Cannabis Use – Health Care Professionals

Clinical Guidelines

Discover the guidelines on cannabis use in older adults.

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For Older Adults & Care Partners

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In primary care, questions are frequently raised about cannabis use for older adults as a treatment option for various conditions. Discover the variety of resources below to learn more about cannabis use in older adults.

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cover of cannabis clinical guidelines

Read the Guidelines

The goal of our clinical guidelines is to provide guidance to clinicians on preventing the development of cannabis use disorder and optimally assessing and treating older adults who have developed such a disorder.

Older adults, have a higher lifetime prevalence of use and past year use of cannabis than any generation that precedes them (Simoni-Wastila & Yang, 2006). This increased lifetime exposure, coupled with the recent legalization of non-medical cannabis use in Canada and subsequent increase in public interest, has driven the need for health care professionals to be aware of the most recent research on the use of cannabis for medical and non-medical purposes.

Cannabis and Older Adults - Clinician Toolkit

This  comprehensive resource is designed to empower healthcare professionals in addressing cannabis use with confidence and expertise. With this Toolkit, healthcare professionals can enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence in addressing cannabis use effectively, ultimately improving patient outcomes and promoting healthier communities.

Assessing Appropriateness of Medical Cannabis for Older Adults

Infographic 1 Assessing Appropriateness Aug22-1

Optimizing Communication with Older Adults about Cannabis Use

Infographic 2 Optimizing Communication Aug22-1

Monitoring for Potential Adverse Effects of Cannabis and Older Adults

Infographic 3 Monitoring for Adverse Effects Aug 22-1

Clinician Strategies for Safer Cannabis use Among Older Adults

Infographic 4 Safer Cannabis Use Sept17-1

Evidence for Cannabis Treatment

Infographic 5 UPDATED EvidenceOct11 (1)-1

Accessing Cannabis for Medical Treatment

Infographic 7 AccessAug22-1

Modes of Cannabis Use

Infographic 8 Modes Sept28 (1)-1

Provincial and Territorial Regulations, Guidelines and Standards

Provincial Territorial Regulations-1

Discover online resources for Cannabis Use Disorder

This list is designed to help primary health care & clinical care providers assess and discuss with persons aged 65 or older, the potential risks and benefits of taking cannabis. It also contains information on how to support primary care providers in safely discontinuing, starting or managing cannabis use.

Watch the webinars on cannabis use in older adults

Présenté par le Dr Johnathan Bertram, MD, CCFP (AM).

Presented by Dr.David Conn, Geriatric Psychiatrist, Vice-President of Education - Baycrest, CCSMH Co-Chair