Institutional policy consideration for medical cannabis

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Increasing cannabis consumption among older adults in institutional care settings.
• Complexities arising from state-by-state cannabis regulations and evolving cultural acceptance.
• Federal legal status of cannabis impacting physician prescribing and institutional policies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the challenges of cannabis consumption in institutional care settings for older adults.
• To highlight the need for institutional policies regarding cannabis storage, administration, and patient care integration.
• To inform healthcare providers and institutions on managing risks associated with medical cannabis.

Main Methods:

• Review of current state-by-state cannabis regulations.
• Analysis of federal policies impacting healthcare institutions (e.g., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).
• Examination of best practices for handling controlled substances in institutional settings.

Main Results:

• Physicians can only recommend, not prescribe, medical cannabis due to federal status.
• Institutions face risks to Medicare/Medicaid contracts if cannabis is accepted.
• Specific policies are needed for cannabis formulation, storage, handling, and administration (including inhalation).
• Prevention of diversion and management of potential drug-cannabis interactions are critical.

Conclusions:

• Institutions must develop clear policies for medical cannabis, addressing storage, administration, and safety.
• Integrating cannabis use into patient medical histories and medication management is essential.
• Proactive policy development is crucial to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance.