Tips for seniors trying cannabis for the first time

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.

Seniors are part of the fastest growing demographic of cannabis users. The growing population of elderly cannabis users is finding great relief in the natural benefits of cannabis, whether they choose CBD products or those with THC. It makes sense since cannabis is a wonderful natural solution to many ailments that affect the elderly.

According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, seniors use marijuana primarily to treat conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, and pain. “Surprisingly, we found that nearly three-fifths of cannabis users reported first using cannabis as older adults. These individuals were a unique group compared to those who had used cannabis in the past,” explains study co-author Kevin Yang.

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“New users were using cannabis for medical reasons rather than recreationally. The route of cannabis consumption has also varied, with new users using it topically as a lotion rather than smoking it or ingesting it as an edible. Also, they were more likely to tell their doctor about their cannabis use, reflecting that cannabis use is not as stigmatized as it used to be,” he adds.

Aside from that, cannabis use can also help you age gracefully. It can also be part of a holistic wellness program that keeps inflammation and disease at bay, or at least slows it down, like it does in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Whether you choose to get high or not, whether you use it medicinally or recreationally, there are a few things seniors should keep in mind when using cannabis for the first time:

Research your preferred consumption method

There are so many ways to consume cannabis these days. From smoking to vaping to edibles and more, the choices are endless. Just stay away from extremely strong cannabis like concentrates, which should be reserved for young, experienced stoners and is definitely not suitable for seniors.

Start slow

Seniors generally have more sensitive bodies, which means consuming anything with THC or CBD can come on faster and faster compared to younger consumers. Whatever type of consumption you choose, always start small and go slowly during your first few sessions. It can be extremely uncomfortable for a senior who has never used cannabis before to be higher than expected, so start with small doses.

Prepare the environment

When using cannabis for the first time, it is also important to create the right environment for your safety.

It is always recommended to do this at home or with a friend or family member, perhaps one who is knowledgeable about or has experience with cannabis. Heck, this is a good time to call your grandkids and ask them if they’d like to smoke with you!

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Also make sure you do not drive or use machines. It should be at a relaxed time and place when nothing else is on your to-do list for the day. Even better if you go straight to bed.

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hydrate

Although cannabis isn’t as dehydrating as alcohol, it can leave you feeling parched. Make sure to drink water and sip throughout the session. Water is a good way to keep you grounded if you get too high from consuming THC, and it can help keep anxiety at bay.

Have CBD nearby

Have some CBD on hand in case THC gets you too high. Anxiety and paranoia can be common among first-time users, especially seniors who are already prone to it. CBD softgels, sublinguals, or edibles would be the perfect antidote to this. It is known to be effective in relieving paranoia, and it may also prove useful in calming you down when the THC is causing palpitations.

snacks

Many seniors use cannabis to enjoy the increased appetite. Loss of appetite is common among the elderly, but you need food for both nutrition and healing. When consuming cannabis, especially if it contains THC, expect to increase appetite by making healthy snacks to chew during your session.

Get clearance from your doctor

Finally, check with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to use cannabis. Your doctor should know about all the medications you are taking and if there are any possible interactions that could lead to side effects.

RELATED: OK, Boomer: Marijuana use on the rise among older adults

Both CBD and THC are known to interact with certain medications and can cause their effectiveness to diminish over time. These include blood thinners, pain relievers, anticonvulsants, anti-anxiety medications, tranquilizers, and others. In some cases, starting cannabis use can even replace medication, but this is something you should discuss with your doctor.

It’s also wonderful to have a doctor who is knowledgeable about cannabis. Today, many doctors still don’t know much about its use, even for seniors, so it’s worth looking around for someone who does. You will be able to get accurate medical advice on the best way to use cannabis for your specific needs.

Conclusion

No matter your age, cannabis is a fantastic tool that makes the aging process a lot easier for both men and women. Whether your doctor prescribed it for medical reasons or you just want to discover the wonders you’ve read about (or your grandchildren told you about!), preparation is the key to having a memorable time, not one you have Leaves you with feelings like you didn’t at first.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.