Senior Weed Use in the U.S. Is Hitting New Highs

Gail Zanchelli didn’t like weed when she tried it as a teenager on Long Island. She’s part of a growing group of older New Yorkers embracing cannabis for sleep, pain relief, appetite, and mental health. And with marijuana now legal in New York and dispensaries booming, many seniors are returning to weed after decades away, or trying it for the first time. “It’s amazing to see people my age out there enjoying their medicine — they’re relaxed, they’re chill,” Serrano said. Still, many older users aren’t phased.