How cannabis can be used for elderly care

As humans, it is in our nature to care. We care about our friends, family members, pets, anyone, or anything that matters to us. We strive for the best care, which is often more geared towards children and the elderly. Over the years, children seem to have more opportunities for developmental growth and general wellbeing. However, there does not appear to be much growth in the elderly – especially with prescription drugs.

We often think that older people should receive the highest level of care when in reality they are given the same opportunities as everyone else – sometimes even less. In the United States alone, people over the age of 65 consume 30 percent of prescription drugs. 40 percent are taking at least one over-the-counter drug. And although there are more drugs available to cure various diseases, there is still the problem of side effects, which can be fatal in the elderly.

Recently, however, doctors and researchers have begun switching from standard prescription drugs to medical cannabis in the hopes that it could be a better solution for elderly care. But how can cannabis help and how can it be the safest option for elderly patients?

How can cannabis help the elderly?

In most cases, elderly patients have problems ranging from arthritic pain and osteoporosis to cancer. Still, most patients are prescribed medication for the same conditions that younger patients face, such as insomnia, neuropathy, and anxiety. With elderly patients taking medication, the side effects can do more harm than good, which is why the medical world knew it was time to introduce cannabis as an option. In a 2019 clinical study, 184 patients underwent cannabis treatment, the mean age of which was around 82 years. After six months of treatment, 58 percent were still using cannabis, and of all respondents, 89 percent reported an improvement in their general condition. The most common side effects that some patients experienced were dizziness and drowsiness – little to no harm compared to prescription drugs.

Other studies have found that medical cannabis has reduced the use of prescription drugs, including opioids (which have become an epidemic in the United States) in patients. “Cannabis (both THC and CBD) can be very helpful for older users, especially as it helps with chronic pain relief and sleep problems,” said Will Seagaard, business unit manager at Fresh Connection Brands. “It is a safe alternative to traditional medicines and, when used correctly, can dramatically improve symptoms and the quality of life for those affected by these common ailments.”

Medical cannabis should still be considered carefully and individually for each patient and after trying different methods of oils, CBD capsules, or actual cannabis flower.

So where do we go from here?

Ultimately, cannabis use is increasing in the elderly and elderly. And over time, the stigma that cannabis had brought with it for years diminished. Medical cannabis research has continued to show its beneficial effects in treating insomnia and chronic pain. However, before starting any treatment or over-the-counter CBD, elderly patients must discuss cannabis use with their doctor or pharmacist, as cannabis use can interfere with other prescribed medications.

If you are looking for cannabis as an alternative for your elderly family member, do your research as best you can. If you have any questions, contact a medical cannabis dispensary or doctor in your area. First-time users should start with the lowest dose and build from there. That way, they experience minimal side effects.