Cannabis and Aging
From 2006 to 2013, cannabis use increased by 57% for adults
age 50-64 years old and by 250% by those over 65 years of age, according to
researchers at New York University. Cannabis medicines are increasingly used to
address many medical issues facing older patients.
The University of Iowa researchers for the Gerontological
Society of America addressed the use of medical cannabis is a 2017 policy
study. Cannabis may be an effective substitute for prescription opioids and
other misused medications. Cannabis has emerged as an effective alternative for
the undertreatment of pain at the end of life.
The use of cannabis to treat diseases and conditions of the
elderly goes back as far as the 19th century, when the noted
physician John Reynolds used cannabis indica extract to treat an older patient
with dementia. Recent evidence shows that cannabis may slow or prevent some
aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of senile dementia.
Many of the conditions for which cannabis medicines can be
effective are common among the elderly, such as chronic pain and arthritis,
appetite stimulation, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and insomnia. Cannabis may also
help to elevate mood and helps relieve eye pressure in glaucoma. It is an
anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Cannabis has also been known to slow the process of aging.
The biggest problem that may face seniors in certain states
or territories who wish to use medical cannabis is a safe and reliable access
to the medicine. When consuming cannabis it is important for the elderly
patients to find a cannabis medicine with a low THC content. When the baby
boomers were younger and enjoying cannabis, the THC potency of marijuana was
lower and the CBD potency was higher. Older patients should take extreme
caution when consuming THC because of its psychoactive effects. A good medicine
will have both THC and CBD as well as other good cannabinoids that may help
specific ailments. It is also important to avoid drug interactions with other
medications.
These days, at a good dispensary, marijuana is mainly
focused on higher and higher THC potency, which is great for some people with
certain diseases, but not so great for a senior who is looking to relax, feel
free of pain, and slow the aging process.
Dosing Guidelines
Many older patients prefer the fast onset and ease of dose
titration that accompanies smoked or vaporized cannabis. With most of todays
cannabis potency it is only necessary to take a few “hits” or “puffs” of a
joint, bowl, or vape pen to feel the effects within minutes.
Oral ingestion, such as Cannabis Oil or Infused Food, is
likely the safest method, but establishing the minimum effective dose is
important to avoid adverse effects of psychoactive cannabinoids. With THC-based
medicines, start with doses of 1 to 2.5mg. For the first few days dose twice
per day, at lunch and after dinner. Increase the cannabis use by a few
milligrams only when needed, or about once a week until a balance between
medicinal effect and tolerable levels of psychoactivity is reached.
Topical versions of cannabis infused lotions, oils or salves
work great too for arthritis and skin conditions. THC and CBD contents in
topicals are increasingly available and popular with patients.
Elderly patients, and those nursing them, must take caution
when experimenting with cannabis. Find a trusted medical professional who is
educated and well versed in cannabis and the endocrine system and understands
how cannabis may help the older patient, and other medications being used. Dose
low and go slow, no need to increase dosing as long as the effects are
pleasant. It is recommended for seniors to use both CBD and THC together for
maximum health benefits near end of life treatment.
If you need more help there are plenty of resources online
that may be able to guide you or show you where to buy some local cannabis.
Leafly.com is a great place to find local dispensaries, look
up strains or specific products, helpful tips as well as articles.
ProjectCBD.org is a great place to go to for guidance,
resources and many other researched published articles.
Cannabis and Oxidation
"The body’s response to all this is to use antioxidants to stabilize the free radicals disabling them from doing damage to the DNA in our cells. However, if there are too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants present in the body, free radicals can go as far as stealing particles from your DNA, which can lead to cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, autism, heart disease, Parkinson’s, and stroke to name a few. This damage is known as oxidation. This is the same process that rusts metal or turns an apple brown after it is cut. Too much oxidation is likely to make us sick and old before our time. In the same way that paint protects metal from rusting or lemon juice protects apples from turning brown, cannabinoids protect our cells from oxidation." ProjectCBD.org article
CBD As a Preventative Medicine ProjectCBD article here
CBD As a Preventative Medicine ProjectCBD article here
The Complete Guide to Medical Marijuana for Seniors click here
Aging and Medical Marijuana click here
