Finding Relief in Marijuana: Understanding How Medical Marijuana Can Benefit and Impact On Older.

How Is Medical Marijuana Beneficial For Older Adults?

Many medical professionals shift from traditional medication to recommend medical marijuana to older adults to treat their health concerns. The reasons behind this shift are multifaceted and reveal a growing recognition of cannabis’s therapeutic qualities. Let’s see how cannabis may help the elderly. Pain Management: Chronic pain is one of the common health concerns among older adults. Many traditional pain medications have unwanted side effects and risks. Medical marijuana’s cannabinoids, particularly CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), are believed to offer pain-relieving properties without adverse effects. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine conducted an extensive review of health and marijuana and supported the use of medical marijuana for chronic pain management. Enhanced Sleep: Sleep disturbances become more familiar with age, impacting overall well-being. Medical marijuana’s relaxing effects, especially strains high in CBD, are believed to promote better sleep by reducing restlessness and insomnia. Mental Health Support: Aging can bring about mental health challenges such as depression. As life transitions from youth to old age, feelings of isolation, loneliness, and loss can all contribute to developing or exacerbating depressive symptoms. Medical marijuana has the potential to uplift mood, and its antidepressant properties allow seniors to be in a more balanced emotional state. Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation underlies many age-related health issues, from arthritis to cardiovascular diseases. It can quickly degrade the quality of life in seniors because reduced inflammation may restrict your body from healing. However, cannabinoids in cannabis have anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially mitigate inflammation. Neurological Health: Neurological conditions such as seizures, Parkinson’s, and dementia become more prevalent in the elderly. Research suggests that cannabis compounds might offer neuroprotective effects that slow the progression of such diseases and alleviate associated symptoms. Early studies of marijuana and neurological disorders by the National Library of Medicine believe marijuana can potentially treat neurological disorders. Appetite Stimulation: Irregular appetite is a common concern among older adults. It can lead to malnutrition and other severe health issues. THC, a cannabinoid in medical marijuana, increases your appetite. It also makes food taste better and single your brain that you are hungry, even if you’ve recently eaten. Alternative to Pharmaceuticals: Side effects and potential risks associated with traditional medication often drive seniors to seek safer or more natural alternatives. Cannabis potentially has fewer adverse effects compared to conventional medicines. Moreover, its side effects are generally mild and diminish over time or as your treatment progresses.

The Potential Side Effects of Marijuana for Older Adults And How to Reduce Them.

We know medical marijuana holds promise as an alternative therapy for seniors, but addressing potential concerns is essential. Let’s take a closer look at marijuana risk for older people. Interactions with Medications: Cannabis can interact with medications due to its impact on enzyme metabolism. This interaction can alter the effectiveness and safety of medical marijuana and drugs. Seniors should consult their doctor before incorporating medical marijuana into their regimen. Cognitive Impairment: THC-rich strains can cause cognitive changes such as impaired memory, attention, and decision-making. It may be a topic of concern as older people are already navigating age-related mental changes. Older adults should consider a strain that is a balance of CBD and THC. Dizziness: Some seniors may experience dizziness after using medical marijuana. Seniors should sit or lie down when using medical marijuana and avoid sudden movements that could lead to falls. Dry Mouth: Dry mouth or cottonmouth is a common side effect of medical marijuana due to its impact on saliva production. Seniors should stay well-hydrated on hand while using medical marijuana. Gastrointestinal Upset: It is one of the rare side effects you will see. Seniors with sensitive digestive systems should start with low doses and consume medical marijuana with food to mitigate this potential side effect.

How Can Enhance The Benefits Of Marijuana For Older Adults?

Medical marijuana benefits older adults; however, its effects can be achieved by carefully managing dosage, selecting strains, and regularly monitoring health. Let’s discuss this consideration in detail. Dosage Considerations: Determining the correct dosage of cannabis is essential to maximize benefits and minimize risks. It’s recommended to start with low doses and slowly increase until you achieve your desired effects. Monitoring and Adjustments: Regular monitoring is crucial when using medical marijuana. Seniors should communicate openly with their doctor about any changes in their symptoms and make necessary adjustments for a safe and effective treatment plan. Choose Appropriate Medical Marijuana Products: Various medical marijuana products are available, each with its duration and effects. The available cannabis products are:

• Edibles
• Pills, capsules, and tablets
• Transdermal Patches
• Smoking
• Vapes
• Tinctures
• Cannabis Topicals

Smoking provides quick relief but may not suit seniors with respiratory issues. Edibles for the elderly have longer-lasting effects but are slow to show the impact. Seniors should work closely with their doctor to select the appropriate product type. Quality and Sourcing: You should obtain medical marijuana from reputable sources that adhere to quality standards. They can ensure that the product is safe and accurately labeled.

Best Cannabis Strains For Older Adults.

Seniors should consider the balance between CBD and THC when choosing medical marijuana strains. CBD provides pain relief and has low psychoactive effects. THC can also provide pain relief and other medical benefits but with high psychoactive effects. Let’s look at some of the best cannabis strains for older adults. Bio Jesus: Bio Jesus is one of the best cannabis strains for treating sleep disorders or insomnia. With its high THC value, Bio Jesus produces a euphoria that helps seniors sleep quickly. Green Crack: Green Crack is a brilliant strain for any older adult feeling more tired than usual. It can increase energy, attention, and the desire to make the most of each day. Blue Dream: Blue Dream helps combat pain, but its high THC value can also induce a feeling of being high. However, its potent effects have fewer side effects. Blue Dream is well-known for providing full-body relaxation and enhancing focus on daily tasks. Harlequin: Harlequin is ideal for arthritis and fibromyalgia patients. It has a high CBD content and does contain some THC. This means that smoking Harlequin allows you to effectively treat arthritis and fibromyalgia symptoms without feeling high. Cannatonic: Cannatonic is one of the milder strains ideal for medicinal use for seniors. It is a strain made for daily use and suitable for treating chronic pain. If you are thinking, ‘Is THC bad for older adults due to its high effects compared to CBD?’ then we have compiled a comparison between CBD and THC: What’s the Difference?

Conclusion:

Medical marijuana can potentially manage pain, improve sleep, and support the mental health of senior citizens. For more information on marijuana and how it can change a senior’s life, contact GreenPot MD. We will help you to start your treatment with marijuana. Contact Us Now!