Local & Community
Seniors Leading the "Silver Surge" at Coachella Valley Dispensaries on 4/20
PALM DESERT — April 20th is better known as 4/20, the unofficial holiday for cannabis enthusiasts. While dispensaries across the Coachella Valley are seeing record-breaking sales this week, a surprising trend is taking center stage: a massive influx of senior citizens entering the market.
At "The Leaf on El Paseo" in Palm Desert, the usual holiday crowd was joined by a significant demographic of older Americans. Manager Bill reported that nearly 60 percent of their current customers are age 65 and older. "Some people are dealing with pain, some have sleep issues, and some just want to enhance their day a little bit," Bill said.
BEYOND THE HIGH: SLEEP AND PAIN RELIEF
For many seniors, the trip to the dispensary is less about the celebration and more about quality of life. Customers stocked up on a wide range of products including pain creams, gummies, and cannabis pre-rolls.
NBC Palm Springs reporter Kai Beach spoke with local residents who are specifically seeking out cannabinoids like CBN, CBD, and THC to manage chronic conditions. One customer noted that the products help them "sleep and feel painless," while others highlighted the specific "citrus and pine" terpene profiles of Humboldt County flowers.
A GROWING NATIONAL TREND
The local surge mirrors a shifting national landscape. According to researchers at NYU and AARP, cannabis use among older adults has reached a new high. Data from 2023 and 2024 shows that approximately 7 percent of adults over 65 now report using marijuana monthly—a number that has nearly doubled in recent years.
Experts attribute this trend to:
* INCREASED SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE: As legalization spreads, the stigma surrounding cannabis use has significantly diminished.
* PERCEIVED SAFETY: Many seniors view cannabis as a "less risky" alternative to heavy painkillers or benzodiazepines.
* SOCIOECONOMIC SHIFTS: Sharp increases in use have been noted particularly among college-educated and higher-income seniors.
HEALTH RISKS AND THE FUTURE
While the "Silver Surge" continues to grow, some health professionals warn that cannabis is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Geriatricians note that physiological changes in aging can make seniors more sensitive to psychoactive effects, and there is a high potential for interaction with common heart and blood pressure medications.
Despite these warnings, local seniors say they have found a better option than the traditional medicine cabinet. For many in the Coachella Valley, the benefits of feeling "relaxed and painless" mean they plan to keep using marijuana well beyond the 4/20 holiday.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 21, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason