Senior citizens looking to improve their quality of life are making a beeline for the marijuana dispensaries!
Older adults over age 60 are among the fastest-growing group of cannabis consumers in the United States. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found only 0.4% of adults age 65 and older reported using cannabis products between 2005-2006. By 2015, that percentage doubled and then doubled again in 2018 to nearly 4.2%.
The continued rise in elderly patients who are ‘cannacurious’ means there’s an even bigger need for good educational resources. With the correct information, older adults can feel more confident and safe when deciding to include medical marijuana into their lifestyle.
How Has Cannabis Changed Over the Years?
Interest in medical marijuana has increased thanks to reduced stigma, state legalizations, and newly discovered research on the benefits of cannabis for specific conditions primarily afflicting elderly patients. Some older adults enjoy cannabis recreationally to help them stay physically active. Many more use medical marijuana and CBD for chronic pain, sleeping problems, and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Looking back, we see just how much cannabis has changed from the ‘60s and ‘70s compared to today’s market. No more kilo bricks and meeting behind the school to toke up before class. Cannabis consumption has transcended beyond the average stoner. Not only has the flower become more potent, but experts say there are over 700 unique cannabis strains!
Probably the most crucial aspect that has changed is the rigorous lab testing required for all medical and recreational marijuana products. Consumer safety is one of the biggest factors for every cannabis business and dispensary. The industry as a whole is still relatively new, and regulations vary from state to state. Lab testing ensures all cannabis products being placed on the market are of high quality and contain no residual contaminants, such as pesticides or heavy metals.
Testing also helps determine the potency and terpene profile to ensure safe consumer experiences. Terpenoids are the aromatic oils found on the plant. These molecules are also responsible for the flavor you will taste whether you smoke flower, concentrates, or vape, and influence the effect of the product.
What Cannabis Products Work Best for Older Adults?
It’s your first trip to the dispensary, and what do you see? Options upon options. How do you know what will work best?
Walking into a dispensary can be overwhelming and intimidating. Seeing all the various products and the scores of young patients might have you wondering if cannabis is right for you. Rest assured, you’re not alone in your thoughts. That’s why having the right knowledge is essential to make sure you have the best experience possible.
The dispensary workers are trained to understand the differences, benefits, and disadvantages of every cannabis product sold in-store. Here’s a summary of the options many older patients choose to try:
- Edibles – Cannabis edibles are foods or drinks infused with THC and/or CBD that let you enjoy the effects of marijuana without needing to smoke or vape. Edible gummies and chocolate are popular choices for older patients because they’re easy to consume and discreet.
It can take 30 minutes to two hours for the effects to kick in versus the immediate effects of smoking marijuana, but one edible can last you almost an entire day without needing another dose! The most common phrase you’ll hear for first-time cannabis users is, “start low, go slow.” Edibles with 2.5mg of THC are a recommended starting point for first-time cannabis users
- Topicals – Cannabis-infused balms, lotions, and oils offer the therapeutic benefits of marijuana without the high. Topicals are the most popular choice for localized pain relief, soreness, and inflammation. Some evidence shows they may even help with psoriasis, dermatitis, and arthritis.
- Patches – Transdermal patches are akin to nicotine patches, but instead, you’re getting a slow release of cannabinoids, the active ingredients found in cannabis. Along with their convenience, some patches will work for over 12 hours and up to 96 hours!
- Tinctures – Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that contain high levels of terpenes and cannabinoids. They can be applied under the tongue or mixed in with foods and drinks. Tinctures are fast-acting and are delivered using a dropper for easy dosing.
What Are the Potential Risks for Seniors Using Cannabis?
Just like with any other medicine, there are potential risks and harmful side effects from using cannabis. Impairments with attention span, motor coordination, and verbal memory can be amplified in older patients with preexisting brain impairments and struggle with pulmonary and cardiovascular conditions. Other seniors reported experiencing dizziness and fatigue. Some studies show it could also be harmful to those who recently had a heart attack.
Another point to consider is how cannabis interacts with other medications. It may cause certain medicines to stop working or lead to an increase in their side effects.
Change in marijuana itself from what it was in the ’60s and ’70s also makes others wary of trying it. The potency has gradually gotten much stronger, and some worry that older patients won’t take dosing seriously because they remember what it was like when they first tried weed.
However, many seniors have said these risks are avoidable by carefully dosing and monitoring your medication schedule. Cannabis has already become a suitable replacement to other pharmaceuticals for many older patients, especially those who were already experiencing adverse side effects from extended medication use.
Even with all the well-deserved recognition cannabis receives, you must always speak to your physician first before trying medical marijuana. Or, you can consult with Medically Correct’s nurse hotline partners at Leaf 411. This free cannabis hotline consists of trained nurses who provide education and directional support about legal cannabis use.
Cannabis Product Selections for Seniors Are Better Than Ever!
Older adults deserve well-crafted cannabis that suits their needs just as much as anyone else. Whether you’re a newcomer or are no stranger to the world of cannabis, Medically Correct offers a wide range of products from award-winning brands. Our edibles, vapes, topicals, and more are created by some of the top experts in the business.
We’re committed to supporting the health and wellness of our consumers, young and old!