Scoping review maps what is known about cannabis effects in older adults
A scoping review found growing cannabis use among older adults post-legalization but limited evidence on how age-related physiological changes affect cannabis safety and efficacy in this population.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Cannabis use is increasing among older adults following legalization. Age-related changes in metabolism, body composition, and organ function may alter cannabis effects, but research specifically in older adults is sparse.
Key Numbers
Literature reviewed across multiple databases covering medical and non-medical cannabis use in older adults. Cannabis use increasing in this population post-legalization.
How They Did This
Scoping review searching electronic databases for studies on health effects of medical and non-medical cannabis use in older adults. Mapped evidence across multiple health domains.
Why This Research Matters
Older adults are the fastest-growing segment of cannabis users, often using it for pain, sleep, and anxiety. Yet they face unique risks from drug interactions, falls, and altered metabolism that are poorly studied.
The Bigger Picture
The intersection of aging, polypharmacy, and cannabis use creates a knowledge gap with real clinical consequences. Older adults may be using cannabis based on evidence generated primarily in younger populations.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Scoping review maps literature breadth rather than synthesizing outcomes. Much of the available literature involves younger populations. Heterogeneous definitions of "older adult." Limited controlled trial data in elderly populations.
Questions This Raises
- ?Should cannabis dosing recommendations differ for older adults?
- ?Which drug interactions pose the greatest risk for elderly cannabis users?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Older adults are the fastest-growing cannabis user demographic; evidence lags behind
- Evidence Grade:
- Scoping review providing a literature map. Identifies gaps but does not synthesize evidence strength.
- Study Age:
- Published 2023.
- Original Title:
- Impacts of medical and non-medical cannabis on the health of older adults: Findings from a scoping review of the literature.
- Published In:
- PloS one, 18(2), e0281826 (2023)
- Authors:
- Wolfe, Dianna, Corace, Kim, Butler, Claire(2), Rice, Danielle, Skidmore, Becky, Patel, Yashila, Thayaparan, Premika, Michaud, Alan, Hamel, Candyce, Smith, Andra, Garber, Gary, Porath, Amy, Conn, David, Willows, Melanie, Abramovici, Hanan, Thavorn, Kednapa, Kanji, Salmaan, Hutton, Brian
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05031
Evidence Hierarchy
Analyzes all available research on a topic using a structured method.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis safe for older adults?
There is limited research specifically on cannabis in older adults. Age-related changes in metabolism, body composition, and organ function may make seniors more sensitive to cannabis effects. Drug interactions with common medications (blood thinners, heart medications, sedatives) are also a concern.
Why are more older adults using cannabis?
Legalization has increased access and reduced stigma. Many older adults use cannabis for chronic pain, sleep problems, and anxiety, conditions that are common in aging. However, most cannabis research has been conducted in younger populations, leaving elderly-specific guidance limited.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05031APA
Wolfe, Dianna; Corace, Kim; Butler, Claire; Rice, Danielle; Skidmore, Becky; Patel, Yashila; Thayaparan, Premika; Michaud, Alan; Hamel, Candyce; Smith, Andra; Garber, Gary; Porath, Amy; Conn, David; Willows, Melanie; Abramovici, Hanan; Thavorn, Kednapa; Kanji, Salmaan; Hutton, Brian. (2023). Impacts of medical and non-medical cannabis on the health of older adults: Findings from a scoping review of the literature.. PloS one, 18(2), e0281826. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281826
MLA
Wolfe, Dianna, et al. "Impacts of medical and non-medical cannabis on the health of older adults: Findings from a scoping review of the literature.." PloS one, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281826
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Impacts of medical and non-medical cannabis on the health of..." RTHC-05031. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/wolfe-2023-impacts-of-medical-and
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.