Getting older can be uncomfortable enough without adding extra aches, pains, and other ailments. The good news is that certain products on the market can help ease the process and create a more comfortable life for seniors. People have used medical marijuana for decades to help treat a multitude of medical conditions. More recently, though, more and more seniors have begun using CBD as a natural way to help treat and relieve ailments most commonly associated with old age. This includes using CBD for pain, insomnia, and eating disorders.
Can Elderly People Use Medical Marijuana?
People of all ages can use medical marijuana to help treat illnesses and chronic ailments. This is because medical marijuana is no longer limited to just inhaling. Medical marijuana or CBD can also be found in capsules, ointments, and tinctures (also sometimes referred to as CBD oils).
Medical Conditions Affecting Senior Citizens That Can Be Treated by MMJ
CBD or medical marijuana can be used to relieve and treat dozens, if not hundreds, of medical conditions. Here are some of the conditions most commonly treated by medical marijuana usage.
1. Chronic pain
As our bodies age, our joints start wearing down. This can lead to chronic pain diseases such as arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as back and neck pain. MMJ, as well as CBD capsules and oils, can provide immense pain relief in individuals suffering from chronic pain.
2. Spasticity
Spasticity is an abnormal increase in muscle tone and stiffness, which can interfere with speech and movement. Anyone can develop spasticity at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in individuals over 65. Spasticity can lead to quite a lot of pain and discomfort, but MMJ strains high in CBD can help with pain management.
3. Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes involuntary muscle movements such as shaking, muscle stiffness, and problems with balance and coordination. CBD oils have been found to not only relieve the effects of Parkinson’s disease but have also shown no known side effects.
4. Anorexia
Anorexia is a common diagnosis in elderly patients with mental disorders. In fact, the most common cause of death amongst people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s is starvation, as the brain stops sending hunger signals. MMJ usage can help increase the appetite in elderly patients and therefore help treat undernutrition.
What Type of Medical Issues is CBD Believed to Treat?
Medical marijuana, specifically CBD, has been studied extensively over the past few years for its medicinal uses. Studies and research have shown that CBD can help relieve the symptoms of dozens of medical conditions in senior citizens, as well as children and adults.
CBD is most commonly used by individuals to treat pain disorders, inflammation, insomnia, and anxiety. However, studies have also shown that CBD usage can reduce the number of seizures in people with epilepsy. CBD is also used to relieve the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and pain.
Other uses for CBD include treating acne, addiction, hypertension (high blood pressure), and diabetes.
Best Strains for Seniors
When you first start investigating MMJ for treatment, you will come across mentions of “strains” – the different types of MMJ available. There are hundreds of different medical marijuana strains out there, all of which have different effects. Finding the best strain for your ailments could be quite challenging, so here’s a breakdown of which strains are best for certain conditions.
Pain Relief
The most common use of medical marijuana among seniors is for pain relief. In fact, many seniors use medical marijuana for arthritis pain relief. These are the strains shown to be the most effective:
- Durban: High in Terpinolene, which can cause an increase in functionality
- Lemon G: Contains CBD to relieve inflammation and THC for pain relief
- Harlequin: High CBD levels relieve inflammation and assist functionality
Medical Marijuana as a Sleep Aid
Sleep is vital for our physical and mental health, and chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a plethora of health problems. These medical marijuana strains are considered the best sleep aids:
- Afghani: Contains high levels of Myrcene, which helps with relaxation and pain management
- Blueberry Space Cake: Contains Myrcene, a terpene that aids relaxation and pain relief
- Bio Jesus: High levels of Myrcene for pain relief and relaxation
Non-Inhale Strains
There are many strains available in capsules for seniors who don’t want to inhale their MMJ.
- Capsules (CBD:THC) 1:1: Capsules with high CBD levels are best for pain relief and joint inflammation
- Topical (CBD:THC) 1:1: Ointments high in CBD are a great option to relieve surface inflammation
- Tincture (CBD:THC) 1:1: High CBD variants are wonderful for pain relief and overall treatment of inflammation
Strains With High CBD levels
Strains with the highest levels of CBD are great overall strains to help relieve any ailment. These strains include:
- Ease: 1:10 (THC:CBD)
- Solevo: 50:1 (CBD:THC)
- Standard Farms: 10:1 (CBD:THC)
Senior citizens can use medical marijuana effectively for treating various conditions and ailments. Dosages can be adjusted according to the required effect and there’s no need to worry about negative side effects if the product is used according to the instructions.
Featured image by FORMAT arw on Unsplash
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