When it comes to cannabis and health, professional oversight can mean the difference between safe relief and serious risk. Here’s how Apothecare pharmacists helped one senior safely manage pain through a personalized cannabis approach.

At Apothecare, we believe in safe, personalized wellness — where every cannabis decision is guided by healthcare expertise and grounded in evidence. Today, we want to share a real-world case that illustrates why pharmacist oversight isn’t just valuable — it’s essential.

Recently, we were approached by a family seeking guidance for their 87-year-old father. He had been authorized by his physician to use CBD oil for pain relief, but they weren’t sure how to move forward. Like many Canadians exploring cannabis for health reasons, they wanted reassurance that they were making the right choice.

At first glance, this seemed like a straightforward request. But as our team soon discovered, the situation was more complex.

When “Natural” Isn’t Always Simple

The patient was taking more than ten medications and supplements — including a prescription blood thinner — and had reduced kidney function at only ~25% of normal capacity. Age-related changes in how the body handles medicines (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) can heighten sensitivity to side effects in older adults, making careful medication review essential. 

Through our pharmacist-led assessment, several key risks became clear:

• Drug–drug interactions (CBD + anticoagulants): CBD and other cannabinoids can inhibit drug-metabolizing enzymes (notably CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4), which may increase exposure to drugs that rely on these pathways — including warfarin. Multiple case reports document elevated international normalized ratio (INR) — a blood test used to measure how long it takes blood to clot — and required dose adjustments when CBD or medical cannabis is added to warfarin; although not universal, this interaction risk is clinically relevant and warrants monitoring.
• Age-related pharmacology: Older adults often have reduced liver and kidney function, which can magnify adverse effects when it comes to cannabis and prescription medication interactions.
• Kidney function considerations: While CBD is primarily metabolized in the liver, evidence in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is limited; expert reviews recommend conservative dosing, close monitoring, and avoiding smoked routes. 

Without proper oversight, introducing CBD oil into this mix could have led to potential complications.

The Safer Alternative

After reviewing the patient’s full health profile, our pharmacists recommended switching from an oral CBD oil to a topical CBD product for localized pain relief. Topical routes generally limit systemic exposure compared with oral use, which reduces the chance of clinically significant drug interactions. It was a simple change, but one that made all the difference for patient safety.

Why This Matters

This case reinforces why Apothecare exists: to make cannabis recommendations that are not only effective but medically appropriate. A well-meaning retail recommendation — no matter how experienced the budtender — can’t replace clinical judgment. By collaborating with Apothecare, patients and retailers gain access to professional guidance that aligns product choices with each person’s medications, medical history, and goals. 

Our pharmacists take a holistic, evidence-based approach — reviewing medications, medical history, and treatment goals before making a recommendation. Because sometimes, as this case shows, doing less (or choosing a lower-risk route) is the safest option.

Putting Safety First

At Apothecare, our mission is simple: to help Canadians explore cannabis safely and confidently. Every consultation represents our commitment to protecting patient health, supporting informed decisions, and strengthening trust between healthcare and retail.

If you or someone you know has questions about cannabis use, our pharmacist team is here to help. Reach out to us at 1-866-880-4325, and a member of our team will connect with you.