Have Fall Incidents Decreased in Dementia After Cannabis Initiation?

PostedMarch 12, 2026

UpdatedMarch 12, 2026

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Julia Sutton, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

Falls are one of the most serious risks for people living with dementia, often leading to injury, hospitalisation, and loss of independence. According to NHS England and NICE guidance NG144, cannabis-based medicines remain unlicensed for dementia. Both organisations caution that dizziness, somnolence, and balance instability are recognised side effects in older adults. The MHRA also requires prescribers to record fall history and mobility assessments before starting CBPMs under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.

What The Research Indicates

Evidence so far does not confirm fewer falls after cannabis initiation. A small crossover trial by van den Elsen et al. (2017) found mild dizziness and slower gait in 13 percent of dementia participants taking low-dose THC, though no serious falls occurred and symptoms improved after dose adjustment. In the 2022 Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience pilot study, one fall was recorded among 19 residents using THC: CBD oil, suggesting that sedation and unsteadiness were manageable but required monitoring.

Conversely, a 2021 Brain Sciences comparison study found slower walking speeds and poorer balance among older cannabis users than non-users. Meanwhile, the IACM European Elderly Registry (2023) reported mild dizziness in up to 12 percent of patients, with most issues resolving after four weeks. A large Canadian study published in JAMA Neurology (2025) observed a higher overall risk of falls and related injuries among older adults with cannabis-related hospitalisations, though the authors noted the findings show correlation, not causation.

Balancing Potential Benefits and Risks

Clinicians suggest that calmer mood or reduced agitation from cannabis might indirectly lessen restlessness-related falls. However, sedation, slowed reaction time, and postural sway remain significant safety concerns. NICE recommends that prescribers assess orthostatic symptoms and review walking ability at every follow-up visit.

The GMC Specialist Register requires doctors to document these risks clearly if CBPMs are used compassionately in dementia care.

Clinical Bottom Line

Evidence does not show a consistent reduction in falls after cannabis initiation.

Dizziness, sedation, and gait instability remain common side effects in older adults.

NICE and NHS England advise fall-risk assessments before and during CBPM therapy.

CBD-dominant products may carry lower motor risks than THC-rich formulas.

Only GMC-registered specialists may prescribe CBPMs under MHRA oversight.

Role Of AlleviMed

Educational resources like AlleviMed help families understand UK medical cannabis regulations and safety considerations. They explain eligibility pathways, evidence quality, and why mobility and fall risks must be closely monitored when exploring unlicensed treatments for dementia.

Takeaway

Current research does not show that cannabis reduces falls in dementia, though some patients appear calmer or less agitated. Because sedation and dizziness can increase fall risk, national regulators urge careful monitoring. For families considering this approach, discussions with qualified specialists are essential to ensure safety and informed decision-making.

Julia Sutton, MSc

Author

Julia Sutton is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and experience providing psychological assessment and therapy to adolescents and adults. Skilled in CBT, client-centered therapy, and evidence-based interventions, she has worked with conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and conversion disorder. She also has experience in child psychology, conducting psycho-educational evaluations and developing tailored treatment plans to improve learning and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

Reviewer

Dr. Clarissa Morton is a licensed pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and experience across hospital, community, and industrial pharmacy. She has worked in emergency, outpatient, and inpatient pharmacy settings, providing patient counseling, dispensing medications, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Alongside her pharmacy expertise, she has worked as a Support Plan & Risk Assessment (SPRA) officer and in medical coding, applying knowledge of medical terminology, EMIS, and SystmOne software to deliver accurate, compliant healthcare documentation. Her skills span medication safety, regulatory standards, healthcare data management, and statistical reporting.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewers's privacy.