Cannabis and arthritis: why it’s popular among Florida retirees
Florida has long been a retirement magnet, and with that comes a familiar companion: arthritis. National data show arthritis rises sharply with age—reaching 53.9% among adults 75 and older—and it remains a major driver of pain and activity limitations. It’s one reason cannabis has become a frequent topic in retiree communities: many older adults are looking for additional ways to cope with daily aches, sleep disruption, and reduced mobility that can come with osteoarthritis and other forms of joint disease.
A big part of the popularity is practical: arthritis pain is rarely “just the joints.” Stiffness and inflammation can affect sleep, mood, and willingness to stay active. That matters because physical activity is one of the most evidence-supported ways to improve arthritis symptoms and function, yet pain can be the very thing that keeps people from moving. When discomfort makes walking, stairs, or even gardening feel daunting, retirees often try a mix of strategies—over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, topical products, physical therapy, injections, and (for some) prescription pain medicines. Cannabis can feel like a “middle option” in that lineup: not a cure, but potentially a way to take the edge off so people can sleep better or stay more mobile.
The science story also helps explain the interest—though it’s not a blanket endorsement. The National Academies’ major review concluded there is substantial evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids can reduce chronic pain in adults. Arthritis often presents as chronic, persistent pain, and chronic pain itself is widespread in the U.S.; CDC surveillance estimated 51.6 million adults experienced chronic pain in 2021. That overlap—lots of chronic pain, lots of arthritis, and some evidence for pain reduction—creates a believable reason many retirees want to experiment, even if individual results vary.
Florida’s policy environment makes trying it easier, too. The state allows permanent and seasonal residents to qualify for the medical program, which fits the “snowbird” lifestyle. And the program is huge: a Florida Senate bill analysis cited 909,711 qualified patients with active registry ID cards as of April 11, 2025. When a program reaches that scale, knowledge spreads quickly—more clinicians have experience discussing products and dosing, more dispensaries are accessible, and more peers can share what worked (or didn’t) for them.
Product variety is another reason it resonates with retirees. Many older adults prefer formats that avoid inhalation—tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals—because they can feel more discreet, easier to measure, and gentler on the lungs. Some people gravitate toward CBD-dominant products during the day and reserve THC-containing products for evenings, aiming to unwind, sleep better, and reduce the perception of pain. These routines are personal strategies, not guarantees, and effects can vary widely by dose, product chemistry, and individual biology.
Popularity, though, should not be confused with universal safety. Older adults can be more sensitive to THC’s side effects—dizziness, slowed reaction time, or confusion—which can increase fall risk. Cannabis can also interact with other medications, and frequent use can lead to cannabis use disorder in a subset of users. The healthiest approach treats cannabis like any other therapy: discuss it with a qualified clinician, start low, go slow, and track outcomes (pain, sleep, function, side effects) rather than chasing stronger products.
For Florida retirees, cannabis’ popularity is ultimately a blend of need, access, and experimentation: a large older population living with joint disease, a legal medical pathway that supports regulated purchase, and a growing willingness to try alternatives for chronic pain—ideally alongside the fundamentals of arthritis care, including movement, strength building, and evidence-based medical guidance.