Golden Years: Medicinal Cannabis in Geriatric Care

Join Professor Peter Gonski, leading geriatrician and Director of Aged Care and Rehab at SESLHD, for an evidence-based exploration of medicinal cannabis in older adults.

About the webinar

As Australia’s population ages, healthcare professionals are increasingly managing complex, chronic conditions in older adults—many of which remain difficult to treat with conventional therapies alone. This webinar, presented by Associate Professor Peter Gonski, explores the emerging role of medicinal cannabis in geriatric care, particularly for symptoms such as chronic pain, behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), sleep disturbance, and anxiety.

Drawing on evidence, clinical experience, and real-world case studies, A/Prof Gonski will guide participants through key considerations in prescribing medicinal cannabis to older patients. The session also covers age-related pharmacological changes, safety considerations, drug interactions, access pathways, and practical tips for monitoring and deprescribing. This is an essential educational opportunity for prescribers working in general practice, aged care, and multidisciplinary teams supporting older adults.

Learning Outcomes

Describe the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and how age-related changes affect the metabolism and impact of cannabis-based medicines.

Identify appropriate therapeutic indications for medicinal cannabis in the elderly, including pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, and dementia-related behaviours.

Evaluate safety considerations including adverse effects, falls risk, drug interactions, and contraindications in geriatric patients.

Apply evidence-based prescribing strategies including product selection (THC vs CBD), titration, monitoring, and deprescribing in older adults.

Interpret real-world case studies and study data to support informed, compliant prescribing in aged care settings.

About the speaker

Professor Peter Gonski is a Senior Staff Specialist Geriatrician and Director of Aged Care at Sutherland Hospital and Community, Sydney. He has over 33 years of clinical experience in acute, rehabilitation, and palliative care across hospitals, homes, and aged care facilities. He is widely recognised for developing innovative models of care that enable older adults to receive treatment at home.

He currently serves as Director of Aged Care and Rehabilitation for the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and is a Conjoint Professor at UNSW, where he leads the Sutherland teaching unit. Professor Gonski also sits on the Board of Montefiore Aged Care.

Webinar

When: Tuesday 29 July 2025

Time: 7:00 pm

Cost: Free

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Claim 1 CPD Hour

Medihuanna is a CPD approved education provider, and this activity has been approved by the RACGP (Activity ID: 1255454). Upon completing this activity, you will be eligible to claim CPD hours. The activity will include the following CPD allocation which will be uploaded to the RACGP dashboard.