MMJ and Seniors: What's The T? - Sweedsy MMJ and Seniors: What's The T? - Sweedsy
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MMJ and Seniors: What’s The T?

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Medical marijuana laws around the country are continually changing. New populations are beginning to explore a therapeutic potential of cannabis. The plant is getting more popular among senior citizens. However, is it right for them? Here’s the answer.

Medical Cannabis and Seniors

There are no grounds for a senior to be afraid of trying medical marijuana. Cannabis appears to be harmless to elderly consumers. Science also shows that cannabis can benefit the elderly population in various ways, thanks to its ability to relieve many of the health conditions that folks are likely to get as they grow older.

Research shows that the number of seniors who are consuming medical cannabis is growing fast. A study published in 2016 presented trends in marijuana use among the elderly in the period of 2006-2007 to 2012-2013.

During that time, the number of adults between the ages of 50-64 has increased by 57.8%. For the ages of 65 and up, the number skyrocketed by 250%. The reason has to do with the growing number of states where medical marijuana becomes legal. At the same time, an increasing body of knowledge about cannabis benefits has caused some of this growth.

Benefits of Medical Cannabis For Seniors

Medical cannabis can treat many disorders and health conditions in seniors. For example:

  • Some types of cancer;
  • Side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and pain;
  • Chronic pain, including pain from joint disorders, arthritis, nerve damage, and more;
  • Gastrointestinal disorders;
  • Glaucoma;
  • Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

Some of the most exciting research on medical marijuana benefits showed that it could help boost activity in aging brains. Researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany compared young, mature, and old mice by running memory and learning tests on them. Initially, the younger mice outperformed older ones. Then, the mice got a dose of THC. After that, the younger mice slowed down but, the older mice got faster and completed the maze with ease. THC gave a boost to the older mice so that the animal begins to perform almost as well as sober young mice. According to the lead researcher Andreas Zimmer, the results have to do with the stimulating of the endocannabinoid system. Of course, scientists need more research on the topic, but the actual outcomes are more than promising.

So, What’s The T?

The answer is yes; seniors can use medical cannabis. Moreover, they will benefit substantially from using it. Research shows that medical marijuana has proven effective in the treatment of a large number of health conditions present in the elderly.

Medical cannabis can help with chronic pain, neurodegenerative disorders, and relieving the consequences of chemotherapy. Marijuana can even help protect aging brains from early slowdown.

Before giving cannabis a try, a senior person should always consult their physician. It will help to find a suitable method of consumption and a right strain. In any case, it has to be fun and beneficial for anyone, regardless of (legal) age.

This post is based on this material.

(Sweedsy in no way encourages illegal activity and would like to remind its readers that marijuana usage continues to be an offense under Federal Law, regardless of state marijuana laws. To learn more, click here.)

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