More Americans are using marijuana daily than those who drink alcohol each day, according to the Society for the Study of Addiction. The number of senior citizens over the age of 65 who are using marijuana has significantly increased. Many of them are turning to cannabis to manage various ailments instead of relying on prescription drugs. However, accessing medical cannabis has been a challenge for them.
Dr. Zachary Palace, a board-certified geriatrician, highlights the psychopharmacological benefits of cannabis, emphasizing its safe use in the geriatric population. Other doctors, like OB-GYN Dr. Melanie Bone, have also seen success in treating senior citizens with marijuana, with patients reporting improved sleep, reduced drowsiness compared to prescription drugs, and decreased reliance on opioids.
Since the Nixon administration, cannabis has been classified as a schedule 1 substance, along with heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. This classification indicates that the substance is considered highly addictive and dangerous with no recognized medical use. However, efforts to reschedule marijuana have gained momentum, with the Health and Human Services Department recommending a change due to its potential medical benefits.
The proposed rescheduling could pave the way for more research into cannabis as an alternative to opioids for pain management. With over 100,000 annual opioid-related deaths in the United States, exploring safer alternatives like cannabis is crucial. Senior citizens, in particular, are benefiting from cannabis use to alleviate chronic pain, nausea from cancer treatment, and other health issues.
The Commonwealth Project advocates for a large-scale demonstration model in Massachusetts to provide cannabis therapies to individuals over 65, supported by major payer providers and government oversight. While some experts believe rescheduling cannabis could lead to more research and awareness of its benefits, others express skepticism about the immediate impact on funding for research and pharmaceutical interest in cannabis products.
As discussions around rescheduling cannabis continue, the importance of conducting thorough research and ensuring safe access to medical marijuana remains paramount. Patients, caregivers, and policymakers must consider the potential benefits and risks associated with cannabis use, especially among vulnerable populations like aging Americans. By fostering a better understanding of cannabis and its applications, we can make informed decisions about its role in modern healthcare.