Study: CBD Use Among Adults 65 and Older Associated With Less Pain and Depression, Better Quality of Life and Fewer Hospital Admissions

A new study of adults 65 and older found that cannabidiol (CBD) users reported significantly less pain and depression, better quality of life and fewer recent hospital admissions than nonusers.

The study, scheduled to be presented later this month at the National Cannabis Research Conference in San Diego, examined data from the Realm of Caring Observational Research Registry, a prospective registry of people using or considering cannabinoids for health-related purposes.

The analysis included 157 adults aged 65 and older at baseline, including 110 CBD users and 47 nonusers. Participants had a mean age of 70, and 62% were women.

Researchers assessed physical, psychological and social quality of life, anxiety and depression, sleep, pain and self-reported healthcare utilization. Comparisons between CBD users and nonusers were adjusted for participants’ primary medical conditions.

CBD users reported significantly better physical, psychological and social quality of life than nonusers.

They also reported significantly lower levels of depression and lower current, average and worst pain ratings.

The difference in depression was particularly notable, with an effect size of -0.74, while the effect size for physical quality of life was 0.64. Researchers also found that CBD users reported significantly fewer recent hospital admissions than nonusers.

The researchers additionally tracked changes among CBD users over time.

Those participants experienced statistically significant reductions in anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance, along with improvements in social and environmental quality of life.

The findings come as CBD use among older adults has increased, while researchers say empirical evidence examining health outcomes in that population remains limited.

The study was presented in the conference program under the title “Cross-Sectional And Longitudinal Associations Between Cannabidiol Use and Health Outcomes in Adults Aged 65 And Older: Findings from The Realm of Caring Observational Research Registry.” Matthew X. Lowe is listed as the presenter.

Researchers cautioned that the observational design means the study cannot establish that CBD caused the differences or improvements observed.

Still, they concluded that CBD use was associated with multiple improved health outcomes and said the results support further research into its potential benefits among older adults.

The research is scheduled to be presented during the National Cannabis Research Conference, being held October 19 through October 21.