Cannabis patient age: age groups, distribution, prescription online with telemedicine

Today, medicinal cannabis is used by a wide range of age groups. However, the idea that these are mainly young users persists. Our latest analysis shows: Although the largest user group is between the ages of 20 and 40, older patients are also increasingly beginning to discover medicinal cannabis for themselves. Today we take a look at how the age of patients is distributed, which groups are underrepresented – and what potential exists, especially among senior citizens.

Age distribution of cannabis patients

Cannabis prescription online? The majority of patients who currently use medicinal cannabis are between the ages of 20 and 40. This age group is particularly tech-savvy, open to new forms of therapy and uses telemedicine services more frequently. Nevertheless, the data also shows a gradual opening of older age groups to this therapy option:

• 18-20 years: 6 %
• 20-30 years: 37 %
• 30-40 years: 29 %
• 40-50 years: 17 %
• 50-60 years: 7 %
• 60-70 years: 2 %

Visualized here once again for you:

The survey refers exclusively to patients of CannaZen (as of 08/25). Here you can find cannabis studies.

Average age is 35 years

The average age of cannabis patients is currently around 35. This means that the majority of current users are in an active phase of life – employed, socially integrated and with a high degree of personal responsibility for their health. This age group is also heavily affected by conditions such as sleep disorders, migraines and chronic pain, for which medicinal cannabis is often prescribed.

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Infographic: Patients by age group

 

Younger people clearly dominate usage

The figures clearly show that while young adults (20-30 years) make up the largest proportion at 37%, the over-60 age group is clearly underrepresented at just 2%. However, many medical indications in old age – such as osteoarthritis, chronic pain or sleep problems – suggest a wider use in this population group. The age distribution therefore not only shows the status quo, but also important opportunities for development in the healthcare system.

YOU think that’s already a lot? TElemedicine is used 4 times more frequently in France than in Germany….

• Telemedicine in the EU

Potential for telemedicine in old age

Older people in particular often benefit greatly from medicinal cannabis – be it to relieve pain, sleep problems or oncological complaints. Nevertheless, this group is often left out. Telemedicine offers enormous potential here, as it lowers barriers: Access to specialized doctors, fast digital communication and simple prescription creation can help older patients in particular to receive suitable treatment.

• Telemedicine facilitates access for less mobile patients
• Education can be targeted and age-appropriate
• Potential particularly high for chronic diseases in old age
• Targeted information campaigns for relatives and carers needed

More and more senior citizens are using cannabis with a prescription

More and more senior citizens are opting for treatment with medicinal cannabis. The therapy offers a well-tolerated alternative to conventional painkillers, especially for chronic pain. The proportion of older people with cannabis prescriptions is steadily increasing. Telemedicine also facilitates access – especially for less mobile patients.

• Seniors: cannabis prescription increase

Comparison with the general population

A look at the age structure of the overall population shows a clear disparity: almost every second person in Germany is over 50 years old. In the medical cannabis patient group, however, over-50s only make up around 9% of users. This indicates a supply gap that has less to do with demand than with a lack of access or information:

• Around 45% of the German population is over 50 years old
• Only 9% of cannabis patients are over 50
• Medical need among older people is real, but underrepresented

Which age group consumes cannabis most frequently?

Who uses cannabis? According to a survey in 2021, 4.5 million adults have used cannabis at least once in the past 12 months. More precisely, 10.7 percent of men and 6.8 percent of women, according to the Federal Ministry of Health. Cannabis was used most frequently in the 18 to 24 age group.