According to a new report by JAMA, the number of seniors in the US over age 65 who use cannabis has increased two folds between 2015 to 2018. So, it’s clear that cannabis’ medicinal properties can help in managing certain conditions.
Research says that cannabis is effective in reducing pain, boosting sleep, and relieving anxiety and depression. In the United States, the medical use of marijuana is legal in 33 states. And, you require a doctor-signed medical cannabis card Rochester to access the herb legally.
Marijuana’s medicinal effects are due to its cannabinoids. These chemical compounds can help ease pain, boost mood, and promote relaxation. Read on to learn more about cannabis for senior citizens.
Also Read – Marijuana’s Effect on Our Body [Things You Need to Know Before Using it]
Marijuana Reduces Pain
Pain and inflammation are listed among the most common conditions nearly every senior experience. As per an estimate, about 65 percent of the people over 65 age in the United States are suffering from pain. And, about 30 percent of older adults are experiencing chronic pain.
Research says that marijuana can help in easing pain, thus improving the quality of life of patients. The cannabinoids when delivered into the body stimulates the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for processing pain signals. The cannabinoids bind to receptors, thus reducing pain and regulating other processes.
According to a study published in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, chemical compounds in marijuana can help in relieving pain in patients with multiple sclerosis and cancer.
Moreover, the non-psychoactive compound CBD is effective in reducing pain and providing anti-inflammatory effects. It doesn’t cause high effects and adverse side-effects.
Marijuana Relieves Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety is one of the most common conditions among seniors. It’s estimated that 10-20 percent of the older population experience anxiety symptoms. Anxiety in older adults may link to severe health risks. These include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and thyroid disease.
CBD can help in relaxing the body and mind and elevating mood, thus managing panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. It interacts with certain receptors (serotonin and adenosine) that are involved in regulating mood. This helps in managing stress, improving cognitive function, and calming the mind.
Also Read- Top 4 Cannabis Strains to Reduce Stress
Recent surveys reported—in the cannabis legalized states, there has been a significant reduction in opioid prescriptions.
Marijuana Boosts Sleep
Sleep problems may occur in every age, but are very common among seniors. Medical experts suggest that this happens due to several reasons, such as underlying conditions, lack of physical activity, depression, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and stress.
Marijuana’s chemical compounds THC and CBD stimulate the endocannabinoid system, thus providing positive effects. It can impact mood, sleep, memory, and digestion positively.
There’s a wide range of studies showing ingesting marijuana can help individuals fall asleep faster and improve the quality of sleep as well. High-THC strains are effective in reducing the amount of REM sleep, a sleep cycle linked to dreaming. So, consumers will spend less time dreaming and more time in deep sleep.
What about sleep medications and opiates? Although these treatments may help manage sleep difficulties and pain, they can lead to dependence, mental confusion, and other health issues. Cannabis, on the other hand, doesn’t link to such risks.
CBD, a non-psychoactive compound, is effective in managing anxiety, stress, and general unbalance, which may cause sleep problems.
Marijuana For Alzheimer’s Disease
In the United States, about 5.8 million people above age 65 are living with Alzheimer’s disease. However, the number is expected to rise to about 14 million by 2050.
Some of the common Alzheimer’s disease symptoms are—avoiding social situations, trouble remembering important dates & events, mood swings, and misplacing things.
For alleviating Alzheimer’s symptoms, NSAIDs are usually prescribed. However, using medications for the long-term may cause risks such as kidney damage. On the other hand, cannabis can help Alzheimer’s patients relieve anxiety and aggression. The herb doesn’t cause any unpleasant side-effects.
According to a preclinical study published in 2014, THC can help slow down the advancement of beta-amyloid proteins. These proteins trigger neurodegenerative processes, which are linked to impairing cognitive function.
Marijuana For Cancer
Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for cancer. But, it may cause risks such as nausea, vomiting, pain, loss of appetite, etc. Medical researchers have found that marijuana can help in managing these risks.
The FDA-approved nabilone and dronabinol, marijuana-infused drugs are effective in managing nausea and vomiting. Dronabinol can help in boosting appetite in AIDS patients. CBD is beneficial in managing pain and inflammation, thus improving the quality of life.
Marijuana’s effects may vary from one patient to another. Additionally, how you consume cannabis impacts the medicinal effects of the herb. Marijuana-infused edibles can be taken as foods and beverages. They take hours to get absorbed, their effects last longer. On the other hand, smoking and vaping provide immediate effects. Topicals can be applied directly to the skin to receive localized relief.
Marijuana For Eating Disorders
Appetite loss is a common health issue among older adults. It can cause excessive weight loss, dizziness, and fatigue. In the United States, 78 percent of deaths occur due to anorexia, in seniors.
Medical researchers have found that endocannabinoid system impairment can result in the development of eating disorders. As a result, patients lose the desire to eat.
Marijuana’s chemical compounds bind to cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, thus stimulating appetite and regulating various other bodily functions.
For managing eating disorders, patients often take antidepressants and antipsychotics. However, these drugs can cause certain risks. But, marijuana use doesn’t lead to any unpleasant side-effects.
Get a Medical Cannabis Card Rochester
Marijuana is legal for medical purposes in California. You can access state-licensed dispensaries by getting a medical cannabis card Rochester. Now, using telemedicine technology, you can apply for an MMJ card from home. Here’s the process-
- Sign up an account
- See a licensed doctor through HIPAA-compliant platform
- Receive your MMJ rec letter in PDF format via email
In California, an MMJ card is valid for one year from the day it’s issued. If you want to continue using cannabis for medical purposes afterward, you need to apply for medical marijuana card renewal.
Key Takeaways
Marijuana has therapeutic properties, which can provide various health benefits. For seniors, cannabis can help in various ways. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, Alzheimer’s, and cancer are some of the common elderly conditions. Cannabis can help in managing the symptoms of these conditions. It provides natural effects and doesn’t cause any unpleasant side-effects as prescription medications.
Marijuana has various chemical compounds, such as THC—a psychoactive cannabinoid. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that provides anxiety relief and pain relief.
Talk to a licensed doctor for professional advice for marijuana strains, dosage, and consumption methods for managing your symptoms. Get a medical cannabis card Rochester to access dispensaries.
