How Seniors Can Benefit from Medical Marijuana – Everything You Need to Know

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that cannabis use is on the rise among senior citizens. It was based on the three-year data collected between 2016 and 2018.

By getting a medical marijuana card NJ, a patient can legally use cannabis for managing their symptoms. Other benefits include access to high-potency cannabis products and age relaxations.

In today’s post, we are going to discuss how older adults can benefit from cannabis use.

What is Medical Marijuana?

Medical marijuana refers to flowers, concentrates or other forms of cannabis, which is properly grown by maintaining appropriate environmental conditions. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 chemical compounds, which are called cannabinoids. THC and CBD are the two important cannabinoids, and users always consider checking their concentrations when purchasing cannabis products.

Medical studies have found that marijuana is beneficial in improving mood, managing racing thoughts, and boosting focus at work. Although you can find various medications for these health benefits, they can cause various side-effects.

Medical Marijuana For Seniors

With scientific evidence that cannabis is safer than medications, more seniors are applying for marijuana evaluations in cannabis legalized states. Here are the top elderly conditions the herb can help-

– Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is common among older adults. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 15 percent of people over 65 countrywide use prescription pain medication.

According to a new research published in Health Affairs, the majority of the users use marijuana for managing chronic pain.

In the body, there exist a wide range of cannabinoid receptors to which cannabinoids found in marijuana bind, thus reducing the perception of pain.

Top cannabis strains for pain management are—White Widow, Sour Diesel, ACDC, Harlequin, Northern Lights, and Afghan Shah.

– Alzheimer’s Disease

It’s another common elderly condition. It destroys memory and other mental functions. Alzheimer’s patients often experience trouble focusing on daily activities, recognizing things, and difficulty self care.

Marijuana can be used as an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The psychoactive cannabinoid THC can help slow the growth of beta-amyloid—a protein that damages plaques in the brain.

Additionally, cannabis is known for its amazing anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is one of the major reasons for the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Top strains for Alzheimer’s disease are—LSD, The Ox, Green Crack, Strawberry Milkshake, Toxic Punch, and Critical 47.

– Anxiety

In the United States, 10-20 percent of the older population suffers from anxiety, still it’s often undiagnosed. Seniors with anxiety often avoid things, places, etc. that cause fears and worries. Common reasons for the development of anxiety disorders are—stress, family history of anxiety, alcohol, caffeine, or drugs.

Cannabis cannabinoids can help in boosting mood and managing other anxiety symptoms. Research says that CBD is known for delivering relaxing effects and managing panic attacks associated with anxiety disorders. The cannabinoid works by interacting with neurotransmitters that regulate mood. In other words, CBD can help improve cognitive function, thus calming the mind and reducing stress.

Top cannabis strains for anxiety sufferers are—Skywalker OG Kush, Cannatonic, Purple Headband, Chocolate Mint OG, Ice Cream Man, and Pennywise.

– Insomnia

Insomnia refers to trouble sleeping and staying asleep during night. As we age, the quality of sleep also deteriorates. Some evidence suggests—for each subsequent decade, an average person loses 27 minutes of sleep.

Marijuana is helpful in improving sleep. Some seniors say that the herb is a natural alternative to sleep pills.

Conditions such as chronic pain, PTSD, etc. contribute to lack of sleep. And, marijuana is beneficial in managing them, thus improving sleep.

Top marijuana strains for improving sleep are—Granddaddy Purple, Afghan Kush, Tahoe OG Kush, Brownie Scout, Mochi, Bubba Kush, and Girl Scout Cookies.

– Anorexia Nervosa

It’s an eating disorder characterized by fear of gaining excessive weight. Some medical experts believe that depression, loneliness, and fear of aging are some of the common triggers of anorexia nervosa. The treatment approaches are often based on determining the triggers of this condition and adopting healthy habits to ease stress.

Marijuana use boosts appetite, thus helping fight anorexia nervosa. Its cannabinoids work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating various bodily functions including appetite.

In a small study by the Center for Eating Disorders at Odense University Hospital in Denmark, participants were given a placebo or dronabinol. Researchers found that participants gained 1.6 lbs more on dronabinol—a synthetic form of THC.

Top cannabis strains for fighting anorexia nervosa are—Pure Kush, GigaBud, Granddaddy Purple, Blue Dream, Pennywise, and Maui Bubble Gift.

Conclusion

Marijuana can help people with different age groups promote wellness. Seniors can use the herb for various conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, and anorexia. Studies have found that cannabis provides natural results, and works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system of the body.

If you are interested in using marijuana for health benefits, make sure you get a doctor’s recommendation. At Online Medical Card, you can apply for a medical marijuana card NJ from home. Here’s the process-

• Sign up for an account online
• See an MMJ doctor via video call
• Receive your recommendation letter in PDF via email

You can use the card to access state-licensed dispensaries legally, save cannabis taxes, and get age relaxations.

Expert tip- Factors such as dosage, strains, and delivery method influence the marijuana effects on the body. Discuss your condition with a licensed doctor and seek professional help on how to use the herb right.

Source: https://mdganja.com/blog/medical-marijuana-for-seniors-everything-you-need-to-know/