Cannabis: An Emerging Treatment for Common Symptoms in Older Adults

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Use of cannabis is increasing in a variety of populations in the United States; however, few investigations about how and for what reasons cannabis is used in older populations exist. DESIGN: Anonymous survey. SETTING: Geriatrics clinic. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 568 adults 65 years and older. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MEASUREMENTS: Survey assessing characteristics of cannabis use. RESULTS: Approximately 15% (N = 83) of survey responders reported using cannabis within the past 3 years. Half (53%) reported using cannabis regularly on a daily or weekly basis, and reported using cannabidiol-only products (46%). The majority (78%) used cannabis for medical purposes only, with the most common targeted conditions/symptoms being pain/arthritis (73%), sleep disturbance (29%), anxiety (24%), and depression (17%). Just over three-quarters reported cannabis "somewhat" or "extremely" helpful in managing one of these conditions, with few adverse effects. Just over half obtained cannabis via a dispensary, and lotions (35%), tinctures (35%), and smoking (30%) were the most common administration forms. Most indicated family members (94%) knew about their cannabis use, about half reported their friends knew, and 41% reported their healthcare provider knowing. Sixty-one percent used cannabis for the first time as older adults (aged ≥61 years), and these users overall engaged in less risky use patterns (e.g., more likely to use for medical purposes, less likely to consume via smoking). CONCLUSION: Most older adults in the sample initiated cannabis use after the age of 60 years and used it primarily for medical purposes to treat pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and/or depression. Cannabis use by older adults is likely to increase due to medical need, favorable legalization, and attitudes.

Decreasing perceived risk associated with regular cannabis use among older adults in the United States from 2015 to 2019

“…Our results are consistent with other studies that found that perceived risk associated with cannabis use is decreasing among middle‐aged and older adults, although to a lesser extent compared with younger adults 13 . We also found a larger decrease in risk perception in states where cannabis is legal compared with states where it is not; however, most studies that examine the use and perceptions of cannabis by older adults are in states that legalized cannabis 9,10 . Longitudinal studies in more states with varying cannabis laws are needed to understand the changing perceptions of cannabis among older adults.…”

“…It is also unknown whether respondents interpreted the risk question about people in general or about people within their age group. Additionally, NSDUH does not ask about chronic pain or arthritis, common reasons for cannabis use among older adults 10 . Finally, NSDUH is cross‐sectional and cannot draw causal inferences as it relates to changes in perceived risk over time.…”

Medical Cannabis Use Among Older Adults in Canada: Self-Reported Data on Types and Amount Used, and Perceived Effects

“…These results support reports that older adults are more likely to seek clinical sources for medical cannabis use than young and middle-aged groups [ 25 ]. Similar to other studies [ 19 , 20 , 26 , 34 – 36 ], older adults in this study, particularly women, sought medical cannabis most often for pain relief. However, poor sleep and anxiety were less common than in community (38% and 24%) and clinic-based (29% and 24%) studies [ 35 , 36 ].…”

“…Similar to other studies [ 19 , 20 , 26 , 34 – 36 ], older adults in this study, particularly women, sought medical cannabis most often for pain relief. However, poor sleep and anxiety were less common than in community (38% and 24%) and clinic-based (29% and 24%) studies [ 35 , 36 ]. These differences may be due to a higher proportion of older adults seeking cannabis for medical purposes [ 25 ], biases in convenience sampling, though increasing social acceptance, easy accessibility, and high rates of self-medication for mood and anxiety symptoms [ 37 ] may also be potential factors.…”

Cannabis and Prescription Drug Use Among Older Adults With Functional Impairment

“…14,15 Likewise, research suggests that cannabis is primarily used by older adults to self-treat pain, insomnia, or anxiety. 16 This study found that medical cannabis use was associated with any and increasing number of impairments but that nonmedical use was not, suggesting that adults aged ≥50 years with functional limitations are typically not using cannabis unless directed by a doctor.…”