By Dr. Raymond Zakhari, NP
Greetings Aging Life Care Managers!
If you’re here, you’re likely wondering about cannabis use in the elderly. Buckle up, because I’m about to share a cautionary tale that could impact the well-being of our beloved seniors. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, my goal is to arm you with information and insight, so let’s dive in.
- The use of cannabis, particularly in the form of medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD), is increasing in patients with psychiatric disorders, driven by reduced stigma, lifted legal restrictions, and numerous claims of its benefits for conditions often experienced by the elderly.
- The use of medical marijuana by individuals aged 65 or older has increased more than 8-fold from less than 0.5% in 2006 to 4.2% in 2018.
Why We’re Here:
Imagine a journey into the history of cannabis—an ancient remedy that has resurfaced with a bang. From medical to recreational use, states have been opening their doors to the green herb since April 2021. But what’s the deal when it comes to our seniors? Here’s the twist: while cannabis has been around for ages, its effects on older adults remain shrouded in mystery.
Balancing Act:
Aging isn’t always a smooth sail. It comes with its share of health issues, from Alzheimer’s to heart problems. Enter cannabis, the new kid on the block in the lives of our elders. Some hail it as a pain-relieving hero, but the scientific verdict is still out. We’re in the gray area where potential benefits and risks collide.
Caution Ahead:
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—the opioid crisis. Cannabis was once thought to be a potential painkiller superhero, but the reality is murkier. And here’s the kicker: cannabis products out there? They’re not exactly regulated or FDA-approved. That’s a red flag, especially when dealing with our vulnerable senior population.
What you need to know:
- Limited small case series suggest potential benefits of THC and CBD for conditions such as stress, insomnia, pain, inflammation, and cognitive impairment. However, these claims are largely unsubstantiated due to limited evidence and lack of randomized controlled trials.
- Use of medical marijuana and CBD in older adults should be approached with caution due to potential adverse effects such as functional and structural brain impairments, dizziness, sleepiness, fatigue, changes in mood and cognition, psychosis, increased heart rate and blood pressure, urinary retention, and blurred vision.
- CBD can lead to drug-drug interactions with several commonly used medication groups in older patients, including blood thinners, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.
- Clinicians should ask their older patients about their use of cannabis products, the reasons for use, the type used, benefits observed, and adverse effects experienced.
- Patients and caregivers need to understand that the claimed benefits of cannabis products are largely unsubstantiated and lack a rigorous scientific basis. They should also be aware of the differences between THC and CBD.
- Older patients with preexisting neurocognitive impairment might be particularly vulnerable to adverse effects of cannabis products.
Looking for additional support for a patient in your caseload? Reach out today to request an appointment or receive more information about collaborating with Metro Medical Direct.