Cannabis for Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain: A Case of an Older Person

OBJECTIVE: To review the safety and efficacy of cannabis use for chronic pain in older people.<br/>

SETTING: The case took place in a geriatric primarycare clinic in Colorado.<br/>

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: The clinic serves adults 75 years of age and older where clinical pharmacists are used for medication consults and follow-up.<br/>

PRACTICE INNOVATION: Older people are using cannabis to treat a variety of conditions, with use increasing as more states legalize cannabis medically and recreationally. The primary reason for use is pain. Pharmacists in Colorado can assist with education regarding cannabis use and evaluate if cannabis may be safe for older people.<br/>

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: This case evaluates the use of a combination CBD:THC cannabis product in a 78-year-old female patient who was previously using opioids for degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis.<br/>

RESULTS: The patient found improvement in her pain when using the combination cannabis product without any adverse effects.<br/>

CONCLUSION: Further safety and efficacy evidence is needed for using combination cannabis products for pain management in older people.