Can smoking weed help to ease the symptoms of ageing?
The ageing population is the fastest-growing group of marijuana users. The stigma surrounding marijuana is dissipating to some degree for seniors, and some of the elderly users are looking for an alternative to prescription medications that are given as pain relief. If cannabis use can truly stop ageing now, the over-fifty population is ready to board the green train for the ride into retirement.
Smoking weed for some who are over fifty is not a new venture. However, the weed that many smoked back in the day was weaker than the weed that is now available for recreational pleasure, and for some, it provides the pain relief. Smoking weed is only one of the methods that ageing consumers can choose if they want to use weed to ease the symptoms of ageing. Let's look at some of the things that, for many in the over 50 club, are painful and debilitating.
Arthritis
More than 31 million Americans live with the pain of arthritis. The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Picking a strain that best aids the symptoms of arthritis will help to reduce the inflammation and pain that some experience. The powerful immune-modulation and anti-inflammatory properties in cannabis, not only help in pain relief but the treatment of the disease.
Smoking weed or the use of cannabis has proven to be an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, and as such, many states allow cannabis for legal, medical use. Cannabis can improve mobility and aid in the morning stiffness that many ageing people live with daily. Studies have been conducted that indicate the use of cannabis as a healthier and safer method of aiding in the treatment of arthritis compared to steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
There are almost one hundred medications available for treating arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation website. The medications come with unwanted side effects and, for some, can result in death. To date, no one has died from the use of cannabis for the treatment of arthritis.
The best strains of cannabis for this ageing concern include:
Ingrid
- Indica ancestry
- Potent pain relief
- Onset 20 to 30 minutes
- Perfect for a pain-free, nighttime sleeping aid
Blue Diesel
- Sativa dominant
- Perfect for daytime joint pain
- Slows joint and bone deterioration with the CBD ratio as a bonus
Neurodegenerative disease and forgetfulness
Age-related diseases are characterized by the changes in the inflammatory responses during the progression of the disease. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease can be addressed with the use of cannabis. Cannabinoids can protect the new neurons in the brain from damage. The decrease of new neurons is a characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
Studies indicate that CBD is the protector of neurons. THC may also be beneficial in the treatment of Wasting Syndrome, which is familiar to those living with Alzheimer's. The stimulating of the appetite from THC is beneficial for this aspect of the disease. There is an indication that endocannabinoids can reduce inflammation and protect the brain in relationship to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease
The best strains of cannabis for this ageing concern include:
Purple Kush
- Provided a calming for mood swings associated with the debilitating disease
- Relaxes the body
- Great for a nighttime sleeping aid for the ageing who live with Alzheimer's disease
Acapulco Gold
- Provides an overall happiness
- Can ease pain and stress
- An excellent strain for addressing fatigue which can plague the elderly Alzheimer patient
Smoking weed, as mentioned, is not the only means for the ageing to consume their daily dose of cannabis for recreational or medicinal use. Edibles have become a popular method for some of the over fifty clubs to administer their cannabis. Anyone ageing or otherwise who chooses to use edibles for their means of indulging in the green weed should go slow and start low before increasing doses. When edibles are the preferred method of cannabis use for some of the unwanted symptoms of ageing, patience and perhaps micro-dosing is the best route to a pleasurable outcome.
