Medical cannabis for seniors is receiving more attention now that marijuana is legalized. The elderly suffering from certain medical conditions can find solace in cannabis therapy.
Despite the support for medical marijuana legalization, the stigma surrounding the plant remains high, especially among seniors. While medical cannabis for seniors has some merit, many deliberately avoid cannabis medication to escape criticism from others.
Medwell Health seeks to break that stigma and open seniors’ doors to medical cannabis.
This article aims to explain how medical cannabis benefits senior citizens. Keep reading.
Benefits of Medical Marijuana for Seniors
Before we begin, did you know that a study found 61 percent of patients started using cannabis at age 60?
Unlike younger users, senior citizens primarily use cannabis for medical purposes rather than recreation. In other words, more older adults are slowly desensitizing themselves from stigma and turning to cannabis for relief. That means you are not alone in your quest for alternative therapy.
According to the study, senior citizens use medical marijuana for pain, insomnia, and anxiety. We’ll explore each of them below.
Medical Cannabis Supports Pain Management
The body’s physical integrity slowly deteriorates as people enter seniorhood. Bones become weaker, and joints are no longer as flexible. This leads to a lot of pain and discomfort in the long term, especially for adults.
Many seniors turn to opioids and painkillers for help, but the side effects can be just as harmful. Plus, the cost of medication is often inaccessible to the elderly, forcing them to bear the chronic pain without relief.
In recent years, medical cannabis for seniors has become a popular choice for pain management. Aside from efficacy, marijuana is also affordable, which means pain management is now more accessible than ever before. While a study in 2017 suggests that the pain management properties of cannabis are not universal, it helps reduce chronic pain.
Medical Cannabis Promotes Better Sleep
Compared to youth and adults, seniors also experience age-related psychological changes that lead to insomnia. Increased sensitivity to environmental conditions and chronic illnesses also contribute to sleeplessness.
Research suggests that medical marijuana compounds tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have proven effective in promoting better sleep. Specifically, they reduce sleep latency or the time it takes to sleep. Aside from that, marijuana helps increase total sleep time and decrease the frequency of wakefulness at night.
Therefore, medical cannabis for seniors is especially beneficial for those suffering from insomnia.
Medical Cannabis Helps Alleviate Anxiety
Despite reaching the peak of their ages, elders are often on edge. Most seniors suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD, rendering them worried constantly about many things. As a result, they anticipate the worst in every situation, even when the logic behind it is unfounded.
A 2015 study revealed that cannabis could help reduce ratings of anxiety, depression, and stress among users. A survey in 2018 revealed cannabis use could ease symptoms of anxiety and depression by as much as 58 percent.
However, some accounts say cannabis can trigger anxiety. It is essential first to undergo a medical evaluation to determine your fitness to use cannabis and at what dosage is safe.
Should Seniors Like You Try Medical Cannabis?
If you are over 60 and are suffering from pain, insomnia and anxiety, medical marijuana may help you manage those symptoms. Medwell Health and Wellness Centers offer medical marijuana certification appointments so that you can have legal access to cannabis from dispensaries.
Click here to set your appointment.
Jackie Rothman serves as the Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the growth and operations of DocMJ. Jackie’s commitment to improving patients’ lives comes from her background in health care and her enthusiasm for a happier and healthier life for everyone.
Jackie has worked in the medical field for over 20 years. Her experiences with multiple states give her a unique view of medical cannabis and her passion for this rapidly growing industry.
