Marijuana Use in Older Adults: Risks, Benefits, and Facts

Admin
Nov 18
7 min read

As marijuana becomes increasingly legalized across various states in the U.S., older adults are exploring its potential therapeutic benefits. This blog post delves into the evidence surrounding marijuana use in older adults, particularly focusing on pain relief as a substitute for opioids, mood enhancement, and functional improvements. However, it is also crucial to shed light on the potential risks associated with its use.

This blog post strives to provide comprehensive insights into the complexities of marijuana use among older adults. As the medical community continues to explore cannabis, staying informed will be crucial for making well-rounded decisions regarding its use.

Understanding the Landscape of Marijuana Use in Older Adults

Older adults are typically more susceptible to chronic health issues, with a significant proportion experiencing serious pain and mood disorders. Traditional treatments may not always yield the desired results or may come with unwanted side effects. As a result, many older individuals are turning to marijuana as an alternative option to manage their health.

Recent studies show that cannabis can be effective for various conditions that commonly affect older adults. Notably, it has shown promise in alleviating chronic pain, improving mood, and enhancing functional capabilities.

Pain Relief: An Alternative to Opioids

Chronic pain is a prevalent issue among older adults, often leading to reduced quality of life. Traditionally, opioids have been the go-to treatment for managing severe pain. However, the risks associated with long-term opioid use, such as addiction and overdose, have prompted individuals to seek alternatives like marijuana.

Research indicates that marijuana may offer substantial benefits in pain management. A systematic review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2017) concluded that there is substantial evidence indicating that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults. More specifically, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the main psychoactive component in cannabis—has been observed to lower pain levels and improve function.

One study conducted by Abramovitz et al. (2019) analyzed results from older patients who reported using medical cannabis for pain relief. The findings highlighted a 40% reduction in chronic pain among participants using cannabis regularly. This could be particularly beneficial for those who can't tolerate the side effects of traditional pain management options.

Mood Improvement: The Psychiatric Effects of Cannabis

In addition to physical pain, many older adults experience issues like depression and anxiety. The psychoactive properties of marijuana, specifically those of THC and cannabidiol (CBD), may help alleviate these mood disorders.

A meta-analysis by Turner et al. (2020) examined cannabis's effect on mood and anxiety levels among older adults, suggesting improvements in both areas when using cannabis. Participants reported reduced feelings of anxiety and a more positive mood after using cannabis.

However, it must be noted that marijuana does not have the same effects on everyone. While some individuals experience a marked improvement in mood, others may have adverse reactions, such as heightened anxiety or paranoia. Therefore, a careful approach is recommended for older adults considering cannabis for mood enhancement.

Enhancing Functionality: Increasing Quality of Life

Beyond pain relief and mood enhancement, marijuana has the potential to boost functionality in daily activities. As age-related conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, and other ailments increasingly impair mobility, marijuana's muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving effects can help older adults maintain their independence.

A study featured in the journal Clinical Geriatrics (2020) revealed that older adults using cannabis reported improved physical functionality and quality of life. Their ability to engage in physical activities, perform daily tasks, and socialize increased significantly when incorporating cannabis into their health regimens.

The type of marijuana used can help to narrow down potential side effects, and allow for easier understanding of what side effects will occur.

Legal marijuana is often sold in 3 varieties, called strains. These are:

Sativa - This strain is often used for increasing energy, improving exercise outcomes, and improving mood. This strain is known for its ability to increase productivity and alleviate pain while doing so. It is a "head-high" meaning that most people do not feel weighed down, but rather the opposite and want to do more activities.

Indica - This strain is often used for insomnia, pain relief, and suppressing nightmares. It is beneficial for relaxing and can be helpful prior to sleep, to allow deeper and prolonged sleep. This strain does typically provide a "body high" meaning it results in a desire to stay in one place, rather than being up and active. It is one of the most helpful with pain relief, and can make a person tired in larger doses.

Hybrid - This strain is a combination of the benefits of both Sativa and Indica. This specific strain allows the benefits of both worlds, with a cerebral head high first, than ends with an Indica-style relaxation. Because each hybrid strain can vary in side effects, it is important to discuss with your dispensary employee which one will be best for you based on the goal you intend to achieve.

As with any medication, there are risks such as possible impairments in cognitive functions and motor skills. Safe administration is of paramount importance and if you are unsure of what method, or how much to use, a dispensary employee is often a good resource in answering any questions you may have. They are trained and have in depth information about the variations of products, administration methods, and origins of the products.

Recognizing the Risks of Marijuana Use

While there are notable benefits to marijuana use for older adults, it’s essential to acknowledge that not everyone experiences positive outcomes. Some risks include:

Cognitive Impairment: THC can lead to cognitive decline or memory issues in some older adults. Older brains may have heightened sensitivity to THC, potentially causing confusion or short-term memory loss. While these are temporary in most cases, there are some exceptions. Starting low and slow with dosing is crucial to finding the right balance.
Interaction with Medications: Cannabis can interact with various prescription medications, potentially diminishing their efficacy or enhancing side effects. Older adults taking multiple medications should consult with their healthcare providers before starting cannabis.
Respiratory Issues: For those who smoke marijuana, there could be risks to lung health. Cannabinoids can be consumed in different ways, such as edibles or oils, which might mitigate these risks.
Mental Health Risks: Some older adults may experience increased anxiety or paranoia when using marijuana. This reaction varies by individual and the strains/amounts consumed.

Guidance on Safe Marijuana Administration

For older adults considering marijuana for therapeutic use, it’s crucial to approach it cautiously. Here are some guidelines to ensure safety:

Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with lower doses and gradually increase as needed. Start with small amounts to understand how marijuana affects individual health conditions.
Choose the Right Strain: Different strains of marijuana can have varying effects. Consult with knowledgeable staff at dispensaries to choose the best strain for specific symptoms (e.g., pain relief, anxiety).

For more information on the strains, check out this guide directly from Trulieve dispensary.
Consider Non-Smoking Alternatives: Edibles, tinctures, and oils offer effective ways to consume cannabis without potential respiratory issues linked to smoking. However, be mindful of dosage, as each form has a different reactive timeframe.

Edibles - Edibles come in a variety of forms such as cookies, brownies, gummy gels, and more. When consuming edibles for the first time, it is advised to start with 1/4th an edible, as they are very potent. If the desired effect does not occur within 30 minutes to 1 hour, another 1/4th is suggested. To provide a rapid effect, some dispensaries offer fast-acting edibles. Another option is to allow the edible to melt in your mouth, so it breaks down quicker or to eat something fatty like cheese or a piece of chocolate. Many dispensaries also offer sugar free edibles, to adapt to diabetic or sugar restricted diets.

Oil - Oil comes in a form called a distillate syringe, that allows you to dose based on pre-determined amounts using the lines on the syringe. When using oil, it is advised to apply a small bead about half the size of a grain of rice. The oil is sticky, so having a small utensil or your fingernail is ideal. Applying the oil from your fingernail or utensil to the underneath of your tongue can help to accelerate the effects, however oil does tend to take a little longer to have an effect. Do NOT take more until you have felt the first effects, as oil is easy to overdo and can make the experience uncomfortable. There are other varieties such as RSO oil, which is specially formulated for pain.

Inhalation - This is the fastest form of use, with a near immediate result. Dispensaries often offer pre-rolls, which are already formed and ready for use. They are often lit and smoked similar to cigars/cigarettes. Other forms of inhalation are vapes, which are oils that get heated and turned into an inhalable vapor. Some people prefer to make their own joints using paper and flower. While it may seem daunting, dispensary employees are often more than willing to explain how to properly roll and fill a joint, however this may not be beneficial for those with mobility issues. Inhalation is also not advised for those on oxygen, experiencing breathing issues, or have pre-existing lung conditions as the smoke can irritate or worsen previous conditions.

Other Methods - Topicals like creams or patches are available. There are also methods like shatter - a glass like product that is intended to be vaporized with water and inhaled. Tincture droppers, pill form, and many many other are available to find the right method of dispensing for you.

Consult Healthcare Providers: Engage healthcare professionals for personalized guidance on cannabis use. They can provide insights into potential medication interactions and help monitor effects.
Monitor Effects: Pay attention to how cannabis affects mood, pain, and overall functioning. Keeping a journal can help track symptoms and improvements over time.

The Path Forward: Tailoring Cannabis Use to Individual Needs

Ultimately, marijuana can be a beneficial alternative for some older adults dealing with pain, mood issues, and functional impairments. However, it is vital to approach its use carefully, keeping in mind that not everyone will benefit equally from cannabis.

Understanding both the advantages and risks involved can help older adults make informed decisions. Continuous research and tailored health strategies will be essential in maximizing the benefits of marijuana while minimizing risks.

In states where marijuana is legal, older adults now have safe, regulated access to cannabis. As the landscape of health and wellness continues to evolve, engaging with healthcare providers and being informed about treatment options can empower older adults to enhance their quality of life responsibly.

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