In Canada, access to medical marijuana has been legal since around 2001, and access to recreational marijuana will become legal in July 2018. This is good news for seniors. I’ll tell you why, but first we need a little detour into the past.
Marijuana (also called cannabis) packs a double punch: it has medicinal properties, and it produces a high. For centuries, cultures around the world have woven it into their healing practices, customs and religious rites. But in the West, especially in the United States, the legal history of marijuana has taken a sinister turn. It has been repeatedly vilified by powerful individuals and groups in the service of political, racist and business agendas. The history of marijuana in America is sordid but fascinating. If you want to get your toes wet you can start here or here. The upshot is that the research evidence is sparse and uneven, and patients are missing out.
Here is the best evidence available to date. This is a nerdy list, but I want to be unbiased and thorough. First, here are the conditions that marijuana can treat.
Conclusive or substantial evidence:
Moderate evidence:
Limited evidence:
Here are the possible adverse effects.
Substantial evidence:
Moderate evidence:
Limited or no evidence:
Obviously there are plenty of research gaps, but with increasing public acceptance and more and more jurisdictions legalizing marijuana, hopefully the research will soon follow. Meanwhile, what stands out for me is the evidence for chronic pain, an issue of pressing concern for many seniors. It’s an obvious and very welcome alternative to opioids. So if you have chronic pain or any of the other conditions listed above as having evidence support, and you’re not satisfied with your current treatment, consider discussing marijuana with your doctor. Remember that medical marijuana comes without the kick. Just take the lowest possible dose, use in moderation, and eat it instead of smoking it.
Some doctors are uncomfortable prescribing marijuana, given the spotty knowledge base, lack of evidence for dosing levels, lack of standardized medication, and tentative, limited guidance from the College of Family Physicians of Canada. All in good time. If your doctor won’t prescribe it, then just wait until next July, have a candy and see what happens. Peace, man.