5 Ways Cannabis Can Improve The Life Of Seniors

Cannabis is becoming increasingly popular throughout the United States, especially thanks to its many beneficial qualities. Many people now use medical cannabis for a wide range of mental and physical symptoms. And while you may usually associate cannabis use with younger people, there are many ways cannabis can improve the life of seniors.

People of all ages can benefit from cannabis - including elderly patients. Many of the medical benefits of cannabis are particularly helpful for seniors struggling with issues such as joint pain, anxiety, sleep problems, and cognitive disorders. Here are 5 of the most interesting ways cannabis can improve the life of seniors.

1. Relief For Chronic Pain

One of the most commonly touted benefits of cannabis is its ability to relieve pain and inflammation. Research shows that cannabinoids can be incredibly helpful in the treatment of difficult-to-manage pain. This applies to all kinds of pain, including nagging chronic pain, injuries, aches, inflammation, and neuropathic pain.

Naturally, this can increase the quality of life of many senior patients, especially those who struggle with problems such as joint pain. For instance, studies show that cannabis helps with osteoarthritis pain. It can also help with other issues that commonly affect the elderly, such as fibromyalgia, cancer pain, or nagging headaches and migraines.

Smoking or vaping cannabis can deliver soothing physical relief instantly. With that said, some patients may prefer to use smokeless methods of consumption such as cannabis edibles or oils. Those who prefer to avoid psychoactive effects can also use CBD products - research shows cannabidiol is also helpful for relieving pain and inflammation.

2. Help With Anxiety And Depression

Many elderly patients struggle with their mental health. For instance, statistics from Mental Health America state that over two million Americans aged 65 or over suffer from some form of depression. Many also struggle with anxiety symptoms, whether due to health problems, life concerns, or the loss of friends and family members.

This is another reason why cannabis can be particularly helpful for seniors. Research on using cannabis for mood disorders shows that the effects of cannabis can help significantly decrease ratings of anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. What’s more, only a small dosage of cannabis is needed to counteract these symptoms.

CBD is also helpful. Research shows that CBD can help with PTSD - a form of anxiety that’s common in elderly patients. Research also shows that CBD exhibits antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects, meaning it can help with many forms of depression and anxiety. Many senior patients find that cannabis and CBD help to boost their mood and ultimately improve their quality of life.

3. Improvements In Sleep

Sleep problems are common for all ages. From insomnia to disrupted sleep to poor sleep quality, these issues can drastically impact the quality of life of sufferers. These issues are also common for seniors, especially those who struggle with other physical or mental symptoms that impact their sleep.

Fortunately, cannabis can help users improve their sleep. The physically and mentally relaxing qualities of cannabis can make it much easier to fall asleep. What’s more, it can help users sleep for longer and feel more refreshed in the morning. This is especially helpful for elderly patients who struggle with sleep, often due to issues such as aches, pains, or stress.

A study on using CBD for anxiety and sleep found that cannabidiol can also be helpful. The study found that a small dosage of CBD each day helped users reduce their anxiety symptoms. On top of that, it also helped improve their sleep. As such, seniors who would rather avoid getting high can use CBD to improve their sleep quality and enhance their quality of life.

4. Reduce The Risk Of Alzheimer’s And Dementia

Cognitive decline is especially common in elderly patients. For instance, many seniors suffer from various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. These problems are often progressive, meaning they slowly get worse over time. However, taking measures to reduce the impact of cognitive decline can help significantly.

Interestingly, a 2016 study found that the cannabinoids in cannabis can help slow down the inflammatory response that leads to Alzheimer’s disease. Another study found that the therapeutic benefits of THC can help halt the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms. A study on CBD also found that it can reverse cognitive decline and promote neurogenesis.

These findings suggest that cannabis may help elderly patients reduce the risk of cognitive impairment. Even those who are currently struggling with the effects of Alzheimer’s or other cognitive disorders may find that cannabis improves their mood and cognitive abilities, helping to enhance their quality of life.

5. Cannabis Exhibits Anticancer Effects

Elderly patients often suffer from various forms of cancer. The effects of cancer can be debilitating in many ways, causing pain, mental anguish, and various other physical and mental symptoms. Common treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also cause further issues for patients.

Medical cannabis is often prescribed to patients with cancer for various reasons. A 2020 research review found that the cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis exhibit anticancer effects, meaning they may help slow down the progression of cancer. Additionally, the physically and mentally soothing qualities of cannabis can help cancer sufferers improve their quality of life.

Some elderly patients suffering from cancer find that cannabis helps relieve the pain and sleep problems caused by their condition. Many also find that it helps them improve their mood and maintain an optimistic mind state. A 2011 study also found that cancer helped cancer patients regain their appetite, helping to curtail side effects such as cachexia.

Conclusion

Cannabis can improve the life of seniors in various ways. The physically relieving effects of cannabis can help senior patients relieve chronic pain, inflammation, headaches, migraines, and other forms of physical distress. The mental benefits can decrease symptoms of chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help with sleep problems and appetite issues.

There are many effective ways for senior patients to use cannabis. While some may enjoy smoking or vaping cannabis strains, others may prefer using tasty cannabis edibles or convenient oils. You can also use a range of non-psychoactive CBD products. Patients in Detroit can find all of these products at Green Genie Cannabis.