often immediate. The researchers noted that better sleep was closely tied to reduced anxiety levels. In other words, when anxiety decreased, sleep improved—highlighting how medical cannabis may offer indirect but meaningful relief for sleep issues.

“These findings provide evidence of momentary improvements in pain, anxiety, depression, and indirect benefits for sleep quality,” the authors wrote. Their research adds to the growing body of data suggesting that medical cannabis can play an important role in supporting mental and physical health as we age.

Additional survey data from AARP supports this trend. More than 1 in 5 older adults reported using cannabis in the past year, and among those, two-thirds said they used it specifically to manage chronic conditions like pain, anxiety, and insomnia.

As more older adults explore natural, non-opioid treatment options, cannabis continues to show promise as a gentle and effective therapy for many age-related concerns.

If you're an older adult considering medical cannabis for sleep, anxiety, or pain, speak with a qualified physician to learn whether it’s right for your needs.