Cannabinoids show some efficacy for pain and chemotherapy nausea in older adults, with risks comparable to other analgesics, but few studies have specifically enrolled elderly patients.
Geriatricians, older adults considering cannabis, and their caregivers.
Few older patients enrolled in cannabinoid studies
What the researchers found
From 35 relevant studies, cannabinoids demonstrate some efficacy for pain and chemotherapy-related nausea. Limited data suggest potential benefits for spasticity and anxiety. Risks in older patients appear moderate and comparable to other analgesic drug classes. However, research quality is weak, and few older patients have been specifically enrolled in cannabinoid studies.
Why it matters
Older adults are the fastest-growing group of medical cannabis users but are also more vulnerable to adverse effects like falls, cognitive impairment, and drug interactions.
The numbers in context
35 studies identified. Evidence for pain and nausea. Limited data for spasticity and anxiety. Few older patients enrolled in existing studies.
How the study worked
Narrative literature review searching CENTRAL, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, psycINFO, Cochrane, and Web of Science. 35 studies identified as relevant.
What this study cannot tell us
Narrative review. Weak underlying research quality. Few studies specifically enrolled older adults. Extrapolation from younger populations may not be valid.
How to read the evidence
Narrative review of weak-quality evidence, with limited age-specific data.
When this study was published
2020 review.
The bigger picture
The irony is that older adults have the most conditions that cannabinoids might help (chronic pain, nausea, spasticity) but are the least-studied population for these treatments.
Questions still open
- Are older adults at higher risk for cannabinoid side effects like falls and confusion? What drug interactions should geriatricians watch for?
Common questions
Is medical cannabis safe for elderly patients?
What might cannabinoids help with in older adults?
Read the original research
Cannabinoids in the Older Person: A Literature Review.
Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland), 5(1)
Citation
Beedham, William; Sbai, Magda; Allison, Isabel; Coary, Roisin; Shipway, David. (2020). Cannabinoids in the Older Person: A Literature Review.. Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland), 5(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics5010002
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