Medical Marijuana for Seniors Citizens

Medical Marijuana for Senior Citizens is more popular now than ever before. A recent study conducted by New York University found that more than 20 percent of marijuana users over age 65.   Research has shown that it is particularly effective at treating chronic pain. It can also help Cancer, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has also helped many Seniors that suffer with ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.  All of which are all particularly prevalent among the elderly. In addition, marijuana has helped people of all ages that suffer with insomnia.

So is Medical Marijuana for Senior Citizens? Can it help your parents or even your grandparents?

Medical Marijuana for Senior Citizens is an increasing trend among today’s older adults. Cannabis use among seniors from 2006 to 2013 has increased by 250 percent. Since Florida passed in 2016 it has helped to alleviate those suffering from many conditions. Including the following medical conditions:

Cancer

One of the primary uses of medical marijuana is to help cancer patients go through difficult rounds of chemotherapy. Studies have shown that smoking marijuana can help with nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. Studies have also shown smoked or vaporized marijuana can help with the pain suffered through neurological damage. It can also help patients get their appetites back.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease are now turning to medical marijuana as well. It can help with symptoms of depression and loss of appetite. These symptoms are a result of this degenerative brain disease. Alzheimer affects more than four million Americans’ cognition and memory every year.

In 2014, there was a pre-clinical study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. It analyzed the “potential therapeutic effects of THC” on the disease.” Researchers introduced THC to beta-amyloids. These are clumps of proteins that build up on the brain and are one of the leading signs of the presence of Alzheimer’s. They found that medical marijuana for senior citizens can help slow the advancement of these beta-amyloids. Results from the study “strongly suggest that THC could be a potential therapeutic treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease”.

Chronic Pain

Research shows that marijuana can help relieve acute and chronic pain by attacking the already-present cannabinoid receptors in our body. There are medical marijuana rubs, creams, and lotions infused with THC that seep through your skin and work on a singular area of pain. This is a more convenient and natural alternative than opioids. It has been proven that medical marijuana can be far less addictive, and far less expensive.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an issue with your eyes that occurs when a buildup of fluid damages the nerves in your eyeball. It is the leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 60. This disease causes increasing pressure in your eyes because of the amount of fluid, which affects your eyesight. For years, doctors have prescribed glaucoma eye drops to reduce pain. However, marijuana can act as an effective pain reliever as well.

So is Medical Marijuana right for you?

There are many reasons why senior citizens will find medical marijuana to be beneficial. But let’s take a look at a several more reasons why seniors are turning toward medical marijuana:

  • It’s safer: Medical marijuana is often a safer alternative to many prescription drugs like opioids and anti-psychotics. It also has far fewer severe side effects.
  • More cost efficient A senior spends on average close to $3,000 per year on prescription drugs alone. Contrast that with the national average of how much a person spends on medical marijuana. Seniors can save about $650 per year.
  • It is available in many convenient forms including: Creams, lotions, edibles, and oils. Seniors have found medical marijuana to  as a way to end suffering with lotions and creams that do not cross the blood brain barrier

In Conclusion

You and your doctor are the best ones to decide on whether Medial Marijuana is a good choice for you. As well as the best “route” for you to take it. If you do decide to try it, make sure you follow the doctor’s orders and start slow! Report any unwanted side effects to your doctor immediately. This will allow them to adjust your dosage and find the right one for you.

There is a lot of education that comes along with using medical marijuana. However, no matter your age, you must work closely with your doctors.