Lenny Chiang-Hanisko
Florida Atlantic University
Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders with associated chronic pain are a common problem in later life. Symptom management in older adults, including chronic pain management can be challenging. Medications, especially opioids, can increase the risk of confusion, constipation, falls and injury. Medical marijuana (MM) is often recommended in the treatment of these conditions. MM use among older adults is rapidly growing more than other age groups. There is a demand for health care providers to understand MM’s clinical indications, potential benefits and side effects in older adults. This is an area of study that needs more research since MM has recently become readily available with legislation and the rise of the MM culture within the healthcare arena.