Written by Releaf
With medical cannabis showing promise among elderly patients, UK cannabis clinic, Releaf, examines its efficacy, safety profile, and other things to consider when exploring this treatment option for yourself or a loved one.
Since medical cannabis was legalised in the UK almost six years ago, it has slowly (but surely) been gaining recognition as a natural, safe, and effective complementary treatment option for managing a range of health conditions.
It’s especially promising for elderly patients who are not only more likely to experience poor health, but might also be more susceptible to adverse reactions from traditional medications.
Conventional approaches to health are the go-to for most seniors, but many pharmaceutical options can have heavy, concerning, and risky side effects. The risk of such side effects can increase with age, as our bodies become more sensitive and less resilient.
That’s not to say that medical cannabis comes with zero chance of adverse effects, or that it should replace other forms of treatment. But, with its therapeutic potential and relatively low-risk profile, it’s certainly worth considering as a viable option for symptom management.
What conditions can cannabis-based treatment help with?
As research into medical cannabis continues to grow, so do the reported benefits for patients of different ages and backgrounds. One of the more common concerns for people aged 65 and above is the burden of chronic pain.
Chronic pain comes in many forms and can be caused by a wide range of underlying conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, or cancer. Traditional painkillers often come with risks of addiction, overdose, and other nasty side effects that are particularly concerning for elderly patients. To say we are currently battling an opioid crisis here in the UK is anything but an understatement.
Sleep issues are also quite common, and can have a huge effect on quality of life. We all have sleepless nights now and then, but when the problem persists, it can lead to chronic fatigue, pain flare-ups and can spark mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety.
Inflammation is our bodies’ natural response to injury or infection, but if it persists habitually, it can cause a whole host of health issues. Inflammation is now thought to be an underlying factor in many so-called “age-related” conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s.
Anxiety and depression are also quite common in the elderly population, with many experiencing isolation, loneliness, and other challenges that can impact mental well-being. Traditional treatments such as antidepressants often come with a lengthy list of side effects, including an increased risk of falls and fractures for elderly patients.
What the research says about cannabis treatment for elderly patients
While research on the use of medical cannabis in specifically elderly patients is still limited, there is an abundance of evidence showing its potential for treating a wide range of conditions that commonly affect the elderly population.
A 2019 study, spanning more than 15 months, looked into how cannabis-based medications may help relieve the burden of both chronic pain and constant restless nights.
Of the 184 patients, more than half (58.1%) were still taking medical cannabis after six months, with 84.8% reporting some degree of improvement in their general condition.
The study found that cannabis treatment was well tolerated by most patients, and that the majority of study participants were satisfied with the treatment and believed it was beneficial to their general health. However, it was also noted that adverse events were reported by 33.6% of the patients, with dizziness (12.1%) and sleepiness/fatigue (11.2%) being the most common.
Chronic pain is one of the more well-researched conditions that cannabis-based treatment can help with, with multiple studies showing its potential to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients. Arthritis is a common cause of chronic pain in the elderly population, and CBD is showing huge potential as a treatment option.
A separate study examining CBD as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain found that: “CBD administration was associated with improvements in pain (83%), physical function (66%), and sleep quality (66%), and the overall cohort reported a 44% reduction in pain after CBD use.”
Key considerations before starting treatment
All patients looking into medical cannabis treatment should consult with a qualified specialist before starting any new medication or treatment plan. This is especially true for older patients, as the risk for adverse effects may be higher.
Common side effects and how to manage them
While medical cannabis treatment has been shown time and again to be well tolerated by most patients, there are still some potential side effects to keep in mind. These can include:
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- changes in appetite and weight
- racing heartbeat
- confusion
- changes in blood pressure
- drowsiness or fatigue
- mood changes
Patients may also feel a sense of overall euphoria, which can be a welcome relief for those struggling with chronic pain or other health issues. Generally speaking, these side effects are usually mild and not a huge cause for concern. If these side effects become uncomfortable or at all worrisome, you should reach out to your prescribing specialist. They will be able to adjust your treatment plan or dosage to better suit your needs and manage any potential side effects.
Determining the right dosage and administration methods
There are quite a few factors that need to be considered when determining the right dosage and administration methods for medical cannabis treatment. These include the specific health condition being treated, the patient’s age, weight, and overall health status, as well as any other medications they are taking, and how they respond to cannabis-based medication.
In most cases, titration is recommended.
Titration refers to starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it until the desired effect is achieved. This allows patients to find their ideal dosage without experiencing any adverse effects from taking too much at once.
It’s also important to note that different administration methods can affect how quickly and effectively the medication works, and how long the effects last.
- Inhalation of dried cannabis flower or oil through a vaporiser is a popular method, as it works quickly and tends to last for 2 to 3 hours. Smoking medical cannabis products is illegal in the UK.
- Sublingual application refers to placing a few drops of liquid cannabis extract under the tongue. This method is not as fast as inhalation, but the effects will usually be felt within 10 to 15 minutes and usually lasts 2 to 3 hours.
- Oral administration of edible products or oils offers a slower onset of effects (30 minutes to 2 hours) but may last longer (up to 6 hours). This method is also discreet and convenient, making it a popular choice for many patients.
- Topical application of creams and ointments can provide targeted relief for localised pain and inflammation. This method is non-invasive, the effects usually last 2 to 3 hours, and come with zero chance of psychoactive effects.
The importance of monitoring and ongoing care
Follow-ups with your prescribing specialist are critical to ensure the effectiveness and safety of your medical cannabis treatment.
We briefly discussed the fact that as your body starts to become more used to cannabis-based therapy, your dosage may need to be adjusted. Regular follow-ups and check-ins with your doctor can help ensure that you are consistently getting the most out of your treatment plan.
Starting medical cannabis can involve a bit of trial and error, but with the right specialist and ongoing care, it can provide life-changing relief for elderly patients struggling with various health conditions.
How senior patients can access medical cannabis in the UK
Currently, there are two paths for accessing medical cannabis in the UK:
- Private clinics: Private clinics offer a more streamlined process, allowing patients to consult with specialist doctors and receive prescriptions for medical cannabis products that are not currently available on the NHS.
- NHS route: The NHS can also prescribe medical cannabis products, but only for three specific conditions: two rare forms of epilepsy, muscle stiffness and spasticity relating to multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Most UK cannabis patients will need to go through the private clinic route to access medical cannabis. At Releaf, we strive to make this process as smooth and convenient as possible for our patients.
How we support senior patients throughout their treatment journey
We understand that starting medical cannabis treatment can be overwhelming, so we are committed to supporting our elderly patients every step of the way. Our knowledgeable and compassionate team is always here to answer questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan, dosage, administration methods, or potential side effects.
Releaf’s eligibility checker takes less than a minute to complete and will let you know if you are likely to qualify for treatment through our clinic. We also offer a fully virtual medical process, making it easier for elderly patients to access medical cannabis from the comfort of their own homes. Follow-up care is extremely important to us, and we regularly check in with our patients to ensure their treatment plan is working safely and effectively.
By taking the burden of navigating this complex field off your shoulders, we hope to make the medical cannabis experience as stress-free and successful as possible for all of our patients, elderly or not.
Find out more at Releaf.co.uk
The post Medical cannabis for elderly patients: everything you need to know appeared first on Cannabis Health News.
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