Study: Seniors with Chronic Conditions See Improved Quality of Life with Medical Cannabis

Researchers affiliated with Concordia University, Center for Gerontology in Illinois conducted a qualitative inquiry of state-registered medical cannabis patients 64 and older who reported that cannabis therapy improves their quality of life and reduces their use of pharmaceutical medications.

However, many of the subjects were frustrated with the lack of guidance on medical cannabis provided by their primary care physician. Whether due to lack of formal training on the subject or the fear of the Schedule 1 status of the plant, doctors and other healthcare providers are often hesitant to speak to their patients about cannabis therapy. 

According to the data published in the journal Clinical Gerontologist the majority of the study’s participants “reported satisfaction with being able to use medical cannabis to manage symptoms, get relief from pain, and have an improved quality of life all while lessening their dependence on pharmaceutical drugs.”

From the report: 

“Most of our participants were retired, unemployed, or receiving disability benefits due to a chronic condition, yet they did note improvements in their ability to manage symptoms and productivity. Pain control was consistently described as one of the most important outcomes of medical cannabis use, and this must be considered in relation to public policy, medical symptom management, and long-term care regulations.”

According to the clinical implications of the research findings:

• • • Older adults need better information and assistance from clinicians about the use of medical cannabis (including products, packaging, use of dispensary).
    • Physicians must be prepared to understand how medical cannabis use impacts current treatment protocols and document use accordingly in the medical record.
    • Physicians should counsel on variability of quality and concentration of medical cannabis and related dosing and potential drug interactions (e.g., delayed time to effect after ingestion of oral cannabis).

Farmacann is providing solutions for clinicians to recommend cannabis in California

Since 2011, Farmacann has been working with doctors and other healthcare providers trained and experienced with cannabis medicine in California’s North Bay area, developing products with the most effective ratios and dosages to give seniors the relief they are looking for, including, according to this study: “to manage symptoms, get relief from pain, and have an improved quality of life all while lessening their dependence on pharmaceutical drugs.” 

Farmacann clients, caregivers and their nursing staff consistently report on the efficacy of our products in managing chronic conditions, achieving pain relief and creating a general sense of well being; all with a significant reduction in polypharmacy, which is now a requirement in all facilities in California.

Farmacann is dedicated to the education of patients, health care providers and care facilities on the benefits as well as the precautions associated with cannabis therapy and will be launching the first of a series of free webinars on cannabis medicine.

Our first instalment premieres the week of January 11, 2021 – Cannabis Therapeutics in Residential Care Facilities & Introduction to Farmacann Concierge Service. 

Sign-Up here and learn how you or a loved senior in your life can benefit from cannabis medicine at home or in a care facility RIGHT NOW in California’s North Bay area, and soon in all of California.

Farmacann, Education & Outreach