Research Library
Geriatric use
Tolerability, falls risk, polypharmacy, and dosing considerations for older adults.
Overview
Adults over 65 are the fastest-growing group of cannabinoid users, and the group most likely to be taking several other medications.
Research emphasis here is on safety and tolerability rather than efficacy alone.
What the evidence supports
- Older adults generally need lower starting doses and slower titration.
- Sedation and blood pressure changes raise fall risk, particularly with THC-containing products.
- Observational studies report reductions in opioid and benzodiazepine use, but without randomization.
Where the evidence is thin
- Older adults are frequently excluded from trials.
- Little data on interaction burden in patients taking 5+ medications.
Selected studies
Observational · 2018
Epidemiological characteristics, safety and efficacy of medical cannabis in the elderly
Abuhasira R, et al. · European Journal of Internal Medicine
Most patients over 65 reported improvement; dizziness and dry mouth were common.
Find this study on PubMed (opens in a new tab)Systematic review · 2019
Cannabis use in older adults: a scoping review
Minerbi A, et al. · Drugs & Aging
Calls for conservative dosing and close monitoring in geriatric patients.
Find this study on PubMed (opens in a new tab)