Strong growth among patients aged 55 and over: Demand for medical cannabis has increased by more than 600 percent since partial legalization

Leipzig, August 28, 2025. The stereotype that medical cannabis is primarily a topic for young urbanites persists. However, a previously neglected patient group is actually growing in the background: people aged 55 and over.

Since the partial legalization of medical cannabis in April 2024, the Grünhorn Pharmacy has recorded a Increase in prescriptions by 640 percent. The 55- to 64-year-old group is developing particularly dynamically, with growth of 711 percent.

Focus on older patients

"In this patient group, indications such as chronic pain, sleep disorders, and arthritis are the main focus," explains Dr. Nadine Herwig, director of the Grünhorn Academy. "More and more older people are discovering cannabis as a serious treatment option."

The care needs of older patients differ from those of younger patients. Often, complex clinical pictures with multiple diagnoses exist, which is why treatment must be carefully adapted to concomitant medications and age-related factors. Especially in older people, a treatment approach is sought that positively influences several symptoms simultaneously and is well-tolerated—often an alternative to numerous different medications.

Doctors are increasingly using on easily dosed forms of application such as extracts and capsules, which are less stressful on the respiratory system than vaporizing flowers.

Enormous potential

A look at Canada or the USA shows where the supply market for medical cannabis could develop. If the usage rates there are applied to Germany, at least 1.2 million people aged 55 and over use medical cannabis. "The potential is enormous; we are only at the beginning of a development that can sustainably improve the care of older people," emphasizes Nadine Herwig.

Since this patient group has different medical requirements, it deserves special attention in research and healthcare practice. Grünhorn's goal is to optimal, safe and individually tailored therapy and thus sustainably improve the quality of life in old age.

Infographics for download

Image motif: Infographic “Plus 640 percent: Older people discover cannabis as medicine”
Caption: Since the partial legalization of medical cannabis in April 2024, the Grünhorn Pharmacy has recorded a 640 percent increase in prescriptions for people aged 55 and over

Our offer to the editors

We would be happy to arrange exclusive interviews and background discussions with

• Dr. Nadine Herwig, biochemist and director of the Grünhorn Academy.

A notice: The figures of the analysis may only be used in connection with Grünhorn

---