#CareToChat wrap-up: Cannabis a burning issue in seniors care

As barriers fall and stigma fades, seniors’ interest in cannabis is hitting a new high. This was a key takeaway from BC Care Providers Association’s Care to Chat in Vancouver on Tuesday.

Care to chat about cannabis and seniors on Oct 2? Join Dr @TerryLake16 and a host of panelists for Care to Chat's event,“Cannabis in Care: ‘Weed’ Like to Know”, hosted by @BCCareProviders !#ACMPR $HEXO pic.twitter.com/Kzeos1aLmg

— HEXO Corp (@Hexocorp) October 2, 2018

At Cannabis in Care: ‘Weed’ Like to Know, attendees witnessed a dynamic panel discussion on the impact of cannabis legalization on seniors and workers in the continuing care sector.

Positions on cannabis use in continuing care are still hazy as care providers grapple with safety and legal concerns. Moderated by former Health Minister of B.C. Terry Lake, the panel explored issues expected to crop up in the sector post legalization on October 17th.

Exciting & provocative kick off to @BCCareProviders #CareToChat by @TerryLake16 as we enter into a discussion on Cannabis in Care – “Weed” like to know… #residentialcare #ltc #MedicalCannabis pic.twitter.com/s3DcjMZl7E

— Marc Faktor (@theMFaktor) October 2, 2018

While smoking and vaping are the most common ways to consume cannabis recreationally, edibles and topicals are becoming increasingly popular among older adults.

Terry Roycroft, President of the Medicinal Cannabis Resource Centre, said recreational legalization will make more seniors open to medical marijuana. CBD, a cannabis compound that has no psychoactive effects, offers a way for users to reap the health benefits of pot without getting high.

Advertisements

David Greb, Director of Continuing Care at Canopy Growth, cautioned that while cannabis may be a safer alternative to alcohol and drugs like opioids and benzodiazepines, it’s not for everyone. Health status, dosage and https://bccare.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/medcare-img22.jpgistration need to be considered when seniors take cannabis for medical reasons or recreation.

The panel also discussed the role of families in assessing whether cannabis is appropriate for some residents. Seniors and their families should be made aware of its effect on cognition and mobility, which can be done through “Cannabis 101” programs organized by care home operators.

Care providers are also wary of self-https://bccare.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/medcare-img22.jpgistration and residents sharing cannabis. According to Al Jina, President/CEO of Park Place Seniors Living, health care workers will have to closely monitor dosage and storage to avoid accidents resulting in serious injury.

@BCCareProviders Gaining clarity around Cannabis in residential care is ethically justifiable pic.twitter.com/7S44jSeiSK

— Andrea Taylor (@Momataylorcrew6) October 2, 2018

Workplace safety was also identified as a serious concern facing care providers. Stephen Symon, Strategic Engagement Consultant at Worksafe BC, said cannabis impairment in the workplace is not a new issue and the organization has not identified a need to amend occupational health and safety requirements in B.C. ahead of legalization. There is a need, however, for more awareness and training around impairment. Care home operators share responsibility for educating and training workers to lower the risk of workplace injury.

Stephen Symon from @WorkSafeBC: "We don't require drug testing. We require that you're fit for duty." Employers share responsibility for educating health care workers on what fitness for duty entails. #CareToChat

— BC Care Providers (@BCCareProviders) October 2, 2018

.@WorkSafeBC's Stephen Symon: Whether in res care or a home, staff have a right to a safe work environment. Like cigarettes, seniors cannot smoke cannabis in presence of a health care worker. #CareToChat

— Rumana D'Souza (@RumanaDsouza) October 2, 2018

Very informative panel today at the BC Care Provider’s #CareToChat – ‘Weed Like to Know’ event in Vancouver today!

Thanks to @hexo Terry Lake for moderating
Special thanks to @bccareproviders @dojfontaine for having us! #CannabisInCanada #ACMPR #BCCare #CannabisforSeniors pic.twitter.com/czTYvKAVwl

— MCRCI (@MCRCI) October 2, 2018

Media Coverage

I’m covering @BCCareProviders’ #CareToChat panel on seniors and cannabis. Got an interesting file number when I hit the record button. pic.twitter.com/95oLaENNnr

— Nick Eagland (@nickeagland) October 2, 2018

There’s a lot of red hair in this photo! In all seriousness, though, fascinating discussion on cannabis use and access for seniors with @TerryLake16 and @BCCareProviders coming up in my @CTVVancouver story tonight. https://t.co/Vv6lpi0FtL

— Penny Daflos (@PennyDaflos) October 2, 2018

Take a look at media coverage of the event.

‘Weed’ Like to Know panel discusses impacts of cannabis legalization on seniors’ care (Vancouver Sun – October 2)

Legalization, fading stigma means some seniors may turn back to pot ( CTV Vancouver – October 2)

Former B.C Health Minister pointing to medical cannabis benefits for seniors (Radio NL – October 2)

Expect more seniors to consider cannabis as legalization rolls around (Vancouver Sun – September 19)