Israel’s largest supplier of medical cannabis, Tikun Olam, teamed up with three universities to perform a study on the effects of cannabis on elderly patients. The results showed a major reduction in pain when cannabis was used as a treatment. Based on reports from the participants, 93.7 percent of the elderly patients who consumed cannabis experienced 50 percent pain relief.

Results of the study were published in the European Journal of Internal Medicine in February 2018.

The medical efficacy of cannabis for elderly patients has been confirmed

A total of 2,736 geriatric medical cannabis patients were studied during January 2015 and October 2017. The medical cannabis strains prescribed to patients were created by Tikun Olam.

Mostly, the condition each patient was being treated for was either chronic pain or cancer-related ailments. The overall pain experienced by patients in the study was slashed in half following a six-month treatment.

Israel is taking huge steps in medical cannabis research. This latest discovery could have a ripple effect on elderly patients in other countries that may be considering cannabis as a treatment.

The side effects of cannabis for elderly patients

Cannabis is a natural alternative to opioids, which can cause side effects, such as dizziness and nausea. Opioids can also be addictive, whereas cannabis will not cause addiction. Nevertheless, certain side effects may arise when someone uses cannabis.

Tikun Olam’s study revealed that the participants experienced dry mouth and slight dizziness.

Minor side effects like this are not really a big deal, considering the participants felt less dependent on opioids when they were consuming medicinal cannabis.

The opioid epidemic could be fought if cannabis is introduced as a medicine for the elderly, with seniors making up a mighty portion of the opioid-dependent population.

Further research will determine the major benefits of medical cannabis

Cannabis’ effect on elderly patients has proved beneficial. However, ongoing research will truly determine how the plant can enhance health. The healing plant boasts an abundance of medical uses, from treating depression to relieving the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

This study has demonstrated the positives associated with medical cannabis for elderly patients with cancer and chronic pain.

Overall, pain and opioid dependency reduced among the study subjects. More studies will take place to confirm cannabis’ effect on elderly patients.