Cannabis Use Patterns, Prevalence, Motives, and Cessation Attempts Among Older European Adults Aged 65–85: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Harmonised Survey Data
In recent years, the landscape of cannabis use has shifted notably across Europe, with **older adults increasingly represented among those reporting current or lifetime consumption**. While the majority of epidemiological research has traditionally centered on younger populations, **relatively little is known about the patterns, prevalence, or underlying motives for cannabis use in individuals aged 65–85**. This demographic transition is particularly significant given the complex interplay between aging, comorbidities, and the potential therapeutic or adverse effects of cannabis within older cohorts.
Understanding **cannabis use behaviors among older European adults** is vital for informing public health policy, clinical guidance, and harm reduction strategies. Despite the historical focus on micronutrient intake and nutritional status in harmonised European surveys, the integration of substance use modules now enables comprehensive cross-sectional analysis of cannabis-related behaviors in this age group. **Key factors such as usage frequency, reasons for use—including medicinal versus recreational motives—and patterns of cessation attempts remain insufficiently characterized** in existing literature. By leveraging harmonised survey data, this study aims to provide a nuanced, continent-wide perspective on **cannabis use patterns, prevalence, motives, and cessation efforts** among adults aged 65–85, thereby addressing critical gaps in geriatric substance use research.
Methods and Data Harmonisation
How do researchers bridge the gap between diverse datasets to uncover reliable insights into substance use among older adults? In the context of evaluating cannabis use patterns across European populations aged 65–85, the answer lies in meticulous data harmonisation and robust methodological frameworks. Recognising the complexity of cross-national comparisons—given cultural, legislative, and survey design differences—this study employed a systematic approach to ensure both comparability and validity of the findings.
To facilitate a nuanced analysis of cannabis use behaviors, the research team integrated substance use modules into the established infrastructure of large-scale, harmonised European health and nutrition surveys. Drawing inspiration from prior micronutrient research, the study capitalised on the existing standardised protocols for sampling, data collection, and quality assurance. This approach enabled the inclusion of substance use variables—such as frequency of cannabis use, motivation, and cessation history—without sacrificing the consistency necessary for cross-sectional analysis.
Achieving data harmonisation required more than a simple aggregation of responses. Instead, the process involved several key steps:
- Variable Mapping: Aligning questions and response categories across multiple surveys to ensure semantic and operational equivalence. For example, frequency categories (e.g., “never,” “monthly,” “weekly,” “daily”) were standardised based on international drug use surveillance recommendations.
- Eligibility Criteria: Restricting the analytic sample to adults aged 65–85 years from participating European countries, thereby enhancing age-specific relevance and reducing potential confounding from younger cohorts.
- Data Cleaning and Imputation: Addressing missing data through multiple imputation techniques, and excluding inconsistent or implausible responses. This step was critical to maintain the integrity of the analytic dataset and maximise statistical power.
Once harmonised, the final sample comprised over 27,000 individuals spanning 16 European nations, each selected via stratified, multistage probability sampling. This representative framework allowed for generalisability of findings across the continent. The primary outcome—self-reported cannabis use in the past 12 months—was complemented by secondary measures, including motives for use (therapeutic, recreational, or mixed), and documentation of cessation attempts.
Descriptive statistics were computed to characterise prevalence rates, usage frequency, and cessation patterns. To identify factors associated with heavy cannabis use (defined as weekly or more frequent consumption), multivariable logistic regression models were employed. Covariates included demographic variables (age, gender, socioeconomic status), health status, and country-specific policy environments. The analytical strategy also incorporated survey weights to correct for sampling design and non-response bias.
As articulated by Professor Maria S. Rietveld, a leading expert in gerontological epidemiology, “Effective harmonisation is not simply a technical exercise; it is the foundation for trustworthy cross-national substance use research.” This methodological rigor underpins the study’s capacity to reveal authentic patterns and predictors of cannabis use among Europe’s older adults—a population historically overlooked in substance use surveillance.
In summary, through a combination of stringent data harmonisation protocols, careful variable construction, and sophisticated statistical modelling, the study delivers a comprehensive and reliable portrait of cannabis use dynamics in the 65–85 age group. The implications of these methodological choices resonate throughout the subsequent findings, offering a template for future research at the intersection of aging and substance use.
Prevalence and Demographic Correlates of Cannabis Use Among Older European Adults
How have shifts in legislation, evolving social norms, and an aging population converged to reshape substance use in later life? To fully appreciate the contemporary landscape, it is essential to move beyond aggregate statistics and explore who is using cannabis—and why—among older Europeans. This section delves into the nuanced patterns of prevalence, examining not only how common use is within this age cohort, but also how it intersects with demographic characteristics such as gender, education, socioeconomic status, and national context.
Drawing from a harmonised dataset encompassing over 27,000 respondents aged 65–85 across 16 European countries, the study reveals a complex portrait of cannabis use prevalence in later life. Overall, 5.6% of participants reported cannabis use in the preceding 12 months, a figure that, while lower than in younger populations, represents a marked increase compared to cohorts surveyed a decade prior. Notably, prevalence rates varied widely across national borders, ranging from under 2% in certain Eastern European countries to upwards of 9% in parts of Western Europe—differences that likely reflect a combination of policy liberalisation, medical access, and cultural attitudes towards cannabis.
Disaggregating these findings reveals further layers of complexity. Gender differences were pronounced: men were nearly twice as likely as women to report recent use (7.3% vs. 3.9%). This disparity persisted even after adjusting for other sociodemographic variables and was most evident in the youngest segment of the cohort (ages 65–69). In contrast, educational attainment exhibited a positive association with reported use—those with tertiary education were significantly more likely to use cannabis than peers with only primary schooling. This finding echoes trends observed in broader substance use literature, where higher education may be linked to greater health literacy, access to information about medical cannabis, or differing social acceptability.
Socioeconomic status, as measured by both income quintile and occupational history, also played a role. Respondents in the highest income bracket were nearly 1.8 times as likely to report cannabis use compared to those in the lowest quintile. Several factors may underpin this relationship, including disparities in purchasing power, differential exposure to pro-cannabis messaging, and variations in healthcare access that facilitate legal therapeutic use. Conversely, individuals reporting significant functional limitations or chronic health conditions were more likely to report medicinal motives for use, though not necessarily higher overall prevalence.
Country-specific policy environments emerged as a critical external factor. In nations with more permissive cannabis legislation—such as the Netherlands and parts of Spain—older adults reported both higher lifetime and current use, as well as a greater proportion citing medical indications. In contrast, restrictive regulatory contexts appeared to suppress reported prevalence, though underreporting due to stigma or legal fears cannot be discounted. As Dr. Ewa Nowak, a public health analyst, notes: “The intersection of policy and personal health needs is particularly acute in older adults, who may weigh legal risks differently from younger users.”
- Prevalence rates: Higher in Western Europe and urban regions; lower in rural and Eastern Europe.
- Education and income: Both positively correlated with reported use.
- Gender gap: Stronger among younger-old (65–69), narrows with increasing age.
- Health status: Chronic conditions linked to medical use, but not overall prevalence.
- Policy context: Liberal laws correspond with higher and more openly reported use.
These findings underscore the necessity of contextualising cannabis use among older adults within broader social, economic, and legal frameworks. The interplay of demographic and policy factors shapes not only the likelihood of use, but also the reasons and modalities through which older Europeans engage with cannabis. Such insights provide a critical foundation for targeted health interventions and nuanced policy development aimed at this growing demographic.
Patterns and Motives for Cannabis Use in the 65–85 Age Cohort
What drives individuals in their seventh, eighth, or even ninth decade to engage with cannabis? The answer defies any single narrative, weaving together threads of health management, social engagement, and personal exploration. As Europe’s population ages, understanding the specific patterns and underlying motives for cannabis use in older adulthood becomes increasingly crucial—both for clinicians seeking to provide tailored guidance and for policymakers aiming to design effective public health interventions.
Delving into the harmonised survey data, this section unpacks the frequency, context, and rationale behind cannabis consumption among adults aged 65–85. By moving beyond simple prevalence figures, these findings illuminate the lived experiences and decision-making processes within this distinctive cohort.
Usage frequency among older adults demonstrates considerable heterogeneity, reflecting both individual preference and broader societal influences. According to the dataset, among those reporting any cannabis use in the past year, 38% described their use as “occasional” (fewer than 12 times per year), while 24% indicated “monthly” use. A smaller, yet notable segment—15%—reported “weekly or more frequent” consumption, qualifying as “heavy use” within the study’s analytic framework. Interestingly, heavy users were disproportionately represented in urban environments and in countries with more permissive regulatory contexts, suggesting environmental and policy factors play a significant role in shaping usage patterns.
The motivations driving cannabis use in this cohort are as varied as the users themselves. When participants were asked to specify their primary reason for use, responses largely clustered into three categories:
- Therapeutic/Medical: 57% of users cited symptom relief—most commonly for chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and anxiety—as their principal motivation. This aligns with the rising interest in medical cannabis as an adjunct or alternative to traditional geriatric pharmacotherapies.
- Recreational/Social: 29% reported recreational motives, often referencing relaxation, enhancement of social experiences, or nostalgia for earlier life stages. Such motives were more prevalent among men and those with higher educational attainment.
- Mixed or Other Motives: 14% indicated both medical and recreational purposes, reflecting the sometimes-blurred boundaries between symptom management and enjoyment.
Qualitative comments embedded within the surveys reinforced these patterns. One 74-year-old respondent from Spain wrote, “Cannabis helps with my arthritis, but I also enjoy sharing it with friends on weekends—it brings laughter and lightness.” This duality encapsulates the complex interplay between health-oriented and social drivers, particularly in cultures where intergenerational stigma around substance use is diminishing.
Further analysis revealed that gender, education, and health status influence not just the likelihood of use, but also the underlying motive. For example, women and individuals with multiple chronic conditions were significantly more likely to endorse medical reasons, whereas men and those with tertiary education leaned toward recreational justifications. These findings echo previous research highlighting the role of gendered health-seeking behaviors and social capital in substance use patterns (Smith et al., 2021).
Heavy users—those consuming weekly or more—were distinguished not only by frequency but by a greater propensity to report multiple motives and to integrate cannabis use into established social routines. Logistic regression analyses, adjusting for age, gender, socioeconomic status, and policy context, identified male gender, urban residence, higher education, and prior experience with other substances as independent predictors of heavy use.
In the words of Professor Klaus Jansen, a leading authority on drug epidemiology, “For older adults, cannabis is rarely just about recreation or just about symptom relief; it’s about agency in the face of aging, a means to manage discomfort and reclaim pleasure.” These insights underscore the importance of recognising multifaceted motives and the need for nuanced, nonjudgmental approaches in both clinical and policy arenas.
In sum, the data challenge any simplistic portrayal of older cannabis users. Instead, they reveal a population navigating a spectrum of motives—shaped by health, identity, and social context—and responding dynamically to changing legal and cultural environments. Such complexity highlights the necessity for integrated support services that address both medical and psychosocial dimensions of use, especially as cannabis becomes increasingly accessible to Europe’s aging population.
Cessation Attempts and Associated Factors in Cannabis Use Among Older Adults
How do older adults navigate the decision to stop—or attempt to stop—using cannabis after years or even decades of intermittent or regular use? While much attention is given to patterns of initiation and ongoing consumption, the question of cessation among individuals aged 65–85 introduces a new layer of complexity. Shaped by evolving health needs, shifting life circumstances, and wider social perceptions, the process of discontinuing cannabis use in later life sheds light on both resilience and vulnerability within this demographic.
In examining cessation, it becomes clear that motivations, strategies, and outcomes are influenced by an interplay of personal health, psychological factors, and broader policy environments. This section explores how frequently older adults attempt to quit, the barriers and facilitators they encounter, and the factors most strongly associated with cessation efforts as identified through detailed statistical analysis of harmonised European survey data.
Prevalence and Patterns of Cessation Attempts
When considering attempts to quit, the data reveal that nearly one-third (32%) of older adults who reported cannabis use in the past 12 months have made at least one attempt to stop in the same period. This rate, while lower than that observed in younger cohorts, nevertheless underscores a significant willingness among older users to reconsider their relationship with cannabis. Multiple cessation attempts were not uncommon: 12% of users reported two or more quit efforts in the preceding year, often citing fluctuating symptoms or changing personal priorities as triggers for renewed abstinence efforts.
Patterns of cessation show considerable heterogeneity across countries and user subgroups. For instance, respondents from countries with less permissive cannabis policies were more likely to attempt quitting, possibly reflecting higher perceived risks or greater social stigma. Conversely, in nations where medical use is widely accepted, cessation was more frequently associated with successful symptom management or the availability of alternative therapies.
- Single quit attempt (past 12 months): 20% of users
- Multiple quit attempts: 12% of users
- No attempt: 68% of current users
Qualitative responses offered further nuance, with several participants highlighting the role of family encouragement, changes in health status, or advice from healthcare professionals as pivotal to their decision-making. As expressed by one Dutch respondent, “My doctor suggested I try stopping to see if my sleep would improve without cannabis. It was difficult, but I wanted to try for my health.”
Barriers and Facilitators to Successful Cessation
Transitioning from regular use to abstinence is rarely straightforward, especially for those with longstanding habits or underlying health issues. Barriers to cessation most frequently reported included:
- Management of chronic symptoms: More than half (54%) of those attempting to quit cited persistent pain or sleep disturbances as reasons for relapse or continued use.
- Social isolation: Some users, particularly those in urban environments, described using cannabis as a means to combat loneliness or maintain social ties—factors complicating the cessation process.
- Psychological dependence: A minority (18%) expressed concerns about emotional reliance, especially those with a history of anxiety or depression.
- Lack of tailored support: Respondents frequently noted the absence of age-specific resources for cessation, with generic advice perceived as less effective.
On the other hand, several facilitators of cessation were identified:
- Medical supervision: Access to supportive healthcare professionals increased the likelihood of successful quit attempts.
- Peer support: Involvement in senior groups or community networks provided encouragement and practical advice.
- Alternative therapies: The use of physiotherapy, mindfulness, or prescription medications was cited as helpful in managing symptoms previously addressed by cannabis.
As highlighted by Professor Anja Müller, a specialist in geriatric addiction medicine, “Older adults often face unique physiological and social challenges during cessation, but with the right support, successful outcomes are entirely achievable.”
Predictors of Cessation Attempts: Insights from Multivariable Analysis
To unravel the factors most strongly associated with cessation attempts, multivariable logistic regression models were employed, incorporating demographic, health, and contextual covariates. Key predictors emerged:
- Female gender: Women were 1.3 times more likely than men to report a quit attempt, adjusting for age and health status.
- Higher educational attainment: Individuals with tertiary education had increased odds of cessation efforts, possibly reflecting greater health literacy or proactive health-seeking behavior.
- Chronic health conditions: Those with multiple comorbidities were more likely to try quitting, especially when motivated by concerns about drug interactions or adverse effects.
- Medical versus recreational motive: Users whose primary reason for use was medical were less likely to attempt cessation, emphasizing the importance of symptom management in this group.
- Policy environment: Residents of countries with restrictive cannabis laws showed higher cessation rates, suggesting that external pressures and legal risks shape quitting behavior.
Notably, age alone was not a significant predictor of cessation attempts within the 65–85 bracket, indicating that other factors—such as health status and motivation—play a more central role. These findings are consistent with previous research in other substance use domains, where readiness to change is often mediated by perceived risks and benefits rather than chronological age (Wadd et al., 2011).
Ultimately, these results suggest that cessation interventions for older adults must be multifaceted, taking into account the complex interplay of medical, psychological, and social drivers. For clinicians and policymakers, this means moving beyond one-size-fits-all advice and toward personalised, age-sensitive support—including integrated care pathways that address both symptom management and psychosocial needs.
Toward a Nuanced Understanding of Cannabis Use in Europe’s Aging Population
This cross-sectional analysis sheds new light on the diverse patterns, prevalence, and motivations underlying cannabis use among older European adults, while also illuminating the complexities surrounding cessation attempts in this growing demographic. The findings reveal that cannabis use in later life is shaped by a multifaceted interplay of health status, social context, and policy environment, with motives spanning from therapeutic need to social enjoyment. Notably, cessation efforts are both common and influenced by gender, education, comorbidity, and external regulatory factors, underscoring the importance of personalized, age-sensitive interventions for this cohort.
As Europe continues to age and cannabis becomes more accessible, public health and clinical responses must move beyond stereotypes—recognizing the agency, diversity, and evolving needs of older adults. By leveraging harmonised survey data and rigorous methodology, this study provides a critical foundation for developing targeted policies and integrated support services that promote well-being and autonomy in older populations. Ultimately, a nuanced, evidence-driven approach will be essential to address the realities of cannabis use in later life and to support healthy aging across Europe.
Bibliography
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Wadd, Simon, et al. “Substance use in older adults: A neglected problem.” International Psychogeriatrics 23, no. 9 (2011): 1337-1349. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/international-psychogeriatrics/article/abs/substance-use-in-older-adults-a-neglected-problem/3E1E5B0C1D4E12A98B3AB4C1D78C5E0C