Will Senior Citizens and the Cannabis Communities Unite?

Medical cannabis and the discussions surrounding the topic are gaining traction every month, week and day.

With increasing scientific studies and a growing number of countries legalizing medicinal cannabis, the discourse surrounding the health benefits of cannabis is gaining prominence in mainstream media. This exposure brings relevant research and debates to audiences who typically wouldn't encounter such information about a once entirely illegal substance.

One newly enlightened group of beneficiaries is senior citizens.

The advantages of medical cannabis for common ageing health ailments are just as significant as for severe health conditions. Public talks and the accessibility of scientific research are arousing the curiosity of senior citizens looking to potentially switch out their medications for an alternative and natural treatment.

Medicinal cannabis is not yet available in the United Kingdom under NHS prescription, but the UK government has given the proposals for legalised medical marijuana the green-light and the change is expected to play out over the course of the next few months.

Conversely, in America, the use of medicinal cannabis has spanned more than two decades, consistently demonstrating the efficient control and administration of cannabis. It also underscores the notable advantages of the natural approach for consumers, often surpassing the benefits offered by certain conventional medications.

California became the first American state to legalise medical cannabis in 1996 and a further 30 States have subsequently followed in its footsteps, with nine having legalised recreational cannabis consumption more recently.

The latest survey by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health on the subject of senior citizens and weed found that the number of users aged 65+ had risen 250 per cent between 2006 and 2013. It wasn’t made clear how many of these were recreational users, but some conclusions from other research initiatives strongly hint towards a largely medicinal community of seniors marijuana users.

Marijuana can improve a senior’s quality of life in many ways, so more specifically, here are some of the common illnesses and symptoms of growing old that can be somewhat treated by the qualities of marijuana, in oral or topical form:

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain, or general pain, is extremely common among senior citizens, arthritis and nerve damage being two of the more common demons in older age. Medical marijuana can help ease any aches and pains that you or your relative experiences, without having to ingest marijuana in the traditional way.

The medical cannabis market is constantly expanding and now there are many THC infused lotions, rubs and creams that you can use as a topical treatment on any pains you may have.

Cancer

A primary application of medical cannabis is alleviating symptoms associated with cancer and the aftermath of chemotherapy. Cannabis can effectively mitigate sensations of nausea or vomiting induced by chemotherapy. Additionally, as noted earlier, if you're encountering discomfort due to your specific cancer type, marijuana can provide relief from such pains.

Two THC-infused pills have been approved by the FDA in America and these are prescribed to ease nausea in cancer patients. Studies are currently happening around the world to determine how effective cannabis is for treating tumours and other cancer illnesses.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s sufferers often reach for medical marijuana to combat some of the common symptoms or the degenerative disease which includes a loss of appetite and sometimes depression. However, research is also coming to light that THC, a chemical found in cannabis, can help to slow the creation of beta-amyloid proteins which are believed to be one of the key contributors to Alzheimer’s and its progression.

Osteoporosis

Among senior citizens, osteoporosis ranks as a prevalent bone ailment, weakening bones and heightening susceptibility to fractures. Cannabis, whether ingested orally or applied topically, can offer relief from symptoms associated with osteoporosis-related pain. However, the University of Edinburgh stresses the need for additional research concerning the actual treatment of osteoporosis, even after significant progress was achieved in 2009.

Diabetes

There are several advantages of using medical cannabis for the treatment and relief of diabetes-related symptoms.

Firstly, a study found that marijuana users had much lower fasting insulin levels and lower insulin resistance levels, therefore acting as a preventative for diabetes. Cannabis is also proven to prevent obesity, one of the biggest causes of diabetes.

Also, many diabetes patients will suffer from nerve disorders as a result of their illness and can experience pain, numbness and tingling, all of which can be eased with the topical or oral consumption of medical marijuana.

The list of ailments that cannabis can help to manage, or provide pain relief for, is endless. From cardiovascular disease and glaucoma, anxiety and depressions, to epilepsy and MS, medical cannabis can be a saviour for people of all ages suffering from a VERY broad range of illnesses.

Using cannabis as an alternative treatment and saying goodbye some of the traditional avenues can be favourable for a number of reasons.

Choosing natural methods of consumption is safer than many manufactured drugs and is less likely to interfere with necessary traditional medications. Medical cannabis doesn't have the addictive qualities of opioids and most pain relievers, and it helps avoid the unpleasant and risky side effects of standard medications.

Although many country leaders are coming around to the laboriously researched and heavily proven idea that cannabis has excellent healing or soothing properties, there is still a long way to go in changing people’s misconception of the drug. Senior citizens in particular were commonly raised to believe that cannabis is a criminal offence and must not be consumed under any circumstances.

Do the way America’s senior citizens consume cannabis for medicinal purposes show a trend that might apply to UK senior citizens once it is made legal for medical consumption? Will UK seniors warm to the idea after they realise the drug doesn’t need to be smoked to have a powerful affect?

In more countries that just America, seniors are the fastest growing population of new cannabis users for no other reason than it works. We’re not sure how the minds of UK seniors will be influenced after medical marijuana is made legal, but we’re sure hoping they at least give it a try!

In recent years, a growing number of countries around the world have embraced the legalization of medical cannabis. This significant shift in policy reflects a recognition of the potential therapeutic benefits that cannabis can offer to patients. Countries like Canada, the United States, Germany, Australia, and Israel have taken the lead in this movement, legalizing medical cannabis to varying degrees. These changes have not only provided relief to patients suffering from various medical conditions but have also paved the way for further research into the medicinal properties of cannabis. As the trend continues, more nations are exploring the potential of medical cannabis to improve the well-being of their citizens.