Cannabis for Agitation, Pain, and Antipsychotic/Opioid Sparing Following Federal Rescheduling

This session addresses the critical need for evidence-based policy and clinical practice guidelines following the 2026 federal rescheduling of medical cannabis to Schedule III, providing a practical framework to navigate the new regulatory landscape, including the ADA obligations for residents with chronic pain and dementia. The presentation will synthesize the latest clinical trial data demonstrating cannabis-based formulations associated with improvements in dementia-related agitation, chronic pain in older adults, and sparing of high-risk opioid and antipsychotic drugs. Clear protocols for inclusion, dosing, and monitoring will empower attendees to deliver patient-centered care and reduce health disparities.

Objectives:
Analyze the implications of the 2026 federal rescheduling of medical cannabis to Schedule III and develop compliant facility policies that align with CMS and ADA requirements.
Evaluate the latest clinical evidence regarding cannabis efficacy for agitation in dementia and refractory pain in the elderly.
Implement patient-centered cannabis-based treatments for dementia-related symptoms, chronic pain, and antipsychotic/opioid substitution.

$This session addresses the critical need for evidence-based policy and clinical practice guidelines following the 2026 federal rescheduling of medical cannabis to Schedule III, providing a practical framework to navigate the new regulatory landscape, including the ADA obligations for residents with chronic pain and dementia. The presentation will synthesize the latest clinical trial data demonstrating cannabis-based formulations associated with improvements in dementia-related agitation, chronic pain in older adults, and sparing of high-risk opioid and antipsychotic drugs. Clear protocols for inclusion, dosing, and monitoring will empower attendees to deliver patient-centered care and reduce health disparities. Objectives: Analyze the implications of the 2026 federal rescheduling of medical cannabis to Schedule III and develop compliant facility policies that align with CMS and ADA requirements. Evaluate the latest clinical evidence regarding cannabis efficacy for agitation in dementia and refractory pain in the elderly. Implement patient-centered cannabis-based treatments for dementia-related symptoms, chronic pain, and antipsychotic/opioid substitution.$

Dustin Sulak D.O.

Dr. Dustin Sulak is a traditional osteopathic physician and an internationally-renowned expert in medical cannabis. He is the author of Handbook of Cannabis for Clinicians: Principles and Practice, and co-founder of Healer, a medical cannabis education resource and products company.

He serves as vice president of The Society of Cannabis Clinicians and has 17 years of clinical experience treating patients with cannabis, focusing on evidence-based applications for managing refractory pain, insomnia, and behavioral symptoms in dementia. His work emphasizes patient safety, deprescribing high-risk medications, and navigating the complex regulatory landscape of medical cannabis in senior care settings.