Older Adults With COPD More Likely to Use Synthetic Cannabinoids

A study published in Drugs & Aging determined older adults in Ontario with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were twice as likely as normal older adults to use prescription synthetic oral cannabinoids, reports ScienceDaily . "Our study showed that older adults and clinicians are turning to cannabinoids more frequently to manage the symptoms associated with COPD, but little is known about the potential dangers associated with this medication class," said St. Michael's Hospital's Nicholas Vozoris. The team learned that synthetic oral cannabinoids were used more regularly in subgroups of seniors with COPD at elevated risk for adverse events, such as those with psychiatric disease and those receiving other sedating psychoactives. In addition, seniors with COPD more often used synthetic oral cannabinoids in potentially worrisome ways, such as more frequently at higher doses and for longer periods. "Without careful monitoring of the way they're being prescribed and used now, we could end up with larger problems in the future," Vozoris warned.