The Leaf THE LEAF November-December 2019 | Page 11

upwards of 80% — opt to stay on it because it
helps their sleep," he said.
It is important to note that medical cannabis is
administered in very small doses — typically
starting at a range of about 1 mg to 2 mg —
and is very different from the cannabis that is
used recreationally.
"The doses that are being marketed on the
recreational side have no place on the medical
side.
It is way too much and can actually worsen
the patient's pain, worsen sleep, and can cause
agitation and paranoia," he said.
There is a misperception that treating elderly
patients with medical cannabis may be unsafe
and increase the risk for falls due to dizziness
or cognitive impairment.
However, Wallace said, the clinical
experience at his centre suggests this is not the
case.
"We are finding that the geriatric population
can successfully use medical cannabis
without any adverse
effects. I am having a lot of success with
geriatric patients.
It is amazing that even patients in their 90s are
using it successfully.
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/9126
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