MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR OLDER

ADULTS
Older adults may face a variety of health issues or symptoms that
could make them consider medical cannabis as a potential
treatment option or raise concerns regarding its use:
1. Chronic Pain
Can potentially be alleviated
2. Insomnia and Sleep Disorders or managed through medical
3. Anxiety and Depression cannabis, but it's important
4. Appetite Loss for older adults to discuss
the use of cannabis as a
5. Neurological Disorders treatment option with their
6. Cognitive Decline healthcare providers to
ensure safety and
7. Cancer and Side Effects of Treatments
effectiveness
8. Cardiovascular Conditions

Risks and potential benefits of cannabis and its primary compounds, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol)

*THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol):
Risks Benefits
-Cognitive Effects -Pain Relief
-Psychiatric Effects -Appetite Stimulation
-Cardiovascular Risks -Nausea and Vomiting Relief
-Muscle Relaxation
*CBD (Cannabidiol):
Risks Benefits
-Drug Interactions -Pain Management
-Quality and Purity -Anxiety and Depression
-Potential Side Effects -Neuroprotective Properties
-Anti-inflammatory Effects
Risks Benefits
-Increased Side Effects: Combining -Synergistic Effects: might provide enhanced
THC and CBD may amplify Combination of therapeutic benefits, such as improved pain relief
potential side effects associated THC and CBD or better symptom management in certain
with each compound, especially in conditions.
higher doses. -Balanced Effects: CBD might mitigate some of the
adverse effects of THC, such as anxiety or cognitive
-https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/cannabis-information-for-older-adults.aspx
impairment, potentially offering a more balanced
Sources:
-https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/cannabis-side-effects-senior-and-older-adult-patients-alison-
moore-md#:~:text=So%20older%20adults%20are%20also,of%20dementia%2C%20such%20as%20agitation.

experience.
-https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/age-cannabis-has-arrived-issues-older-adults
-https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2021/09/27/cannabis-use-in-older-adults-state-of-the-
evidence/
-https://www.americanbar.org/groups/senior_lawyers/publications/voice_of_experience/2021/voice-of-experience--june-
2021/cannabis-use-in-the-elderly--a-cautionary-warning/
-https://es.slideshare.net/MadgeTechInc/benefits-of-medical-marijuana-infographic
-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7880228/
-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9294022/
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