Cannabis and the Elderly

Aug 31, 2023

Thanks to a reduced stigma, and easier access, cannabis products have become more popular  among senior adults. The more that they were asked, the more it became apparent that older  adults were using cannabis, and they were using it a lot. Of course, most of them were using it  for medicinal use, especially since in the last few years with several articles having come out  describing the plant’s positive effects. 

With this new knowledge researchers have learned that cannabis may help to relieve agitation  by regulating neurotransmitters, reducing brain inflammation and improving circadian rhythm  disturbances seen in dementia. With certain cannabis products there can be a relief in these  symptoms that keep the patient calmer; while it doesn’t stop the decline of the disease it helps to  ease the patients discomfort. 

Cannabis products come in many forms, so it is easier now to get the therapeutic effects of  cannabis without having to smoke it. Many elderly are using salves to soothe joint pain, tinctures  to help with falling asleep, and to simply help with the day-to-day anxiety. While this can be a  great way to improve some symptoms and give the elderly a better quality of life, depending on  their ailments, there are also possible negative effects. 

Since cannabis is a relatively understudied drug, there is not a ton of medical research going  into the articles that are saying marijuana is actually improving the lives of the elderly. Things to  be aware of when it comes to the elderly and cannabis use include: the interaction between  cannabis and other prescribed medications, the increased likelihood of injures, and its potential  to impair cognition. With these warnings in mind, cannabis use can be safe for the elderly, as  long as it is used in moderation and with plenty of caution. 

A lot of the evidence of out there making health claims is anecdotal. Without further research  it is hard to know exactly what will happen with the elderly increasing their consumption of  cannabis. However, the best way to start studying the relationship between the elderly and  cannabis would be to study how it effects those with dementia. While it can’t stop the disease  entirely, it does have the potential to help halt the disease’s progression. This means that those  with dementia have the ability to live better lives with symptoms that are more tamed. Of course, moderation is key when it comes to cannabis consumption, especially when it comes to older  adults. 

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