3 Ways Seniors Can Benefit from Cannabis

The negative stigmas of cannabis, also known as marijuana, are becoming a thing of the past as scientific studies reveal that it can actually benefit us in many ways. People are increasingly incorporating cannabis into their lifestyle, with many states even legalizing its use. However, one group of people significantly less likely to accept cannabis usage is senior citizens. After all, they grew up at a time when cannabis was illegal and surrounded by negative stigma. They may be skeptical of the developments of this product over the years. Ironically, they are the ones that can benefit the most from this natural plant. Here's how:

Pain Relief

Nearly all seniors suffer from some kind of pain, including pain resulting from inflammation, injury, nerve pain, chronic pain like arthritis, and pain as a result of other elderly health issues. Cannabis is said to contain hundreds of chemical compounds, including CBD and THC. THC is known to stimulate the brain's cannabinoid receptors, which in turn activates the brain's reward system and alleviates pain. CBD, on the other hand, interacts with the brain's pain receptors to cause anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Seniors shouldn't smoke marijuana, yet they can still achieve the same results through edibles and topical treatments infused with cannabis. That being said, it's essential to start small, and perhaps consult with a doctor to help agree on a dosage that suits your lifestyle and needs.

A Safer and Cheaper Alternative to Prescription Drugs

​Older people take all kinds of prescription drugs daily. These drugs often have serious side effects that can be dangerous or, in some cases, even make the situation worse. Studies show that cannabis can help treat or alleviate many health conditions common in seniors, including glaucoma, cancer, diabetes, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, and arthritis, to name a few. It does so without all the severe side effects, addictive properties, or reaching toxic levels. This makes cannabis a safer alternative to many prescription drugs like opioids and antipsychotics. Additionally, with all the diseases it can help with, it's not hard to see why using cannabis is much more cost-efficient than using prescription drugs. Keep in mind that not all cannabis products are the same, which is why you need a trustworthy supplier that can suit your needs like the dispensaries in Vegas.

Helps with Sleep

The prevalence of sleep-related complications, such as insomnia, increases with age. In fact, nearly half of the elderly population struggle with falling and staying asleep throughout the night. Having a good night's sleep is essential for our physical health. It's also during sleep that our brains naturally regenerate while removing any toxic substances generated by the body. This helps with mental wellness and prevents a number of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Back to cannabis, studies have shown that it can help rectify this problem. It extends the time one spends in deep sleep while shorting the time they spend in light sleep, allowing your senior loved one to get the crucial benefits of a good night's sleep. Unlike sleeping pills, cannabis is not addictive and works every time.
Scientists have found several real benefits of cannabis use with other studies still underway. The scientific evidence is, however, not conclusive, which makes it extremely important for seniors to discuss the use of cannabis with their doctor.