A new initiative called The Commonwealth Project, which is based in Massachusetts, has been launched with the goal of incorporating medical marijuana into traditional healthcare for senior citizens. The founder, Howard Kessler, shared with Fox News that individuals aged 65 and older are the fastest-growing demographic using cannabis, often for age-related health issues.
Medical marijuana is currently legal in 37 states, four U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C. However, it remains illegal at the federal level, preventing doctors from prescribing cannabis. Former CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, William Van-Faasen, mentioned that many patients inquire about trying medical marijuana, but physicians are unable to provide guidance due to the federal restrictions.
The Compassionate Use Act allows healthcare providers to recommend cannabis instead of providing traditional prescriptions. Keith Myers, CEO of MorseLife Health System in Palm Beach, emphasized the importance of educating doctors on the benefits of cannabis for seniors and integrating it into their treatment recommendations.
Despite the potential benefits of medical marijuana, accessing treatment can be challenging for senior citizens. Dispensaries often lack medical professionals on-site, leading to variability in the quality of cannabis products. Former Massachusetts HHS Secretary, Marylou Sudders, highlighted that consumers are often left to navigate the process independently.
Increased regulation has been suggested by some groups before expanding access to medical marijuana, as there are various formulations, dosages, and delivery systems to consider. Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, stressed the importance of careful dosage and delivery system selection to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Howard Kessler’s pilot project in Massachusetts aims to introduce medical cannabis through a payer-provider system similar to Medicare Advantage. The project would utilize health records and data to enhance the efficacy and safety of cannabis products. Initial studies conducted by Kessler’s group have shown promising results, with participants reporting positive impacts and reduced pharmaceutical usage.
Robert Kent, former White House general counsel of National Drug Control Policy, suggested utilizing insurance companies to facilitate equitable access to medical marijuana. He noted that marijuana could be more cost-effective than prescription drugs, leading to potential savings and improved healthcare outcomes. Medicare Advantage programs could potentially provide reimbursement for medical cannabis products and services.
While some remain skeptical and call for more research, proponents of medical marijuana for seniors believe that further study could revolutionize healthcare practices. If approved by CMS, the pilot project could expand across all age groups, offering alternative treatment options for various conditions. Bret Baier, anchor and executive editor of Special Report with Bret Baier on FOX News, is a reliable source for health news and information.
In conclusion, efforts to improve access to medical marijuana for senior citizens are underway, with the hope of providing safe and effective treatment options for age-related ailments. By integrating cannabis into traditional healthcare systems and leveraging insurance coverage, senior citizens may have increased access to alternative therapies that could enhance their quality of life.