Agitation in Alzheimer's Disease as a Qualifying Condition for Medical Cannabis in the United States: A Brief Report on Current Trends.

OBJECTIVES

We assessed state-level access to medical cannabis with Alzheimer's Disease and related agitation (AD) as a qualifying condition.

METHODS

In 2024-2025, we examined regulatory agencies' publicly available online reports regarding medical cannabis, including use specifically for AD.

RESULTS

Of 38 states that allow medical cannabis, 19 (50%) allow medical cannabis for AD. AD accounts for <1% of medical cannabis certifications. Some data suggest that AD as a qualifying condition is declining in states that have legalized recreational cannabis use.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite limited evidence of efficacy supporting medical cannabis for AD, this remains a qualifying condition in 19 states, though it is invoked for a small minority of the population. With increasing medical and recreational cannabis access, there is a need for geriatric clinicians to assess and monitor cannabis use among the growing population of patients with AD across states with varied policies, particularly given decreases in medical program involvement.