When it comes to cannabis use, a vast majority of users are young adults. According to Statista, 22% of people who currently smoked as of July 2019 were between the ages of 18 and 29. While adults over the age of 65 make up a small percentage of users, the number of seniors using cannabis products is on the rise. Therefore, it’s no surprise, as there are numerous benefits of cannabis for seniors.
Arthritis
As you age, your risk of developing arthritis increases. There are a few different types, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Regardless of the form arthritis takes, one thing’s for certain, your joints become tender, sore, and stiff. Moving around can feel impossible.
Cannabis topicals can help alleviate arthritis pain. When you rub a topical into the skin where you’re tender, the cannabinoids absorb into your skin. Additionally, tthey interact with the cannabinoid receptors to provide localized pain relief.
In addition to topicals, edibles, smoking dry flower, and vaping can also help alleviate pain. Cannabis provides a more natural alternative to conventional pain medications, and it doesn’t have the same risk of dependency.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma, a condition in which fluid builds up in the eyes and damages the nerves, is one of the leading causes of blindness. Typically, eye doctors prescribe special eye drops to help alleviate the pressure. For some, cannabis may be able to achieve the same goal.
Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Decline
Medical cannabis can benefit seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other similar conditions. For some, it can help to alleviate the depression symptoms that often come with cognitive decline and boost the appetite. A study in 2014 also found that cannabis can slow the advancement of beta-amyloids. These can accumulate in the brain, often indicating Alzheimer’s. According to the study, THC may be a potential treatment.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are very common among seniors. As you get older, you may lose the desire to eat, which may be caused by body image issues, psychological reasons, or something else beyond your control. Poor eating habits can become chronic and lead to serious health issues.
In many cases, eating disorders are treated using antidepressants or antipsychotics. Cannabis provides a much safer alternative. It can help to boost your appetite, making food look and smell appealing so that you can eat.
Cancer
Many cancer patients use cannabis as a means to alleviate the side effects of chemo treatment, such as nausea and vomiting. Some use it to help ease symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, a condition that affects your nerves and causes tingling, numbness, and pain. Some promising studies are also showing that the cannabinoids in cannabis may be able to slow and even reduce tumor growth.
It’s not just young adults who use cannabis, or who see any benefits from smoking, using a tincture, or consuming an edible. Cannabis provides several benefits for seniors as well. If you’re interested in trying cannabis to help with your health concerns, speak with your doctor. While cannabis can provide significant benefits, it can also cause adverse reactions if mixed with other medications. Being under the care and guidance of a medical professional who supports the use of cannabis can help you to get the relief you need.