By: Terese Bowros Cannabis Wellness Coach, Educator, and Public Speaker  

Seniors over 65 years of age are one of the fastest-growing segments of Cannabis consumers in Canada and the United States. In Canada, Cannabis use among seniors has grown tenfold between 2012 and 2019 and twofold between 2015 and 2018 in the United States.

Studies  show seniors are reaching to Cannabis for relief and support predominantly for pain reduction and sleep, but also for a variety of other conditions (1) too including:

Real-World Evidence: Positive Impact and Safety of Cannabis for Older Adults

Based on real-world evidence (RWE) studies (2) (3) we are observing that older adults report Cannabis positively impacts their lives and is safe and well tolerated. Side effects are manageable and not long lasting. This is hopeful as many older adults are exposed to more and more pharmaceuticals that can have disruptive and long-lasting side effects. Cannabis is presenting a potential safer and effective option.

Preferred Cannabinoids and Oral Sublingual Formulations for Seniors

The main cannabinoids that seniors are working with are High CBD, Balanced THC:CBD or THC products predominantly in an oil-based oral sublingual formulation. Taking Cannabis via ingested oil offers a more comfortable and accessible method of ingestion that helps to calm cultural stigmas as it feels more like a method of medicine that seniors are familiar with. One of the biggest resistances I hear from seniors is that they do not want to smoke cannabis to experience its benefits.

Enhancing Efficacy: The Benefits of Combining THC and CBD

Smoking Cannabis is not the only way to consume nor is getting high a prerequisite. With proper dosing (4) and product selection, the incidence of a high can be avoided. It is beneficial to have a small amount of THC to support the efficacy of CBD within the Endocannabinoid System. Having a small amount of THC entices CBD into the receptors in the body and creates an entourage effect of benefits. CBD alone does have its benefits but effectiveness may be greatly reduced.

The Lack of Cannabis Education and Guidance for Seniors

Cannabis Education and guidance are lacking in our current medical model in Canada, the United States and around the world. In addition, our medical Dr’s often are not proponents of medical Cannabis and this causes difficulties for seniors to safely access Cannabis in a legal manner. In our current markets, Seniors need to be savvy enough to advocate for themselves AND find factual education and guidance.

There are a number of important factors that seniors need to be aware of before starting their Cannabis experience.

Safe Driving

THC may impact driving in the following ways:

• impaired coordination and balance
• judging following distance & speed
• decision - making skills
• attention
• ability to react to unexpected events

CBD may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
We do not know for certain how much THC makes you too impaired to operate a vehicle.
Check your awareness before you drive and avoid driving if at any point you feel dizzy, unbalanced, foggy or distracted. Many pharmaceuticals have similar impacts on driving and we are encouraged to follow similar precautions when considering driving.(5) (6) (7)

Drug Interactions

It is important to talk with your health provider or pharmacist before making changes to your pharmaceuticals. Cannabis may be a suitable replacement for some pharmaceuticals but do not suddenly quit any pharmaceuticals without direction from your health provider. Ask your pharmacist to check for any drug interactions. Generally, pharmaceuticals that interact with grapefruit may also interact with Cannabis.
Be aware, if you or a close family member is at risk for a psychotic illness, Cannabis may exasperate these conditions.

Side Effects

The most common side effects experienced by older adults include:
dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, tinnitus, sleepiness/fatigue, increased heart rate, psychoactive sensation.

No serious, long-lasting side effects have been reported in studies with older patients after a 3-month trial period. Side effects have not proven to be long term and may be managed with guidance from a Cannabis Coach or Cannabis Dr. Additionally, side effects resolve when you stop consuming Cannabis as well.

Barriers to Access

One of the biggest barriers to medical Cannabis currently is education. We are experiencing a censorship epidemic where the truth is not able to be shared openly on public platforms. Additionally, many of our primary caregivers are not educating themselves and supporting their patients to safe access and consumption. This calls on seniors to navigate a complex industry and to decipher which information is true, myth-based or cultural stigma based.

Cost of Cannabis products may also be prohibitive for regular management of symptoms. In Canada, many provinces allow households to grow four of their own plants. This can significantly reduce cost and also provide a measure of well-being while learning and interacting with gardening. Very limited insurance companies will cover medical Cannabis, further pushing the financial impact back on to seniors.

And finally, STIGMA! This is a huge piece for seniors to overcome. All our lives we’ve been taught DRUGS ARE BAD (excluding pharmaceuticals of course!). Cannabis is not a new way to support our health at all! In fact, Queen Victoria was known to take Cannabis tinctures to relieve menstrual cramps given to her by her doctor, Sir J. Russell Reynolds. In 1890, Sir J. Russell Reynolds wrote:

"When pure and administered carefully, [Cannabis] is one of the most valuable medicines we possess."

And then Criminalization changed it all~ 

But we’re gaining back this plant! Country by country. Cannabis is a 'new' way of healing. This isn't your traditional "Dr. knows best" scenario. This new way involves YOU - your knowledge of your body, your intuition, your perspective. (8)

Resources

1. Shay, Brett. “10 Potential Health Benefits of CBD for Older Adults.” HomeCare Magazine, 12 May 2021, www.homecaremag.com/may-2021/potential-health-benefits-cbd-older-adults

2. MacNair, Laura et al. “Medical cannabis authorization patterns, safety, and associated effects in older adults.” Journal of cannabis research vol. 4,1 50. 22 Sep. 2022, doi:10.1186/s42238-022-00158-5

3. Bowles, Nicole P et al. “Recent legalization of cannabis use: effects on sleep, health, and workplace safety.” Nature and science of sleep vol. 9 249-251. 19 Oct. 2017, doi:10.2147/NSS.S152231

4. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on the Health Effects of Marijuana: An Evidence Review and Research Agenda. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2017 Jan 12. 4, Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/

5. Author: Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research. “Alcohol & Other Drugs.” Cannabis and Driving | Here to Help, www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/cannabis-and-driving. Accessed 4 July 2023.

6. Arkell, Thomas R et al. “Medical cannabis and driving.” Australian journal of general practice vol. 50,6 (2021): 357-362. doi:10.31128/AJGP-02-21-5840

7. Arkell, Thomas R et al. “Effect of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on Driving Performance: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” JAMA vol. 324,21 (2020): 2177-2186. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.21218

8. User, Guest. “Cannabis for Seniors: Tips for Older Adults Trying Marijuana.” Periodic Edibles, 24 May 2023, www.periodicedibles.com/blog/cannabis-for-seniors.

About Terese Bowors:

Terese Bowors is a passionate educator for health and well-being, especially in chronic illnesses like Lyme disease and Autoimmune Disease. Herself along with 2 of her adult children and her husband are all on healing journeys through challenging illnesses. Terese has taken her experience, research and knowledge from the past 14 years and brought it into her Cannabis Coaching, Speaking and Cannabis Courses. She is well known as an understanding, compassionate and inspiring coach, teacher and public speaker.

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Effective Cannabis Newsletter is a platform to educate on the vital role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in one's health. The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information contained in or available through this newsletter is for general information purposes only. It is not medical advice; it is health awareness.