Medical Marijuana in Aging Services

Medical marijuana may help older adults with certain conditions, but aging services providers must consider several issues related to use of the drug, according to authors writing in a May 28, 2014, Long-Term Living article. The article discusses Massachusetts' recent passage of a medical marijuana act, but many other states already have or are considering medical marijuana laws. Under the Massachusetts law, a physician can recommend medical marijuana for individuals with certain conditions after completing continuing medical education on medical marijuana use. A personal caregiver—which may include employees of skilled nursing, personal care, or home health organizations—registers with the state Department of Public Health and may take the individual to the dispensary, obtain and transport marijuana, and administer it.