On February 4, independent and assisted living residents of MorseLife Health System celebrated National Hemp Day, participating in interactive hemp displays and enjoying hemp-infused foods like mini hemp nut butter “uncrustables,” hemp seed oil vinaigrette salads and hemp milk.

Since 2019, MorseLife has led the way in senior care innovation by offering cannabinoid-based therapies when they became Florida’s first senior living provider to introduce medical marijuana and CBD treatments. These therapies have significantly helped residents manage chronic pain, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances.

Led by Melanie Bone, M.D., FACOG, Director of Cannabinoid-Based Therapies at MorseLife Health System, the medical team is at the forefront of this groundbreaking approach. Dr. Bone consults with patients to determine the proper dosage, tolerance level and best method for administering the treatment. This varies patient-to-patient and is reevaluated and adjusted as necessary.

Prior to beginning cannabinoid-based therapy, the education component is essential so patients, their families and doctors can assess the pros and cons to make an informed decision. That’s why events such as National Hemp Day are important to showcase options and benefits. Residents can explore their curiosities and overcome the stigmas and fears associated with using medical cannabis.

Dr. Bone has been a Certified Cannabis Physician in Florida since 2016 and joined the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) faculty as a clinical affiliate assistant professor in 2021, where she teaches medical students about cannabis.

“Cannabis doesn’t provide a cure. It doesn’t make a diagnosis go away after taking the medication for a period of time. Cannabis provides a treatment to alleviate and reduce symptoms of conditions such as insomnia, chronic pain and anxiety,” Dr. Bone said. “Cannabis offers a fantastic alternative to addictive opioids and antidepressants, all while increasing our residents’ quality of life.”

MorseLife’s cannabinoid therapies are just one example of how the health system is redefining senior care, helping residents live with comfort, dignity and improved quality of life.

Does Marijuana Have a Place in Hospice?

MorseLife Hospice and Palliative Care study and benefits of a patient-centric approach to hospice care, including the integration of medical marijuana to alleviate suffering and despair cited in recent article

 

In 2019, MorseLife Hospice and Palliative Care conducted an online survey to find out more about people’s beliefs and attitudes towards end-of-life care. One of the top insights gleaned from the survey was the overwhelming support of medical marijuana. The study cited that 87% of Americans support the use of medical marijuana as a treatment option for terminally ill patients, with nearly three in five Americans (58%) expressing strong support of it.

A recent story written by Kate-Madonna Hindes, “Does Marijuana Have a Place in Hospice?” cites this statistic and the increasing interest hospice programs are taking in offering patients palliative care therapies and alternative medical therapies, such as medical marijuana.

“Massage, music, art and alternative therapies all play a part in creating a meaningful end-of-life experience for patients and families,” notes MorseLife Health System President and CEO Keith Myers. “At MorseLife we are leading the way and providing our patients a dignified end-of-life experience through one-of-a-kind research and care. It is promising to see a growing interest in this topic. People need to know that they have choices.”

The story also touches on the “political limbo” many hospice programs find themselves in due to legal status, clinical safety and societal influence.

MorseLife is currently leading the only pilot program approved by the Florida Legislature to study medical marijuana use in elder adults. Residents who are part of the program have reported using fewer opiates, anti-anxiety drugs and sleep medications when using cannabis.

“The findings from our pilot study will help guide protocols for usage in other hospice care settings across the country,” added Myers. “Our hope is that the research done at MorseLife will open doors to new care methods, ensuring that more Americans receive the best end-of-life care possible.”

An Update on Cannabis Care at MorseLife

Dr. Melanie Bone Discusses the MorseLife Cannabinoid Initiative with Cannabis News Florida

Dr. Melanie Bone, medical director of the cannabinoid initiative at MorseLife, recently shared the project’s many successes, initial findings and obstacles in a column published by Cannabis News Florida. The cannabinoid pilot program was authorized by the state of Florida and introduced at MorseLife in 2019, offering cannabinoid-based therapies to senior residents in a variety of care settings.

Dr. Bone touches on the varying attitudes and perceptions of senior residents toward cannabinoids, ranging from fear to curiosity. She also details the surprising obstacles to enrolling patients in the program, such as expired driver’s licenses and other forms of identification, which are necessary to apply for a medical marijuana card.  Furthermore, only one caregiver can be designated per resident to legally deliver and administer treatments, which poses a challenge in a nursing home environment where one caretaker often administers care to multiple patients.

She also notes positive observations from her work at MorseLife, which include residents reporting using fewer opiates, anti-anxiety drugs and sleep medications when using cannabis.

Dr. Bone’s hope is that through grassroots adoption more residents will join the program and the knowledge gained from their participation will help guide protocols for usage at other senior care communities across the country.

To read more, please visit https://cannabisnewsflorida.com/update-on-cannabis-care-at-morselife-health-system/.