On today's Cannabis Boomer's Journal of News and Reviews in Cannabis Science, Dr. Alex Terrazas PhD gives his take on the latest findings in cannabis research.
But first. here is The Cannabis Boomer's top cannabis news story.
[0:0:18.69] The Cannabis Boomer, Alex Terrazas, PhD
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And now the Cannabis Boomer reviews recent cannabis science publications.
[0:1:31.24] The Cannabis Boomer, Alex Terrazas, PhD
Today's science articles are about cannabis and older adults.
First up is Cannabis Use and Misuse in Older Adults by Khoury and colleagues.This research article reviews the benefits and risks associated with cannabis use, as well as screening and management strategies for cannabis use disorder in older adults. Cannabis is the most frequently used illegal psychoactive substance by older adults, and recreational and medical cannabis use/misuse is on the rise in seniors; older adults are at increased risk of developing cannabis use disorder alongside other medical and psychiatric comorbidities. The article provides guidance on the clinical management of cannabis use and misuse in older adults, including screening and treatment strategies. The article does not report on any specific methodological limitations, as it is a review rather than a primary research study. As an aside, I disagree with the contention that older adults are at increased risk of developing cannabis use disorder, at least compared to other age categories.
Next up: Cannabis and Driving in Older Adults by Di Ciano and colleagues. This study examined the association between cannabis use and driving performance in older adults. The key findings are that Older adults who used cannabis had poorer driving performance compared to non-users, including increased lane weaving, slower reaction times, and more crashes. The study used a combination of laboratory-based driving simulations and on-road driving assessments to evaluate the driving performance of older adults who used cannabis compared to non-users. The findings suggest that cannabis use may impair driving ability in older adults, and healthcare providers should consider this when discussing cannabis use with their older patients. There are some methodolgoical shortcomings. The study had a relatively small sample size and did not assess the long-term effects of cannabis use on driving performance in older adults.
Finally. Impacts of medical and non-medical cannabis on the health of older adults: Findings from a scoping review of the literature by Wolfe and team. This review examines the impacts of medical and non-medical cannabis use on the health of older adults. Key findings include potential benefits for pain, sleep, and mental health, but also risks such as cognitive impairment, cardiovascular effects, and interactions with medications. The review involved a systematic search of the literature and synthesis of relevant studies. The findings have important clinical implications for healthcare providers working with older adult populations, highlighting the need for careful assessment and monitoring of cannabis use in this age group. Methodological shortcomings include the limited number of high-quality studies and the heterogeneity of the available evidence.
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