Cannabis has experienced a surge in popularity among older adults, with many individuals in their 60s and beyond turning to this versatile plant for medical reasons. From alleviating pain and improving sleep to reducing anxiety, cannabis offers a range of potential benefits that appeal to this growing demographic. However, as with any substance, it’s crucial to understand the risks and take appropriate precautions, especially for those with chronic conditions or those taking certain medications.
Understanding Cannabis and Its Components
Cannabis, derived from the Cannabis plant, comes in various forms, including dried plant material, oils, vape pens, and edible products. The plant contains a variety of active compounds known as cannabinoids, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most prominent.
THC, the primary psychoactive component, can induce a “high” sensation, while CBD, though technically psychoactive, offers a calming effect without the intoxicating properties. Cannabis products typically fall into three categories based on their THC and CBD content:
- High THC
- High CBD
- Equal amounts of CBD and THC (1:1 balance)
Each type offers unique effects and carries different risks and side effects, making it essential for older adults to understand the differences before using cannabis.
The Rise of Cannabis Use Among Older Adults
The number of older adults in the U.S. using cannabis has increased significantly in recent years, with nearly two-thirds of those aged 65 and older trying it for the first time after age 60. Several factors contribute to this trend, including the legalization of cannabis for personal use in many states and the growing acceptance of the plant from a cultural perspective.
Moreover, older adults are more likely to have chronic conditions, leading them to seek alternative treatments like cannabis. In fact, over three-quarters of older adults who use cannabis do so strictly for medical purposes, according to a recent review1.
The most common medical reasons for cannabis use among older adults include:
- Pain and arthritis
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Depression
Other potential applications include managing cancer pain, treating chemotherapy side effects, addressing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, and providing palliative care.
While research on the effectiveness of cannabis for these conditions is limited, evidence suggests it may offer relief for chronic pain and multiple sclerosis symptoms2. Additionally, studies have found that cannabis can improve sleep in individuals with health problems like multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic pain3.
Cannabis and Blood Pressure: A Complex Relationship
The relationship between cannabis and blood pressure is complex, with conflicting evidence regarding its effects. Some studies suggest that regular cannabis users may have lower blood pressure, possibly due to CBD’s ability to relax blood vessels. An analysis of a large U.K. database found that long-term cannabis use in heart-healthy adults was associated with lower blood pressure4.
Conversely, blood pressure may increase immediately after using cannabis high in THC, likely due to the compound’s potential to constrict blood vessels. Older adults with heart conditions should consult their healthcare professional about the safety of cannabis use.
Potential Risks and Precautions for Older Adults
While cannabis can often be used safely, older adults should be aware of potential risks, including:
- Increased risk of injury and falls
- Interactions with medications
- Elevated risk of heart attack and stroke
It’s essential to discuss the personal benefits and risks of using cannabis with a healthcare professional.
Injuries and Falls
Cannabis use has been linked to a higher risk of injury and increased emergency room visits due to serious injuries, possibly because THC can slow reaction time and affect attention. To minimize the risk of falls or injury, older adults should consider products with CBD or a 1:1 balance of CBD to THC.
Medication Interactions
Although research on interactions between cannabis and prescription medications is limited, cannabis may interact with certain medications commonly used by older adults. For example, cannabis may affect the potency of the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Before trying cannabis, older adults should have a healthcare professional review their medication list to identify potential interactions and advise on the best CBD to THC ratio or whether to avoid cannabis altogether.
Cardiovascular Risks
Cannabis use may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in older adults. A study found that using cannabis, regardless of the method (smoking, eating, drinking, or vaping), elevated the risk of these heart-related problems, with daily users being 25% more likely to experience a heart attack than non-users5.
Smoking cannabis may be particularly risky, as it involves inhaling particulate matter, carrying many of the same heart hazards as smoking tobacco. However, consuming edibles also carries a risk for heart problems, making it essential for older adults to be aware of the potential cardiovascular risks associated with all forms of cannabis use.
Anxiety
While many older adults report that cannabis provides relief from anxiety, others experience increased anxiety or panic attacks, particularly when using products high in THC.
Cannabis Safety Tips for Older Adults
To use cannabis safely, older adults should consider the following tips:
- Understand the difference between THC and CBD: THC is more potent and can cause a “high,” while CBD does not produce intoxicating effects and may help reduce THC’s psychoactive properties. Older adults should consider starting with products containing more CBD than THC.
- Know the THC concentration: THC concentrations in cannabis products have increased substantially over the past few decades, making it essential to understand the potency of the product being consumed. Start slowly, especially if you’re new to cannabis or trying it again after many years. When using edibles, consider starting with high-CBD products containing 2.5 mg or less of THC and read labels carefully to understand the dosage.
- Purchase cannabis from a regulated dispensary: State-regulated dispensaries ensure that products are tested for contaminants and accurately labeled with dosage information. The staff can guide you to products and doses that best suit your needs, and the packaging should clearly state the amount of CBD and/or THC in the product.
Conclusion
As cannabis use continues to grow among older adults, it’s crucial to approach this trend with a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the potential benefits and risks. While cannabis may offer relief for various medical conditions, older adults should be aware of the possible side effects and take appropriate precautions, especially when using products high in THC.
By understanding the differences between THC and CBD, starting with low doses, and purchasing cannabis from regulated dispensaries, older adults can minimize the risks associated with cannabis use. Most importantly, discussing the personal benefits and risks with a healthcare professional is essential to ensure safe and effective use.
As research on cannabis and its effects on older adults continues to evolve, it’s vital to stay informed and make well-informed decisions about incorporating this versatile plant into one’s wellness routine.
References:
- Choi, N. G., DiNitto, D. M., & Marti, C. N. (2020). Nonmedical versus Medical Marijuana Use among Three Age Groups of Adults: Associations with Mental and Physical Health Status. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 46(1), 18-32. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2019.1626762 ↩︎
- Whiting, P. F., Wolff, R. F., Deshpande, S., Di Nisio, M., Duffy, S., Hernandez, A. V., Keurentjes, J. C., Lang, S., Misso, K., Ryder, S., Schmidlkofer, S., Westwood, M., & Kleijnen, J. (2015). Cannabinoids for Medical Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA, 313(24), 2456-2473. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2015.6358 ↩︎
- Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9 ↩︎
- Hodgson, K., Almirall, M., Bhattacharjee, S., & Lertratanakul, A. (2020). Association Between Recreational Cannabis Use and Blood Pressure Levels in Adults in the United States. Journal of the American Medical Association, 323(18), 1879-1881. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.1329 ↩︎
- Patel, R. S., Kamil, S. H., Bachu, R., Adikey, A., Ravat, V., & Kaur, M. (2018). Marijuana Use and Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review of Published Cases in the Literature. Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine, 28(5), 319-324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcm.2017.11.003 ↩︎
