Can cannabis help to improve seniors’ lives?
As the years' pass, our bodies begin to look for more nourishment, and cannabis can be the provider of that much-needed boost. As our senior years approach, we can develop Alzheimer’s Disease, poor appetite, chronic pain, and many more health issues.
As we navigate through the remaining years of our life, some with walkers’ others with canes. Recent studies have shown the use of marijuana can improve the quality of life for seniors. The deterioration of our bodies comes naturally with age, which can lead to pain, discomfort, inflammation, bone issues, and mental health concerns. Luckily, there is evidence from reliable studies that indicate cannabis consumption can be a natural way of providing relief for these concerns
Cannabis is a natural compound that is multidimensional, and the plant has numerous options for consumption to effectively relieve and manage the symptoms that are affecting the senior population. Seniors do not need to get high for the medicine to be effective because THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, has a partner called CBD. Cannabidiol (CBD) does not produce any "high" feelings or sensations when consumed. Scientists have now developed capable medical strains of cannabis with minor amounts of THC.
Marijuana vs other drugs
Seniors are also in the demographics of opioid abusers. Studies indicate 2.8 million seniors have abused opioids. The use of opioids by seniors increases the risk of added health concerns. Falling and disorientation are some of the main reasons that seniors are living in nursing homes today. Some of the issues can be attributed to the use of opioids. Cannabis use that is well managed can reduce the number of adverse health issues affecting the senior today.
The senior cannabis market is on the rise now that aging baby boomers are experiencing aches and pains. Some are returning to the marijuana that they used back in the day for recreational experiences. Those who listen to the news have learned that CBD can help to control many of the ailments that seniors experience.
Seniors that have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis are using cannabis today to alleviate the pressure and pain that is caused by the illness. The Arthritis that many seniors are living with is becoming more pronounced which leads many health care providers to suggest, opioids to control the pain. Many seniors are currently prescribed opioids, and the problem with this treatment is that as time passes, they need to increase the dosage to effectively control the pain, which makes addiction and overdose a probable concern.
Sativa vs Indica, which is the right strain?
Education and information have guided the senior population to use cannabis as a means of controlling some of the unwanted health issues that come with age. The trouble is that many consumers aren’t exactly sure where to start. Both Sativa and Indica strains can be beneficial for seniors, but each one does provide a different set of benefits.
Sativa
- Increased appetite
- Decreased nausea caused by cancer-treating medicines
- Improve moods and helps to fight off depressive thoughts
- Relaxes muscles
- Acts as an expectorant
Indica
- Provides relaxation
- Best for nighttime use
- Great for arthritis and glaucoma sufferers
- Useful for combating anxiety
Side effects / risks
Cannabis use for seniors does come with some risks, but the level of concern is extremely low, especially compared to approved pharmaceutical drugs. Seniors should always confer with their primary health provider before including cannabis in their daily health regime. Some of the concerns that should be monitored include:
- May affect blood sugar levels
- May cause low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Abnormal heartbeat
The best-suggested strains of cannabis for seniors
- Cheese Quake: will help to conquer cramps, associated with aging
- Green Crack: will help to fight fatigue
- Blue Dream: will help in the controlling of obscure pain and aches
- Harlequin: will help to alleviate the pain from arthritis
