Medical Marijuana also popularly known as cannabis, refers to a plant with unique chemical compounds, collectively known as cannabinoids. CBD cannabinoids are well-known for their therapeutic effects curing a wide range of disorders such as chronic pain, neurological disorders, and so on. This therapeutic quality of CBD cannabinoids makes it popular among the adult population. As a result, it has emerged as an important component of geriatric treatment. The following section of the blog delves deeper into the key benefits of medical marijuana for senior citizens.
The Benefits of Medical Marijuana for Older Population
The older population suffers from a range of chronic health issues that often require prolonged treatment without substantial results. Medical Marijuana for senior citizens has immense potential that senior citizens are increasingly taking recourse to. Here are some compelling benefits of medical marijuana for senior citizens.
1. Help Fight Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are common health concerns for the older population. According to recent studies, loneliness, physical ailments, genetic factors and reduced physical activities are some of the major contributors to anxiety and depression among older populations. Persistent anxiety and depression lead to serious psychological and neurological disorders like dementia and Parkinson’s disease that require prolonged treatment and multiple medications.
However, taking long-term neurological medication also has serious health implications due to side effects. Studies have shown that medical marijuana is an effective alternative to traditional antidepressants to cure age-related anxiety and depression. This not only reduces the number of antidepressants but offers faster relief from depression and anxiety.
2. Potentially Improves Bones’ Strength
Bone density reduction is a common problem for women after the age of 30. This becomes worse in old age leading to Osteoporosis and osteopenia. According to research, over 10 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis of which 8 million are women.
Medical marijuana or CBD cannabis has the potential to revive lost bones, strengthen bone strength and make them less brittle. However, it is recommended that you consult your physicians to clarify the right dosages. Uncontrolled daily use of cannabinoids can have reverse impacts on bone density.
3. Effective Solution for Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common geriatric health concerns. However, arthritis is an auto-immune disease that is quite difficult to manage with hypnotic drugs or opioids. Moreover, some medications become counterproductive and might exacerbate the condition.
On the other hand, studies have shown that many adults get easily addicted to these drugs and misuse them. Cannabis helps patients to avoid such prescription drugs and their serious side effects. First of all, cannabis is an excellent stress reliever.
Since the majority of the pain is caused by extreme stress, cannabis can indirectly reduce arthritis. Secondly, cannabis like phytocannabinoids can effectively reduce arthritis pain without making patients addicted to it. The reason is that phytocannabinoids are metabolized by the endocannabinoid system rather than by opioid receptors.
4. Enhance Appetite
Various physical and mental ailments lead to appetite loss in senior patients which in turn leads to severe weight loss, weakness, depression, and so on. All these health issues worsen further with medicine’s side effects. Cannabis can effectively stimulate the appetite without any negative side effects such as addiction.
For instance, older adults with cancer often suffer from a lack of appetite due to chemotherapy. Dronabinol cannabis is commonly prescribed to enhance appetite. Additionally, physicians also prescribe synthetic THC-based medicine to those who experience negative reactions due to dronabinol.
5. Enhance Sleep Quality
Anxiety and depression along with other physical ailments often make older adults suffer from insomnia. Certain types of cannabis have sleep-facilitating properties. CBD cannabis is on the top of the list among other types that can calm your nerves and make you sleep better.
It contains melatonin hormone that effectively enhances your sleep-wake cycle. Even though CBD cannabis is available over the counter, it is recommended that you consult your physicians for the right dosage.