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Colorado Seniors Prefer THC-CBD Cannabis for Sleep, Pain Relief

5/9/2026

Summary

Colorado Seniors Cannabis

CU Boulder and University of Utah researchers reported that Colorado seniors are turning to cannabis as a last-resort health option.
The survey of 169 Colorado adults over 60 who had never used cannabis found that 57% sought sleep aid, 50% pain relief, and 25% mental-health help.
Most participants avoided high-THC products, yet they chose THC-CBD combos and reported higher satisfaction after four weeks, finding the THC-containing blends most effective.

Summary

Seniors Prefer Cannabis

NIH and American Heart Association funded a study interviewing 169 Colorado adults aged 60+ (mean 70.8, 54% female).
Participants chose 57.5% a THC-CBD combo, 28.7% a CBD-dominant, and 13.8% a THC-dominant edible.
“Getting high” was the main drawback of combos, while “limited efficacy” was the chief concern for CBD-dominant products.
Investigators said physicians lack counseling resources for older patients and urged tools, noting barriers in states with only medical cannabis.

Summary

Seniors Embrace Cannabis

Cannabis consumption among adults over 60 is rising faster than in any other age group.
Researchers say scientific understanding of seniors' reasons and product preferences remains limited.
The study finds many older adults rely on word-of-mouth recommendations rather than consulting health-care providers when selecting cannabis products.
Findings published in JAMA Network Open highlight a gap between rapid usage trends and available research, showing a shift toward non-pharmaceutical self-care among seniors.

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Colorado Seniors Cannabis

CU Boulder and University of Utah researchers reported that Colorado seniors are turning to cannabis as a last-resort health option.
The survey of 169 Colorado adults over 60 who had never used cannabis found that 57% sought sleep aid, 50% pain relief, and 25% mental-health help.
Most participants avoided high-THC products, yet they chose THC-CBD combos and reported higher satisfaction after four weeks, finding the THC-containing blends most effective.

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