Medical Marijuana for Seniors in Washington State

Adults 65 and older are now one of the fastest-growing demographics in Washington State's medical marijuana program. For seniors managing chronic pain, arthritis, sleep disorders, anxiety, or the side effects of multiple medications, medical cannabis can offer meaningful relief. But seniors also face unique considerations around dosing, drug interactions, and how cannabis interacts with aging physiology.

Why seniors are turning to medical marijuana

The conditions that most commonly drive senior patients to Green Wellness are the same conditions that reduce quality of life for older adults across Washington State:

• Chronic pain — arthritis, back pain, neuropathy, and joint degeneration are among the most prevalent senior health conditions, and many patients find cannabis more effective — and with fewer side effects — than long-term NSAID or opioid use
• Sleep disorders — insomnia affects an estimated 40–70% of older adults. Cannabis, particularly indica-dominant products, can improve sleep onset and quality without the dependency risks of prescription sleep aids
• Anxiety and depression — both are underdiagnosed in older adults. CBD in particular has shown anxiolytic effects without the sedation or interaction risks of benzodiazepines
• Appetite and weight loss — unintended weight loss and reduced appetite are common in seniors with chronic illness; THC is an effective appetite stimulant
• Neuropathy — diabetic neuropathy, post-surgical neuropathy, and medication-induced neuropathy are common in older adults and respond to cannabis

What's different about cannabis for seniors

Age changes how the body processes cannabis. Older adults need to be aware of several differences compared to younger patients:

• Increased sensitivity to THC — older adults generally have greater sensitivity to cannabis's psychoactive effects. A dose that feels mild to a 35-year-old can feel overwhelming to a 70-year-old. Starting with very low THC doses and titrating slowly is essential.
• Fall risk — THC can cause dizziness, impaired balance, and momentary cognitive effects that increase fall risk — already a major concern for seniors. Avoid high-THC products, and don't use new cannabis products while standing or before bed if you're unsteady on your feet.
• Cognitive effects — high-THC cannabis can temporarily impair memory and concentration. Seniors with early cognitive changes should stick to CBD-dominant products and low-THC doses.
• Drug interactions — seniors typically take more medications than younger patients, and CBD in particular inhibits cytochrome P450 liver enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2C19). This can raise blood levels of many medications including blood thinners (warfarin), certain anti-seizure drugs, and cardiac medications. Sharing your full medication list with your Green Wellness provider is especially important for seniors.

Where to start: dosing for seniors

The standard guidance is "start low, go slow" — and for seniors, this is even more important than for younger patients:

• Begin with CBD-dominant products (high CBD, minimal or no THC). These address inflammation, anxiety, and pain without psychoactive effects. 10–25mg CBD twice daily is a common starting point.
• Add THC very gradually — if THC is appropriate for your condition (sleep, severe pain, appetite), start with 1–2.5mg and wait at least 2 hours (for edibles/capsules) before assessing effect
• Prefer oral or sublingual forms over smoking or vaping, which can irritate the respiratory tract. Tinctures, capsules, and edibles are better suited for most seniors.
• Use at night first — if you're new to cannabis, try new products in the evening when a sedative effect is acceptable and you don't need to drive or operate equipment

Does Medicare or insurance cover this?

No. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance do not cover medical marijuana evaluations or cannabis products because cannabis remains federally classified as a Schedule I substance. The Green Wellness evaluation fee ($175 new patient, $140 renewal) is out-of-pocket. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover some complementary therapies — check your specific plan.

However, the tax savings from a medical authorization can be substantial — registered medical patients are exempt from Washington State's 37% cannabis excise tax, saving hundreds to over a thousand dollars annually for regular users. See our tax savings guide →

Getting your evaluation at Green Wellness

Green Wellness evaluations are available in-person at Lynnwood, Spokane, Olympia, and Vancouver — or via telehealth for renewals. Our providers are experienced with senior patients and will review your medication list, discuss dosing approaches appropriate for your situation, and answer any questions you have before issuing your authorization.

Evaluations take 15–30 minutes. Bring a list of your current medications. You do not need a referral from your primary care doctor.

Book a senior evaluation — $175 →