Exploring the effects of cannabis use in older adults
Cannabis Use Among Older Adults: Potential Risks and Benefits to an Aging Population
This study looks at how older adults use different types of cannabis for health issues like pain and sleep problems to see what works best for them.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 350 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Boulder Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boulder, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT05188404 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to gather data on the beneficial and harmful effects of different types of edible cannabis (THC-only, CBD-only, and THC+CBD) among older adults. It focuses on understanding how older adults decide which cannabis products to use, particularly for medicinal purposes such as pain relief, sleep issues, and mental health concerns. Participants will be recruited based on their interest in cannabis use and will be assessed alongside a control group of non-users. The study will utilize a patient-centered approach to provide insights into cannabis consumption among this demographic.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 60 and above who are either interested in using cannabis for specific health complaints or are non-users with similar health concerns.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have any interest in cannabis use and do not experience pain, sleep problems, depression, or anxiety may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable information to help older adults make informed decisions about cannabis use for medicinal purposes.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data specifically on older adults and cannabis use, other studies have shown promising results regarding the benefits of cannabis for various medical conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * At least 60 years of age * Able to provide informed consent * Cannabis Users: Must not currently use cannabis more than 7 times per month and not for pain, sleep, depression or anxiety in the past 6 months * Cannabis Non-users: Should NOT have used cannabis in the past year and have not used regularly (e.g., more than weekly) for more than one year in the past 20 years * Cannabis Users: Must be interested in using cannabis for at least one of the following complains: pain, sleep problems, depression, anxiety * Non-users: Must NOT be interested in using cannabis but have at least one of the following complaints: pain, sleep problems, depression, anxiety * Cannabis users: must be comfortable using edible cannabis and having a mobile laboratory (Dodge van) parked at their home * Female participants must be postmenopausal * Comfortable reading and writing in English * Planning to stay in the Boulder/Denver area for the next month * Must be comfortable with blood draws Exclusion Criteria: * Blood alcohol level \> 0 at screening (to sign consent form) * Report of other drug use (cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine) in the past 90 days or fail urine screen for any of these drugs * Past or current diagnosis of psychosis * Current use of antipsychotic medications * Heavy drinking; Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) test score \>8 * Inability/discomfort/unwillingness with getting in and out of the mobile laboratory van * History of vertigo or falls within the past six months
Where this trial is running
Boulder, Colorado
- University of Colorado Boulder — Boulder, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.