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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