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Interest in medical cannabis among older adults has increased in recent years as awareness of cannabis-based medicines has grown and laws in some countries have changed to allow regulated medical use. This includes the UK.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf. You can find out if you’re eligible for a medical cannabis prescription by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website.
Please note: Cannabis-based medicines are prescription-only medicines. They may not be suitable for everyone, and eligibility is determined by independent clinical assessment. Treatment is not first-line and outcomes vary; benefits are not guaranteed, and side effects and risks exist.
Studies have reported a rise in medical cannabis use among older age groups, who are discussing this alternative treatment option with healthcare professionals. This highlights the need for more research on safety, effectiveness, and appropriate clinical guidance for older patients.
Below we’ll be exploring medical cannabis for older adults, and when it may be an appropriate option.
Why Older Adults Are Exploring Medical Cannabis
Some older adults are exploring medical cannabis because many live with long-term health conditions that can affect daily life. These may include chronic pain, sleep difficulties, or neurological disorders, which are more common as people age.
It’s also often considered by older adults when conventional treatments have not provided sufficient relief or have caused unwanted side effects.
Conditions in Older Adults Where Medical Cannabis May Be Considered
Some conditions we prescribe for include:
Whilst some conditions we prescribe for are more common in older people, and therefore may be considered when it comes to medical cannabis for senior health, they’re definitely not all conditions that are only relevant to older adults. For example, arthritis can affect people of all ages, but is more commonly diagnosed the older you get.
We may prescribe medical cannabis for a range of qualifying conditions following specialist assessment. You can complete our 30-second eligibility checker to see whether you may qualify for medical cannabis.
Some observational studies have explored how medical cannabis may affect symptoms such as pain and sleep in older adults, as seen in this study on patients over 50. However, findings vary and more research is needed to understand potential benefits and risks.
One observational study of patients over 50 reported improvements in certain patient-reported outcomes over six months.
“Over the six-month study period, significant improvements were noted in pain, sleep, and quality of life measures, with 45% experiencing a clinically meaningful improvement in pain interference and in sleep quality scores.”
But, like we said, lots more research needs to be done on CBD for seniors and THC for seniors to fully understand how medical cannabis may potentially work.
Common Side Effects in Older Adults
To use medical cannabis safely, it’s important to follow the advice of your clinician, and consume the dose they recommend you. We also always recommend you start low and go slow to reduce the risk of side effects.
Common side effects that usually go away on their own include:
- Dry mouth and dry eyes (feeling thirsty or eyes feeling irritated)
- Feeling sleepy or tired
- Dizziness (feeling lightheaded for a short time)
- Increased hunger
- Feeling happy or relaxed (euphoria)
- Coughing (if inhaled)
These side effects usually improve on their own over time, but if they don’t go away or bother you, speak to your clinician. Also keep in mind older adults may be more sensitive to medical cannabis due to other medicines or health conditions. If you are taking any other medication, it’s important to let your clinician know. And, if you experience any side effects, it’s important to share them with your clinician as soon as possible. We have more information on side effects on our FAQ page.
Dosage and Methods
Both dosage and method of consumption vary between each individual. There’s no single standard dose for patients, and this includes older adults. Dosing and method of consumption is individualised by a specialist - but as we said above, starting low and going slow is always best.
Medical cannabis is available in many different forms, and effects and experiences can vary with each type. Your clinician will run through these forms, and work with you to decide what is best for you. They’ll be able to tailor treatment to your individual needs, and if you have any preference, or questions about the below, it’s best to speak to them. Some regulated medical cannabis forms are:
- Oils
- Flower (for vaporisation)
- Capsules
- Vape cartridges
How Older Adults Can Access it in the UK
To be eligible for a medical cannabis prescription with private clinics like Alternaleaf, you’ll need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition and evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for that condition or associated symptoms.
Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by specialist doctors in the UK. The specialist doctor will conduct an assessment to determine whether you’re likely to qualify, and if you do, the clinic will monitor your progress. Prescriptions are only available to eligible patients under doctor supervision - usually through licensed medical cannabis clinics like Alternaleaf. We offer prescriptions for over 50 medical conditions.
There are a few cases and conditions where you can get a prescription through the NHS - but this is much rarer, and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Medical cannabis is only prescribed when other conventional treatments have not been effective or have caused unwanted side effects. This ensures that patients receive it only when clinically appropriate, as part of a regulated and supervised care plan.
If you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify. Treatment is carefully monitored and tailored to individual needs, and you can easily find out if you qualify by completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
We’ll decide if you’re likely to qualify for treatment or not based on the information you tell us. And if you are likely to qualify, you can book an initial assessment with one of our clinicians. You’ll then have a doctor consultation where your medical history is assessed. If you’re approved, your medication will be dispensed from your chosen pharmacy.
That’s a light overview of the process. It’ll be explained in a lot more detail during your appointments, and we’ll send you more information via email after you book your first appointment with us. We’ll give you medical oversight from specialist clinicians at every stage of your medical cannabis journey.
FAQs
Is medical cannabis safe for seniors?
Medical cannabis may be used by some older adults under medical supervision. But research suggests that when it comes to medical cannabis and the elderly, effects can vary. So, specialist medical guidance is important.
Can medical cannabis help with chronic pain in older adults?
Some studies have explored whether medical cannabis may help manage symptoms of chronic pain in certain patients, including older adults, but evidence is still developing, and results may vary between individuals.
Does age alone qualify someone for medical cannabis?
No. To be eligible for a medical cannabis prescription, you’ll need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition and evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for that condition or associated symptoms.
Summary
If you’re considering medical cannabis, the best thing to do is seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.