Cannabis for Seniors
Today is National Senior Health & Fitness Day® (last Wednesday of every May)… So, we thought it was a good time to go over the basics of Cannabis for Seniors.
As always, please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have at 1 Mill or via email etc.*
Cannabis is therapeutic for all ages; however, here are several things it can help treat in our Senior population:
1 – Arthritis: Over 20% of the population suffers from some form of arthritis. Traditional treatments involve opioid based medications – but medical marijuana is a much safer alternative.
2 – Insomnia: 3 out of 5 seniors will experience problems sleeping. Cannabis is a much safer and effective alternative than sleeping pills. Patients generally will fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer than with pills that come with other side effects.
3 – Cancer treatment: Cannabis can help with the side effects of chemotherapy (including pain and nausea).
4 – Alzheimer’s: Alzheimer’s is caused when plaque forms on neural pathways in the brain. Cannabis has been found to inhibit the formation of this plaque and may even reduce existing plaque.
5 – Overall Health and Wellness: Cannabis can be a mood booster for seniors, reduces chronic pain, increases mobility, and makes social activities more enjoyable.
All of the listed conditions can be helped with medical marijuana and many can also benefit from the use of CBD – if you aren’t comfortable with taking THC (the psychoactive part of the plant).
A recent study from Israel on the safety and effectiveness of cannabis surveyed 2,700+ medical cannabis patients 65 and older. After 6 months of use, 18% stopped using opioid analgesics or reduced their dose. The most common side effects reported were dizziness (9.7%) and dry mouth (7%).
Cannabis is not a cure-all; however, it provides therapeutic results while alleviating the laundry list of major risks associated with many pharmaceuticals.
*As with any medical treatment, please speak with your doctor/caregiver about other medications you are taking and go slowly with dosing.
