As the research and legality around cannabis expands, many wonder about the benefits of cannabis for seniors. Experts recognize medical cannabis as a viable treatment for seniors’ common concerns. However, some myths surround the use of medical marijuana for elderly people, so it’s vital to understand the potential safety concerns and whether they outweigh the benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Senior Cannabis Use?
Medical marijuana offers effective symptom relief for seniors suffering from chronic disease or mental health conditions. The most notable effects of properly managed cannabis therapies include:
- Improved appetite
- Insomnia relief
- Pain relief (especially for joint pain)
- Side effect relief from chemotherapy, including nausea relief
- Better mood regulation
- Decreased anxiety
Two compounds within medical cannabis offer improved quality of life to seniors: THC and CBD. CBD for seniors can be a milder option, as it does not have psychoactive properties like THC. Each compound has its strengths; for instance, CBD is effective at reducing anxiety and depression but may not stimulate appetite. THC offers better pain relief and may aid more in recovering appetite after chemotherapy.
It’s often best to choose a full-spectrum product that incorporates both compounds to maximize the benefits of cannabis for seniors.
What Myths Surround Elderly Cannabis Therapy?
Several misconceptions surround the use of cannabis therapy in elderly populations. First, some believe that cannabis automatically gets you high, which deters them from trying CBD products that don’t contain any psychoactive compounds and may provide powerful symptom relief.
Others fear that cannabis use will exacerbate long-term memory loss. However, there is little evidence that responsible medical marijuana use causes this.
Are There Valid Safety Concerns?
Myths aside, seniors and their caretakers should be mindful of possible safety concerns associated with cannabis use. It’s vital to consult your healthcare provider before trying THC or CBD products. Some medications cause adverse effects when combined with marijuana, so it’s best to verify your current medications with someone who specializes in cannabis for seniors.
It’s also important for those trying THC to do so in safe environments, ideally with a caretaker present, to ensure a safe and positive experience.
Reap CBD and THC Benefits for Seniors
There are a variety of cannabis pain relief, sleep, appetite, and mood-improving products to choose from, so it’s best to let a medical provider or cannabis specialist help you determine the best products for your needs.
If you want to avoid getting high, stick to CBD products. If you want to explore THC, start with low doses and slowly work your way up to determine what dosage offers the best relief without any potential side effects.
You can choose between traditional smoking methods or edible products such as gummies, baked goods, tinctures, drinks, and pills. Smoking offers instant effects, but many people want to avoid it for their own comfort and lung health. Seniors may prefer more discrete options such as edibles, especially if their shared living facilities restrict smoking.
Keep in mind that most edibles can take 30 minutes to an hour to take effect, so they don’t offer instantaneous relief (though the results may last longer than with smoking). Cannabis pills will affect you sooner but tend to wear off faster than traditional edibles.
There are also topical CBD products that you can apply to sore joints and tense muscles for instant pain relief.
Let Cannabis & Glass Find the Right Products for You
To find the best CBD and THC solutions in Ontario, Oregon, consult the experts at Cannabis & Glass. Our team will incorporate your physician’s advice into recommendations for CBD and THC products that target your medical needs.
Visit our shop today or call 541-907-1234 to learn more about cannabis for seniors today.
