According to a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, cannabis use increased by 75 percent among older adults in the United States in the past four years.
Research says that chemical compounds in marijuana can help in reducing stress, pain, and boosting sleep. Thus, seniors who are at high risk of anxiety, depression, and insomnia, can benefit from the amazing medicinal properties of the herb, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those who are interested in using cannabis need a medical marijuana card signed by a licensed doctor. In most cannabis legalized states, the card is valid for 12 months and you need to apply for MMJ renewal to continue using marijuana for medical purposes.
Seniors choose marijuana for alleviating the common health issues that arise with age.
In a study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry in April 2020, researchers found the reasons why older adults are turning to marijuana. They noticed that anxiety was one of the common reasons for cannabis use by seniors. Other reasons were sleep problems and pain.
Also Read- Use Medical Marijuana For Managing Your Sleep Problems
The study was conducted on 568 patients in California, focusing on learning the cannabis habits of older adults and targeted conditions.
Marijuana contains both psychoactive and non-psychoactive compounds. Many experts recommend senior consumers to opt for CBD-infused products to increase relaxation and enjoy other health benefits without getting high.
The elderly are more likely to experience different types of pain, such as bone & joint disorders, arthritis, cancer, etc. Cannabis can help cope with these symptoms.
Inflammation is one of the common reasons for the development of certain elderly conditions. Marijuana contains the ultimate anti-inflammatory properties and can help in managing inflammation and other health issues such as nausea, insomnia, etc.
In some cases, you can’t feel inflammation unless you experience symptoms such as chronic inflammation or some conditions such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer, etc.
For pain management, patients can use smoking or vaping for immediate effects. However, there are CBD-infused oils, balms, and creams for localized relief from pain and inflammation.
Loss of appetite is one of the most dangerous health risks among American seniors. It can lead to excessive weight loss, fatigue, dizziness, etc. Marijuana can help in alleviating nausea and stimulating appetite.
Also Read- Boost Appetite With Medical Marijuana Today
Research says that the impaired endocannabinoid system can result in the development of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. This makes the brain see food as undesirable, and lose the desire to eat.
Cannabis contains more than 100 chemical compounds, which have amazing medicinal properties. These compounds bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system and regulate various functions such as appetite.
For eating disorders, patients often take antipsychotics and antidepressants. However, these medications can cause various side-effects, and also worsen the symptoms. On the other hand, cannabis is a safer alternative to prescription medications.
About 5.8 million people age 65 or older have Alzheimer’s dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are—trouble learning things, memory loss, depression, difficulty organizing thoughts, and solving problems.
Medications such as NSAIDs are commonly prescribed for managing Alzheimer’s symptoms.
However, long-term use of these drugs may lead to side-effects such as kidney damage. Marijuana helps in managing symptoms such as aggression and anxiety without causing any unpleasant side-effects.
According to a preclinical study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, taking small THC doses can help in slowing down the production of beta-amyloid proteins
A preclinical study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease reported that small doses of THC are effective in slowing down the production of beta-amyloid proteins. These proteins are responsible for triggering neurodegenerative processes that result in memory loss and cognitive impairment.
With age, the chances of occurrence of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression increase. The common reasons are hypertension, diabetes, cancer, chronic pain, relationship problems, and taking certain medications & the combination of medications. Moreover, the psychological impacts of pandemics and emergencies also lead to the development of anxiety. Currently, adults and seniors living in self-isolation are at high risk of panic attacks, excessive worrying, and sleep problems.
Marijuana’s non-psychoactive compound CBD helps in relaxing the body & mind, thus easing panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety. It works by stimulating the serotonin receptors in the brain.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders says that cannabis use can help in managing stress, depression, and anxiety.
Some of the best strains for anxiety sufferers are—Harlequin, Kosher Kush, Blueberry Lambsbread, Bubba Kush, Cannatonic, ACDC, and Skywalker OG Kush.
To access state-licensed dispensaries for buying cannabis products, you require a doctor’s recommendation. When you talk to an MMJ doctor, they will ask you a few questions about your condition, medical history, etc. Once you are approved, you will receive a medical marijuana card signed by the doctor, valid for 12 months.
Since going out to see a doctor in a clinic is full of risks during the coronavirus pandemic, telemedicine can be the right option for patients to get MMJ cards. It’s very simple and takes a few minutes. Here’s the process-
Here are some major benefits of telemedicine services-
For seniors, dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, etc. isn’t easy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. These conditions can affect different corners of their lives. Many take medications such as antidepressants to get relief. But, medications can cause certain health risks.
Medical marijuana can help older adults promote wellness by easing pain, panic attacks, loss of appetite, etc. It contains amazing cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, which stimulates the endocannabinoid system, thus changing the way different bodily processes work.
When using cannabis for medical purposes, you can choose from various consumption methods available, such as smoking, vaping, topicals, edibles, and tinctures. Talk to a licensed doctor to discuss your condition and seek professional advice for cannabis treatment.
Now, with a medical marijuana grower license, you can increase your grow limit to 100 square feet. Get the license, and start growing your own medicine today!
August 21, 2023
July 22, 2022
December 11, 2020
December 04, 2020
November 24, 2020
November 05, 2020
