Medical Cannabis May Be Safe, Effective Option for Older Patients

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Medical cannabis may provide relief of chronic pain, sleep disorders, neuropathy, and anxiety in older adults, according to the results of a retrospective study that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, May 4 to 10, 2019.

Laszlo Mechtler, MD, and colleagues at the Dent Neurologic Institute and the University at Buffalo in New York conducted a retrospective chart review in patients aged 75 years and older who used cannabis from New York State’s Medical Marijuana Program.¹

The study included 204 patients (average age, 81 years). For an average of 4 months, the participants received medical cannabis as a liquid extract tincture or capsule or in an electronic vaporizer. The ratios of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cannabidiol (CBD) in the cannabis varied.

Symptomatic benefit was reported by 69% of participants; the most common conditions that improved were chronic pain (49%), sleep problems (18%), neuropathy (15%), and anxiety (10%). Dosages of opioid pain medication were reduced in 32% of patients who received cannabis.

Initially, 34% of participants experienced adverse effects (AEs); after the dosages were adjusted, 13% reported AEs. Somnolence (13%), disequilibrium (7%), and gastrointestinal disturbance (7%) were the most common AEs associated with medical cannabis. Euphoria was reported by 3% of participants. Seven patients (3.4%) discontinued treatment because of AEs. Among those who had no AEs, a balanced THC to CBD tincture (1:1) was the most commonly used formulation.

“Our findings show that medical marijuana is well-tolerated in people age 75 and older and may improve symptoms like chronic pain and anxiety,” said Dr Mechtler in a press statement. “Future research should focus on symptoms like sleepiness and balance problems, as well as efficacy and optimal dosing.”

Disclosures:

The study was supported by the Dent Family Foundation.

References:

1. Bargnes V, Paul Hart P, Gupta S, Mechtler L. Safety and efficacy of medical cannabis in elderly patients: a retrospective review in a neurological outpatient setting. Presented at: American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting; May 4-10, 2019; Philadelphia, PA.