Marijuana is nothing new for many older adults who consider it part of their generation’s rock-and-roll history. But for many people, pot is no longer a party drug: plenty of folks are now turning to medical marijuana to ease their aches and pains.
In states where medical marijuana (also known as medical cannabis) is legal, doctors are writing fewer prescriptions for pain medications. Research published in Health Affairs found that in states where medical marijuana is legal, prescriptions plummeted for drugs that treat pain, anxiety and other health conditions common among older adults. Between 2010 and 2013, for pain prescriptions alone, the annual number of prescriptions written dropped by 11%.
Even though medical marijuana is legal in 25 states, it’s still considered a Class One Controlled Substance (akin to heroin and LSD), and the US Drug Enforcement Administration says that marijuana has no proven medical benefits and high potential for abuse. That may be because very few studies have been conducted to substantiate the medical benefits.
The studies that have been published indicate that many patients, who might otherwise need opioid prescriptions like Vicodin or Oxycontin, are getting relief by using pot. It’s believed to be particularly effective for patients with chronic and neuropathic pain (caused by damaged nerves).
“Greg” (not his real name), a 62-year-old resident of Eugene, OR, says that smoking medical marijuana relieves the chronic pain in his legs and feet that’s caused by diabetes. “Linda,” a 73-year-old retired banker in Denver, says a few drops of cannabis oil under her tongue is all she needs to ease arthritis in her knees and hands. She sleeps better, feels more relaxed and doesn’t spend her day in pain. Both Greg and Linda say that without medical marijuana, they’d still be taking the strong opioids their doctors prescribed.
Medical Marijuana for Pain Relief
Specific chemical ingredients in medical marijuana change the way the brain and nerves process pain signals, allow patients to relax, and change the way people experience pain. Some people say using marijuana actually reduces their pain levels, while others say it just makes them care about the pain less. Either way, they feel relief.
Researchers think that two types of cannabinoids (the active ingredients in marijuana) — Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) — offer the most benefits for pain relief. The effects from using medical cannabis depend on the quantity and types of cannabinoids you consume.
Medical marijuana has become very sophisticated. Patients can now opt for strains of medical cannabis that have high CBD levels and low THC levels, which may enable them to relieve pain without feeling high, drowsy, confused or otherwise mind-altered. Patients also have plenty of options for their pot prescription. They can smoke it, inhale it as vapor, consume it in edible products (like candies, cookies or oils) or rub pot-infused creams and balms on their aches and pains.
Not All Doctors Agree on the Efficacy of Medical Marijuana
While many physicians are beginning to accept medical marijuana an effective part of their treatment plans, not every doctor thinks pot is a great idea, especially when it comes to older patients.
Elizabeth Eckstrom, MD, is the Director of Geriatrics at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon (where marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational use). “When my patients express an interest in giving medical marijuana a try, I tell them that there’s some research evidence that supports its use for some symptoms, like nausea from chemotherapy and weight loss from HIV,” explained Eckstrom. “However, medical marijuana has not been closely studied in older people and we have no information on its safety. I encourage older patients not to smoke or ingest marijuana because of the risks for cognitive impairment, falls and other unknown side effects.”
If you’re interested in experimenting with medical marijuana (and you live in a state where that’s legal), consider talking with your doctor about it before you raid your neighbor’s stash. You may be surprised that your doctor is more open to the idea than you anticipated or has some ideas about how you should start.
