Real-Time and Long-Term Effects of Medical Marijuana on Older Adults: Study Protocol
| Journal | JMIR research protocols |
| Study Type | Cohort |
| Population | Human participants |
This item covers developments relevant to cannabis medicine and clinical practice. Clinicians monitoring evidence in this area should review the source material.
Older adults represent the fastest-growing group of medical marijuana (MM) users in the United States, with chronic pain being the most common reason for use. Despite this trend, scientific evidence remains limited regarding the short- and long-term effects of MM on critical health outcomes, including cognitive function, physical and mental health, and overall quality of life, in this population. To better inform clinical practice and public policy, there is a clear need for more rigorous longitudinal studies that examine the impact of real-world MM products over time. The Study on Medical Marijuana and Its Long-Term Effects on Older Adults (SMILE) is a prospective cohort study that aims to (1) determine MM’s short- and long-term effects on pain, physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning, as well as quality of life, in older adults and (2) identify MM product characteristics and patient subgroups associated with improved outcomes and side effects. This study will recruit and follo
“This is a development worth tracking. The clinical implications will become clearer as more evidence accumulates.”
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FAQ
Why study medical marijuana use specifically in older adults?
Older adults are the fastest-growing group of medical marijuana users in the United States, and chronic pain is the most common reason they use it. Despite this, scientific evidence remains limited on the short- and long-term effects on cognitive function, physical and mental health, and overall quality of life in this population.
What is the SMILE study and what outcomes will it measure?
SMILE, the Study on Medical Marijuana and Its Long-Term Effects on Older Adults, is a prospective cohort study. It aims to determine the short- and long-term effects of medical marijuana on pain, physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning, and quality of life in older adults. The protocol was published in JMIR Research Protocols.
Will the SMILE study look at which products and patients do best?
Yes. A second aim of SMILE is to identify medical marijuana product characteristics and patient subgroups associated with improved outcomes and with side effects. This responds to what the article calls a clear need for more rigorous longitudinal studies of real-world products over time to better inform clinical practice and public policy.
