Currently, marijuana is legal in a few US states, including Florida. As far as the federal government is concerned, it remains unlawful. According to estimates, at least several million Americans presently use medical marijuana, and about 85% of Americans favor its legalization. Medical marijuana is popular as a natural drug alternative due to over a hundred active ingredients. THC and CBD, the main marijuana compounds, have medicinal attributes. Moreover, they can work along with traditional medication to offer therapeutic benefits. CBD has numerous advantages, ranging from managing potentially fatal diseases like epilepsy to reducing pain, anxiety, sleeplessness, and stiffness. Moreover, THC can aid the aging population with appetite stimulation and sleep, among other issues. However, one must obtain a medical marijuana card Jacksonville for adherence to marijuana laws.
This article will discuss the role of medical marijuana for managing health issues among seniors as they age. Moreover, we will shed light on how MMJ can be effective for health as per legal regulations in Florida.
What is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana is a therapeutic drug with hundreds of vital constituents called cannabinoids. CBD and THC are the major marijuana cannabinoids with healing effects for health. They affect the human body by altering the endocannabinoid system responsible for pain, sleep, hunger, and other physiological functions.
As soon as you ingest marijuana, it interacts with ECS receptors CB1 and CB2, thereby altering the sensation of pain, mood, memory, concentration, time perception, appetite, coordination, and sensory perception.
For seniors, medical marijuana shows promise in managing a number of health issues, such as severe pain, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s. However, navigating how it influences seniors is important.
Medical Marijuana Use among Seniors
As more senior citizens look into alternative therapy alternatives for a range of medical ailments, MMJ use among this demographic has grown in popularity in recent years. Cannabis is becoming more widely acknowledged for its potential to ease the symptoms of a variety of illnesses. These illnesses include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, glaucoma, chronic pain, anxiety, sleeplessness, and arthritis.
Moreover, medical marijuana can be effective for chronic pain that millions of Americans experience, particularly as they age. The following are some important facts about senior citizens’ use of medical marijuana:
Medical Marijuana: Benefits for Seniors
1. Pain Management
People in their senior years frequently experience chronic pain as a result of diseases, including fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and arthritis. Research shows that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) in particular, have demonstrated promise in reducing inflammation and discomfort.
2. Mood disorders
The symptoms of anxiety, despair, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also be managed by marijuana. It may be helpful for seniors coping with age-related life changes, like the death of a loved one or problems with mobility.
3. Sleep Problems
Medical cannabis strains with higher CBD levels are frequently used to manage sleep disorders. Research indicates that they can aid seniors suffering from insomnia or poor sleep quality.
4. Neurodegenerative Diseases
Research on cannabis’s neuroprotective effects shows that it may help slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases i.e. Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. However, more research is required in this area.
5. Glaucoma Management
Cannabis may help to lower intraocular pressure, and manage glaucoma, a common eye condition that, if left untreated, can cause blindness.
Considering the Risks and Side Effects
Despite the benefits of medical marijuana for health issues among seniors, it is important to be mindful of the risks of MMJ use. You must contact a medical professional for guidance on the safe use of medical marijuana.
1. Cognitive Impairment
THC is an intoxicating marijuana compound that may cause short-term cognitive effects like memory loss or confusion. This can be problematic for elderly people, especially those who already have dementia or cognitive decline.
2. Drug Interactions
Elderly patients frequently take several prescription drugs, and cannabis may have harmful interactions with drugs like blood thinners, antidepressants etc.
3. Falls and Mobility Issues
Certain cannabis products may reduce motor coordination, induce drowsiness, or cause dizziness, which may make seniors more susceptible to falls or accidents, particularly those who have mobility issues.
4. Elevated cardiac Rate
Seniors who have cardiac issues, including arrhythmia, hypertension, or risk factors for heart attacks or stroke,s may be at risk due to THC’s ability to raise heart rates. Considering that elderly persons may have compromised cardiovascular systems, this side effect is especially concerning.
5. Blood Pressure Variability
Although certain cannabis strains have the potential to reduce blood pressure, others may increase it. Blood pressure fluctuations can lead to lightheadedness, dizziness, or an increased risk of falls, particularly in older adults who are already taking blood pressure medicine.
Important Tips for Seniors Using Medical Cannabis
1. Speak with a Healthcare Provider
Before using medical marijuana, especially if you are currently taking prescription medicines, you must speak with a doctor. A medical professional can assist in opting for the right form of medical cannabis.
2. Start with Low doses
Elderly people must start with a small dosage of medicinal marijuana, especially if there are traces of THC, and increase it gradually as needed.
3. Take into Account Non-Psychoactive Products
Seniors can select products that are low in THC and rich in CBD to prevent the cognitive and psychoactive effects of THC.
4. Regularly Track Effects
It is critical for seniors to keep track of how cannabis is affecting them, noting both any beneficial benefits like pain relief or improved sleep and any negative effects such as confusion or dizziness.
Final Thoughts
Although MMJ has the potential to help seniors with a number of medical ailments, it is not without risks and adverse effects. The use of medications, pre-existing medical illnesses, and age-related changes in metabolism may make the elderly more vulnerable to these effects. It is crucial that elders speak with healthcare experts before using MMJ to properly balance the risks and benefits. My Florida Green experts can assist you in beginning your marijuana journey, as we have the best doctors with marijuana specialization. We can also help you apply for a medical marijuana card Jacksonville to buy and possess MMJ.
