Marijuana Use Among Elderly Growing Quickly.

Marijuana use among elderly
Medical Marijuana Use In Elderly Patients Growing Quickly

 

Marijuana use among elderly growing quickly!

Yes, you read that right.!  Marijuana use among the elderly is growing quickly!  The growing senior population associated with the aging of the massive baby boomer generation and increasing knowledge about the benefits of medical marijuana is resulting in a phenomenon in which more seniors are “just say[ing] yes” to the drug.  Although medical marijuana use among elderly is lower than some of their younger counterparts, the use is growing more quickly.  Why you ask?  Possibly because a growing body of scientific research now points to the benefits of medical marijuana and THC. Says Drugabuse.gov, “THC can increase appetite and reduce nausea. THC may also decrease pain, inflammation (swelling and redness), and muscle control problems.” More specifically, it’s used to treat a number of different health conditions, including the following, as identified by the Mayo Clinic:

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)Anorexia due to HIV/AIDS
  • Chronic pain
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Epilepsy or seizures
  • Glaucoma
  • Multiple sclerosis or severe muscle spasms
  • Nausea, vomiting or severe wasting associated with cancer treatment
  • Terminal illness
  • Tourette syndrome

Also, elderly folks are more likely to use marijuana for medical reasons, less likely to use daily, and more likely to buy legally.  And, they are much more likely to have started since legalization.  For more details read here.

The safety of medical marijuana is under debate due to its potential side effects. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two synthetic forms of legally prescribed marijuana: dronabinol and nabilone, and clinical research projects are underway aimed at investigating potential new types of marijuana-based drugs and their potential to treat everything from HIV and AIDs to mental disorders.  Medical marijuana is available in a number of different forms, including pills, oils, vaporized liquids, nasal sprays, dried leaves and buds, and plants.

To see if you or a loved one are eligible to incorporate medical marijuana into your care program, CLICK HERE.

Scott Lawrence
Author: Scott Lawrence

Scott is a cannabis fan, enjoying the experience as much as the feeling.