# Pain, Depression, and Functional Outcomes Among Older Adults Who Use Cannabis or Opioid Analgesics for Chronic Pain Conditions

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/research/opioid-for-depression-observational-study/
> **Published:** 2026-10-30T12:54:21-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-10-30T12:54:22-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** This study looked at older adults with chronic pain who use cannabis or opioids.

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Objectives: To estimate the proportions of older adults with chronic, non-cancer pain (CNCP) who use cannabis or prescription opioids, and their pain, function, and measures of depression over time. Methods: Longitudinal, observational secondary analysis of older adults enrolled in the Oregon Center for Aging and Technology study with pain for >=12 weeks. Predictors were cannabis and opioid use at weekly intervals. Outcomes were weekly pain intensity, pain interference, feeling blue, physical limitations, and annual Geriatric Depression Scale scores. Results: About 353 participants met criteria with 5% using cannabis and 11% opioids. After controlling for confounders, cannabis use was associated with more pain interference and depression symptoms over time. Opioid use was associated with more pain intensity and interference. Conclusions: Cannabis was associated with more pain interference and symptoms of depression. Findings were limited by a small sample. Longitudinal data with reliable measures are needed.

 

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### Verification & Medical Governance

- **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD
- **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House).
- **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`).
- **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/).
- **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637).
- **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).