Can Cannabis Benefit Baby Boomers and Elderly Persons?
Cannabis has been found to be a useful tool for managing pain, sleep, and anxiety in the elderly population. Many elderly individuals are not interested in getting "high" but rather seek relief from their symptoms. With the use of compounds such as CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids, it is possible to treat these symptoms without the psychoactive effects of THC.
When discussing cannabis with the elderly, it is important to address the stigma surrounding the plant. While many people still associate cannabis with recreational drug use, it is important to educate individuals on the medicinal properties of the plant and how it can be used to improve their quality of life.
We are finally moving past the point of stigma and into more research and more voices speaking up about the healing potential.
One of the challenges in using cannabis with the elderly is finding the right dosage and method of consumption. This is where education and guidance from healthcare professionals is crucial. It is important to start with low doses and gradually increase as needed, while monitoring for any adverse effects.
Any individual can contact a dispensary’s clinical director who is trained to assist with a plethora of ailments and guide a person to finding the right product for them. Low and slow is the name of the game. Once somone picks the right method to test, start with a low dose and make sure to journal. Track how you feel, pain levels, onset of relief, quality of sleep, and so much more to ensure you have the right insight to make informed decisions.
Despite the challenges, the use of cannabis in the elderly population shows promise for improving their overall well-being. As long as it is used responsibly and under the guidance of healthcare professionals, cannabis can be a valuable tool in managing pain, sleep, and anxiety in the elderly.
For more, listen to Episode 003 of the Mama Chill Club Podcast where we sit with a cannabis nurse with extensive training and implementation for seniors.