A new Massachusetts-based initiative called The Commonwealth Project aims to integrate medical cannabis into conventional health care For seniors,
“The fastest growing number of cannabis users is among people 65 and older, but they are using it to relieve the ailments that come with old age,” the group’s founder, Howard Kessler, told Fox News.
Medical Marijuana Legal in 37 states, four US territories, and Washington, DC
Several groups say cannabis can help older Americans deal with pain
However, it’s not legal at the federal level, which means doctors can’t recommend cannabis.
William Van-Faasen, former CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, told Fox News, “I’ve talked to a number of physicians who told me their patients ask them five times a day, ‘I’d like to try this.’ And the physicians say, ‘I think you should try it. But I can’t help it.'”
Most states require documentation for medical marijuana.
Medical marijuana is not legal at the federal level, which means doctors cannot prescribe cannabis. (iStock)
The Compassionate Use Act allows health care providers Writing recommendations for substances instead of traditional prescriptions.
“Doctors need to know the benefits cannabis has on seniors’ lives,” Keith Myers, CEO of MorseLife Health System, a seniors community based in Palm Beach, Florida, told Fox News.
“They need to understand that this should be part of the medication regimen that they make recommendations for.”
“It’s the Wild West. Consumers are left on their own.”
Even with knowledgeable doctors, Senior Citizens There are barriers one may face when trying to access cannabis treatment.
“It’s the Wild West,” former Massachusetts HHS Secretary Marylou Sudders told Fox News. “Consumers are left to their own devices.”
Dispensaries often do not have doctors or pharmacists staffed, and the quality of cannabis can vary from place to place.
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“Think about what it’s like when they want to try it,” Kessler said. “When you go to the dispensary, they’re not doctors or health people. They’re not experts … so you don’t get guidance. There’s no follow-up.”
Some groups say more regulation is needed before access to the Internet can be allowed. Medical Marijuana has been expanded.
Experts cautioned that it is important to be aware of the different formulations, dosages and delivery systems. (iStock)
“There are literally hundreds of thousands of different formulations that you can think of,” Kevin Sabet, president and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a nonprofit in New York City, told Fox News.
“You really have to be careful about the dosage and the delivery system.”
Kessler’s pilot project in Massachusetts would allow medical cannabis through a payer-provider system like Medicare Advantage.
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“They have your health records. They keep a lot of data,” he said. “They keep actuarial data… You can use the data to improve efficacy. You can make a safer product. You can train caregivers.”
Kessler’s group has already studied this. Small studiesHe said this has helped promote cannabis use among seniors.
One patient said, “You don’t feel so sluggish like you do with Xanax.”
Experts say dispensaries often don’t have doctors or pharmacists on staff, and the quality of cannabis can vary from place to place. (Reuters/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo)
In a study conducted at a senior housing facility in Florida, over 80% of participants reported positive effects.
“(Even if) something can be prescribed and it gets approved for medical use, we still have to work to persuade physicians to offer the product as an option,” Robert Kent, former White House general counsel for national drug control policy in Washington, DC, told Fox News.
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“I think it’s a very smart idea to get the help of the payers, namely the insurance companies.”
“If you really want equitable access, insurance coverage is the only way to go.”
74 percent of participants also said marijuana was more cost-effective than other drugs. prescription drugs – While 56% stopped taking other medications altogether.
“By doing this within the healthcare system you can scale it up very quickly and very quickly,” Kent said. “That can save a lot of money, which can be used to secure the program and … for other purposes.”
Thirty percent of people over the age of 65 take five or more medications daily, according to the National Institutes of Health. (iStock)
Thirty percent of people over the age of 65 take five or more medications daily, according to the National Institutes of Health.
A study conducted for Health Affairs found that in states where marijuana is legal, doctors prescribe an average of about 1,800 fewer painkiller doses to Medicare members each year.
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If marijuana were legalized nationwide, Health Affairs estimates it would save up to $500 million a year.
Even with knowledgeable doctors, seniors may still face difficulties accessing cannabis treatment. (iStock)
“For some people, cost is a barrier,” Sudders said. “And so, if you really want equal access, insurance coverage At some point, that’s the way to go.”
He said the Medicare Advantage program can reimburse for products and services that fall outside of traditional Medicare.
“You’re working within the system, not seeking to create a new system.”
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But some groups disagree — and say more research is needed.
“I think it’s pretty much oversold,” Sabet said.
“I think a lot of other studies show that when people are taking a placebo they have the same results … and they think they’re taking it. And so I think we need to look at this very closely.”
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Kessler said he hopes his team will study it more closely and find benefits that could make a difference. health care scenario,
Those involved believe the pilot project could begin within the next year.
“If the people at CMS, Medicaid and Medicare approve this proposal, I think within six months to a year we’ll start getting concrete information,” Kent predicted.
“This can then be expanded to all age groups for similar conditions.”
