Rationale: Cannabis use in older populations is on the rise. About 1 in 5 adults over 50 used cannabis in 2023, compared to 1 in 20 in 2010.

Method: A 13-year study evaluated more than 6 million people between the ages of 45-105 years old. The researchers compared the incidence of dementia in three groups: those who visited the hospital for cannabis-related concerns, patients who visited the hospital for other reasons, and people who didn’t visit the hospital.

Results: Dementia rates for general population rose about 1.3% over the study period. About 3.5% of people who visited the hospital for non-cannabis related reasons developed dementia. However, 5% of people who presented with cannabis-related issues at intake became mentally incapacitated over the study period.

Meaning: These data suggest that cannabis use increases the likelihood of developing dementia.