Elderly patients experience pain and depression relief with cannabis

The impact of cannabis on elderly patients

In a recent study conducted in Tel Aviv, Israel, it was observed that the consistent use of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products led to significant reductions in pain, depression, and opioid consumption among elderly patients.

This research, published in the journal Biomedicines, offers valuable insights into the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis, especially for the older population.

Study parameters and patient demographics

Israeli researchers closely examined the self-reported outcomes from a group of 119 elderly patients, with an average age of 79, who were prescribed medical cannabis products. It's noteworthy that Israeli legislation allows eligible patients to access state-regulated cannabis products, and currently, an estimated 100,000 Israelis are authorised for their use.

The majority of the participants in the study were chronic pain sufferers and primarily consumed cannabis through tinctures. The duration for which these subjects used cannabis products was a minimum of six months.

Significant reduction in chronic pain

The study's findings revealed that the use of medical cannabis was linked to substantial reductions in the chronic pain scores of the patients. This is a promising observation, considering the global quest for alternative pain management solutions that are both effective and have fewer side effects.

Decrease in opioid consumption

Another significant outcome of the study was the near 50% reduction in opioid use by patients post their cannabis treatment. This aligns with the results of several other studies, reinforcing the potential of cannabis as an alternative to opioids, especially in chronic pain management.

Enhanced quality of life and reduced depression

Patients not only experienced physical relief but also showed reduced symptoms of depression. Furthermore, there was a noticeable improvement in their daily living activities, particularly among those aged 80 and above. This aligns with multiple previous studies that have reported an enhanced quality of life among older adults who begin cannabis treatment.

Conclusions drawn from the study

The researchers concluded that cannabis plays a pivotal role in alleviating depressive symptoms while also providing tangible pain relief. They emphasised the relatively favourable safety profile of cannabis therapy, especially in the context of the elderly patient population.

Further reading and resources

The complete study, titled “Medical cannabis is not associated with a decrease in activities of daily living in older adults,” can be found in the journal Biomedicines. For those interested in delving deeper into the topic, additional information is available from the NORML Fact Sheet, which focuses on 'Cannabis Use by Older Adult Populations'.