The legalization of the use of medical marijuana in many states is gradually disproving the negative stigmas about marijuana and replacing it with scientific evidence backing marijuana as an aide towards health and wellness. Most aged people grew up during a time when marijuana was illegal in the United States and may perhaps be the most misinformed about marijuana. However, it is ironical, that the aged might also be the ones that benefit the most from this natural plant. This article looks at some 10 things senior citizens should know about medical marijuana.
1. Marijuana is SAFER than many commonly prescribed conventional medications
Most old people take conventional drugs on a daily basis. It should be noted marijuana has less and insignificant side effects in comparison to the side effects of many conventional drugs, and no dead has ever been recorded a marijuana overdose. A 30-year research revealed that a person weighing 140 pounds would have to consume over 4 pounds of cannabis in one sitting to reach toxic levels, and that still would not be a fatal dosage. It should be noted that marijuana has powerful anti-oxidant effects which can provide relief for many disorders such as liver inflammation from Hepatitis C, lupus, irritable bowel syndrome, and many other serious health conditions that all involve inflammation and oxidative damage.
2. Cannabis is not physically addictive
Many old people fear that if they start using cannabis they will become addicted. It should be noted that people can use marijuana daily and then stop when they want to. Stopping the use of cannabis has much the same response as quitting the consumption of coffee. Marijuana can be used as a daily medicine by people who seek welcome and effective respite from chronic pain, anxiety, and stress.
3. Cannabis can reduce and possibly replace many conventional medications
One of the major complaints reported by old people about their daily medications is that the first pill often causes side effects that the second one is supposed to “fix.” The healing properties of marijuana target various conditions such as inflamed joints, high blood pressure, chronic pain, digestive disorders, constipation, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, cognitive awareness, just to name a few. Cannabis has the potential for accentuating the effect of many commonly prescribed conventional drugs. For example, opiate based painkillers are typically enhanced when cannabis is used concurrently, often resulting in a reduction of pharmaceutical medicines.
4. Many different types, or “strains” of marijuana exist
Growing marijuana is just like gardener growing other crops. The major marijuana strains are sativa, Indica and Highbrid strains. Each cannabis plant has its own personality and effects. There are cannabis strains that are very helpful for chronic pain relief and others that can make one feel very focused and energized, while others can be relaxing and help with a good night’s sleep.
5. There are cannabis strains without “the high”
Marijuana cultivators have developed and are currently producing potent CBD genetic cannabis trains that produce minimal psychoactive effect. It should be noted that CBD, or cannabidiol, the non psycho-active compound in marijuana is tremendous for inflammation, eases pain, stimulates bone growth, suppresses muscular spasms, reduces anxiety, and increases mental focus. There are equally liquid cannabis extracts that have no “high” at all which have proven extremely successful for persons suffering from arthritis pain, nausea, and muscle spasms.
6. There are many ways of consuming marijuana other than smoking it
One common misconception among old people is that they have to smoke cannabis to gain the medicinal benefits. There are liquid cannabis extracts, infused honey, candies, baked goods, and other products to choose from. Cannabis can be added to just about any regular recipe in the form of cannabis infused butters or oils. This opens up so many options for marijuana users to use the medicine.
7. Cannabis-infused ointments are very effective in alleviating arthritis and neuropathy pain
Locally made, medicated cannabis creams are very popular for sore joints, muscles and back pain. These cannabis creams are very effective, smell nice and give the user a no “high” so he/she can feel comfortable using the products throughout the day.
8. Cannabis does not lower the IQ of the user or cause brain damage
Most adults also have the common misconception that marijuana can lower intelligence or cause brain damage. No report has been recorded that shows that marijuana reduces or “kills brain cells.” Instead, clinical studies with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients show that marijuana gradually encourages new neural pathways, allowing those with impaired brain function to potentially halt further degeneration and even enhance brain function.
9. Marijuana can help increase the appetite of the user
Most aged people often loss appetite which can trigger weight loss. Cannabis has been extremely successful in alleviating nausea and boosting appetite. A recent research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology revealed an intriguing connection between cannabis use and body weight, with results showing that rates of obesity are lower by roughly a third in people who smoke cannabis at least three times a week, compared with those who don’t use cannabis at all.
