A study published today by the journal Psychiatry finds that medical marijuana use can provide immediate relief from symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and depression among older adults, with additional benefits for sleep quality.
Researchers from the University of Central Florida conducted a nationwide study involving 106 medical marijuana users between the ages of 55 and 74. Participants were primarily white (82.86%) and female (66.67%). Using a multilevel structural equation model, the team tracked participants’ cannabis use—measured by subjective intoxication—and its effects on symptoms throughout the day and into the following day.
“Subjective intoxication predicted lower post-use pain, anxiety, and depression”, states the study’s researchers. “Subjective intoxication is also related to lower anxiety and better sleep the following night.”
Those who reported better sleep also reported lower levels of pain, anxiety, and depression the next morning, before using marijuana again.
The study concludes by stating that “These findings provide evidence of momentary improvements in pain, anxiety, depression, and indirect benefits for sleep quality. In combination with other findings, the results advance our understanding of the efficacy and limitations of MC among older adults.”
Researchers note that “Findings are limited by MC measurement and sample homogeneity (primarily White, non-Hispanic female). Future research should seek to further measurement of use and corresponding effects and examine expectancy effects in aging clinical populations.”
