THE INCREASING RECOGNITION OF CANNABIS AS MEDICINE

Today, Canadians seek cannabis for a wide range of health concerns. Health Canada statistics reveal a major increase in patients with an authorization for medical cannabis. As of June 2019, more than 350,000 Canadians have registered with medical cannabis LPs. By 2024, it is estimated that more than 450,000 Canadians will be registered.

The 65+ age group is one of the fastest growing populations of medical cannabis use in North America. The Statistics Canada National Cannabis Survey results from June 2019 revealed that 5% of seniors reported using cannabis. According to a US study published in Drug

and Alcohol Dependence, 9% of those aged 50-64 and almost 3% of those 65+ reported using cannabis in 2015-16. That’s a doubling for those 50-64 and a more than seven times increase for those 65+ from the previous decade. Older adults may be more likely to experience chronic diseases and multiple symptoms and could be prescribed numerous drugs at the same time. Emerging evidence has shown medical cannabis can address multiple symptoms that those aged 65+ commonly experience.