Low-Dose THC Has Positive Effect on Morbidity, Quality of Life and Mortality in Geriatric and Palliative Patients

The study was published by the peer-reviewed journal peer-reviewed journal MMW – Fortschritte der Medizin, as well as on the website for the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

“Cannabis-containing medicines have been successfully used in our practice for more than 20 years in pain and especially in geriatric and palliative patients”, notes the abstract of the study. “While it was initially a very indication-specific use (pain, loss of appetite, etc.) and also with higher THC doses, this changed over time to low THC doses and a therapy focus on suffering-perpetuating symptoms and especially on stress (Matrix of Symptoms).”
As part of the legally prescribed companion survey, researchers “evaluated our data in parallel and discussed it publicly in a series of publications. Based on these published results, the article is intended to show an overview of our experiences.”

Researchers found that “Low-dose THC has a positive effect on morbidity, side effects, quality of life and mortality in geriatric and palliative patients.”

They conclude by stating that “Early therapy is particularly appropriate in geriatric and palliative patients due to the clear benefit-risk ratio of low-dose THC.”

Below is the study’s full abstract.

Abstract

Background: Cannabis-containing medicines have been successfully used in our practice for more than 20 years in pain and especially in geriatric and palliative patients. While it was initially a very indication-specific use (pain, loss of appetite, etc.) and also with higher THC doses, this changed over time to low THC doses and a therapy focus on suffering-perpetuating symptoms and especially on stress (Matrix of Symptoms).

Method: As part of the legally prescribed companion survey, we evaluated our data in parallel and discussed it publicly in a series of publications. Based on these published results, the article is intended to show an overview of our experiences.

Results: Low-dose THC has a positive effect on morbidity, side effects, quality of life and mortality in geriatric and palliative patients.

Conclusion: Early therapy is particularly appropriate in geriatric and palliative patients due to the clear benefit-risk ratio of low-dose THC.