Scoping review maps what is known about cannabis effects in older adults | Research

The takeaway

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.

Geriatricians, pharmacists serving elderly populations, older adults considering cannabis, and researchers designing age-appropriate cannabis studies.

Older adults are the fastest-growing cannabis user demographic; evidence lags behind

What the researchers 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.

Why it 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 numbers in context

Literature reviewed across multiple databases covering medical and non-medical cannabis use in older adults. Cannabis use increasing in this population post-legalization.

How the study worked

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.

What this study cannot 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.

How to read the evidence

Scoping review providing a literature map. Identifies gaps but does not synthesize evidence strength.

When this study was published

Published 2023.

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.

Questions still open

Should cannabis dosing recommendations differ for older adults? Which drug interactions pose the greatest risk for elderly cannabis users?

Common 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.

Read the original research

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

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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