Senior citizens could have increased access to medical marijuana through a new pilot project.

The Commonwealth Project, a new initiative based in Massachusetts, aims to integrate medical cannabis into traditional health care for seniors.

According to Howard Kessler, the founder of the group, people aged 65 and above are the fastest-growing segment using cannabis, but they're using it for relief from aging ailments.

In the United States, medical marijuana is legal in 37 states, four territories, and Washington, D.C.

At the federal level, it is not legal for doctors to prescribe cannabis.

According to William Van-Faasen, former CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, he has spoken with numerous physicians who receive daily requests from their patients to try something, and the physicians respond by suggesting they should but are unable to assist.

Most states do require documentation for medical marijuana.

Health care providers can write recommendations for the substance under the Compassionate Use Act, instead of traditional prescriptions.

MorseLife Health System CEO Keith Myers emphasized the importance of doctors understanding the advantages of cannabis for seniors, according to a report by Planet Chronicle.

"It is necessary for them to comprehend that it should be included in the drug regimen they recommend."

"It's the wild west. Consumers are left on their own."

Despite the presence of knowledgeable physicians, elderly individuals may still encounter obstacles when seeking cannabis therapy.

According to former Massachusetts HHS Secretary Marylou Sudders, the wild west approach to healthcare leaves consumers to fend for themselves.

Often, dispensaries lack on-site medical professionals, and the cannabis quality can differ among locations.

"When you visit a dispensary, the staff may not be medical professionals or health experts, so they may not provide guidance or follow-up."

Some argue that more regulation is necessary before expanding access to medical marijuana.

Kevin Sabet, president and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana in New York City, stated to Planet Chronicle that there are hundreds of thousands of different formulations to consider.

"Be cautious about the dosage and delivery method."

Kessler's pilot project in Massachusetts would enable medical cannabis through a payer-provider system similar to Medicare Advantage.

""They keep actuarial data that could be used to improve the efficacy of the product, train caregivers, and create a safer product," he said."

Kessler's research group has previously conducted smaller studies that have shown potential for cannabis use among seniors.

"One patient remarked, 'I don't feel as drowsy as I do when taking Xanax,'" said the patient.

In a study at a senior living facility in Florida, over 80% of participants experienced a positive impact.

Although something may be prescribed and approved for medical use, it is still necessary to persuade prescribers to consider it as an alternative option, according to Robert Kent, former White House general counsel of National Drug Control Policy in Washington, D.C., who spoke to Planet Chronicle.

"An enormously smart idea is to use insurance companies as payers to assist with that."

"If you really want equitable access, insurance coverage at some point is the way to go."

While 56% of participants stopped taking other pharmaceuticals altogether, 74% said that marijuana was more cost-effective than prescription drugs.

"Kent stated that scaling up the program within the healthcare system could be done quickly and on a massive scale, potentially saving a significant amount of money. This money could then be used to secure the program and for other purposes."

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 30% of individuals aged 65 and above consume five or more medications daily.

Medicare members in states where marijuana is legal received an average of 1,800 fewer doses of painkillers annually, according to a study published in Health Affairs.

If marijuana is legalized nationwide, Health Affairs estimates potential savings of up to $500 million annually.

"If you want equitable access, insurance coverage is the way to go for some people, as the cost can be a deterrent, Sudders said."

He pointed out that Medicare Advantage programs can compensate for goods and services that fall beyond conventional medical treatment.

"You're operating within the existing framework, rather than advocating for a new one to be established."

Some individuals are not convinced and believe further investigation is necessary.

"I think it's been oversold," Sabet said.

"In numerous studies, it has been shown that individuals experience the same outcomes when taking a placebo, leading me to believe that we must closely examine this phenomenon."

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Kessler expressed hope that his team would closely examine the topic and discover advantages that could transform the healthcare industry.

Those involved believe the pilot could launch within the next year.

Kent predicted that if the Medicaid and Medicare folks approve the proposal, within six months to a year, we'll have solid information.

"All age groups could benefit from the expansion of the same conditions."