The Growing Use of Medical Cannabis Among Seniors

As medical cannabis has become a widely accepted treatment for a variety of disorders, more and more patients from every demographic have discovered it is a safe, effective and inexpensive way to greatly improve quality of life. Add to this the growing public understanding of the dangers of prescription pain medicines brought on by the opioid epidemic in the United States — an epidemic that increasingly affects seniors — and it’s easy to see why so many are giving medical cannabis a try.

Credit: DrugPolicy.org

This trend is not lost on the senior community in America. One recent study shows a 250 percent increase in cannabis use among seniors alone. This trend will likely continue as more and more states recognize medical cannabis as a legitimate and safe treatment option.

Medical Cannabis Research Shows Multiple Benefits for Seniors

As scientists conduct more research to learn the real benefits of cannabis as medicine, the results demonstrate a laundry list of benefits for seniors. Credible research has shown that the benefits from medical cannabis can include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

• Chronic pain – It is well-established that medical cannabis relieves chronic pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, but research also shows that it interacts with pain receptors in the brain to help bring relief.
• Glaucoma – Medical cannabis has long been known to relieve intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
• Alzheimer’s – THC has been shown to slow, and even reverse, the production of toxic proteins that degrade cognitive functioning in Alzheimer’s patients.
• Cancer – Cannabis is a wonder therapy for cancer patients suffering from pain and the side effects of chemotherapy like nausea and loss of appetite.
• Sleep loss – As we get older, getting healthy sleep can be a problem for many of us. Cannabis is a safe, effective, non-habit-forming sleep aid.
• Depression/anxiety – Medical cannabis is a great treatment for seniors suffering from depression and anxiety, and one that doesn’t necessarily have to become part of a daily routine.

Medical Cannabis is More Accessible Than Ever

It’s clear that medical cannabis can be a boon to senior health, but what if you don’t wish to smoke? Or maybe you’re concerned about the “high” that’s associated with cannabis? Not to worry; with all the recent innovation in cannabis breeding and the range of newly available products, it’s easier and safer than ever to give medical cannabis a try. If you’re considering it, here are some options you may want to consider first:

• CBD – CBD, or cannabidiol, is a component chemical in cannabis that produces many of the beneficial effects of medical cannabis without the user experiencing the “high” of marijuana. Recent innovations in breeding have produced strains high in CBD with almost no THC (the main active ingredient responsible for the “high” of cannabis), allowing users to avoid this often unwanted side effect.
• Measured Dosing – Many commercially available cannabis products are available in a range of dosing options, which means you can expect similar effects each time they are used. This allows users to get just what they need from medical cannabis, and no more. Most dispensaries are staffed with knowledgeable servers who can help you find what’s right for you.
• It’s Not Just for Smoking Anymore – The days of choking in a cloud of smoke to consume cannabis are a thing of the past for many users today. Medical cannabis can now be found in oral tinctures, edibles, topical applications, vaporizer pens, and even in pet products. This means much more flexibility for cannabis users that allows them to get what they want from cannabis in ways that fit their lifestyles.

Man using a medical cannabis tincture
Credit: DrugPolicy.org

To be certain, medical cannabis is not for everyone. You should always consult your physician prior to trying any new therapy. Your doctor can tell you if medical cannabis may be a good fit for you, and she’ll provide you with a medical certification that helps ensure safe access to quality medicine.

So if you think medical cannabis may be right for you (and you live in a state that provides safe access), find a reputable dispensary and give it a try. It’s easy to try, a lot less risky that prescription meds, and you may just find you’ve been missing a key ingredient for quality of life.