A new study found cannabis therapy is safe and efficacious for elderly patients who are seeking to address cancer symptoms, Parkinson's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, and other medical issues. After six months, more than 18 percent of patients surveyed had stopped using opioid analgesics or had reduced their dosage. Full article.
Research: Medical cannabis in the elderly, European Journal of Internal Medicine (Feb 2018)
Epidemiological characteristics, safety and efficacy of medical cannabis in the elderly
"Our study finds that the therapeutic use of cannabis is safe and efficacious in the elderly population. Cannabis use may decrease the use of other prescription medicines, including opioids. Gathering more evidence-based data, including data from double-blind randomized-controlled trials, in this special population is imperative." Read abstract.
NBA players ready to lift ban on medical marijuana use: San Francisco Chronicle
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that National Basketball Players Association (NPBA) Executive Director Michele Roberts has voiced her support for lifting the league’s ban on marijuana in the near future.
“My own view is that there are substantial signs that support its efficacy and the value that it has for us, especially pain management,” Roberts told SB Nation.” We’re in talks with the league to see where we can go with it.” Full article.
Sarnia doctor partners with Trillium Villa to assess benefits of medical marijuana in nursing homes: Lambton Shield
Dr. Blake Pearson partners with Trillium Villa on a new, trailblazing collaboration to determine whether medicinal marijuana can improve quality of life for residents of Sarnia's long-term care community who are living with conditions such as chronic pain, movement disorders and anxiety. Read here.
Medical marijuana therapy program to help seniors: Blackburn News Canada
Dr. Blake Pearson says, “In my clinic daily, I see the benefits of THC and CBD, and in a continuing care facility we see patients suffering from chronic pain, sleep disorders, and dementia-related anxiety. I think it’s a natural fit to try it out and hopefully reduce some of the polypharmacy going on in those types of settings." Full article.
Condo boards urged to revisit bylaws in anticipation of marijuana legalization in Canada: Global News
Global News Canada reports that with marijuana legalization expected later this year, condo boards are being urged to revisit their bylaws in anticipation.
The president of the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI) North Alberta Chapter said legalization could make some bylaws outdated. Full Article.
Research: Simplified guidelines for prescribing medical cannabinoids in primary care, Canadian Family Physician
The new 2018 guideline, published in the official journal of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, suggests that clinicians could consider medical cannabinoids only for refractory neuropathic pain and refractory pain in palliative care, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and spasticity in multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury after reasonable trials of standard therapies have failed.
SunLife Financial to add medical marijuana to group health insurance plans: Financial Post
Sun Life Financial Inc. is adding medical marijuana as an option for its group benefits plans, marking an industry shift and the latest sign of growing public acceptance of cannabis.
The Toronto-based insurer’s chief executive Dean Connor said the move was influenced by rising interest from Sun Life’s employer clients, “Medical marijuana has become a very important part of their treatment program and pain management program,” said Connor, referencing patients who have cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or those requiring palliative care. Full article here.
Sarnia doctor using medical marijuana to treat nursing home residents: Sarnia Journal
Dr. Blake Pearson is using oil produced from cannabis to treat nursing home patients with a wide range of disorders, including arthritis, degenerative discs, sleep disorders and the treatment of chronic pain.
“I’ve been able to lower patient opiate doses in some cases,” the Corunna native said.
“We’ve been able to take people off three or four different medications and replace them with… some form of cannabis drops.” Full article.
Medical cannabis found to reduce chronic pain in older patients 65+: Multiple Sclerosis News Today
Medical cannabis was found to safely and significantly reduce chronic pain in older patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and a wide range of other conditions, researchers in Israel report. Full article with link to research here.