Cannabis has a broad range of health benefits that cover all kinds of conditions and provides relief and comfort to so many people. However, in the wave of legalization the focus seems to always be on the younger user. From marketing to information bulletins, the language used is often geared towards those with an established interest in cannabis use, and this has led to the situation today. For many who could benefit from cannabis use, there is confusion and a lack of understanding of how they could benefit, and this is especially true of older consumers. A lack of easily available information has led to over 50’s misunderstanding, or simply being unaware of the potential of medical marijuana and the way it can help with a variety of conditions, and even transform lives. This is a shame, as medical marijuana use grows it is clear that it can be extremely beneficial for users of all ages, and a tool to really improve quality of life for many conditions. If you are over 50 and still trying to understand why cannabis can make a difference for you, here are some of the benefits that could make a difference in your life.
The first and most important benefit of cannabis use is pain management. As we age, pain often becomes a part of daily life, so much so that its easy to forget what life without pain was like at all. From sore joints to more serious medical conditions, pain limits what we can do and achieve. With over half of all seniors in the US suffering from some form of Arthritis, and three quarters having chronic pain due to at least one medical condition, pain defines senior life in America. Cannabis is proven to reduce pain, and it does so with no side effects at all. No matter the issues behind the pain, you can enjoy a natural alternative to traditional pain medicines that has been the subject of thousands of medical studies, and it has consistently showed a clinically significant reduction in pain for the patient.
As a natural pain remedy, along with a number of other health benefits, cannabis plays an important role in health in another way. It reduces dependence on medication. While medication is essential in modern medical treatment, our bodies can become addicted to them over time, until the body needs them to function correctly. It is becoming an increasingly common issues across the country, and with older age groups often requiring medication for a variety of symptoms, something seniors are particularly vulnerable to. Cannabis can not only replace some of these medications without the risk of addiction, but actually combats the addiction process itself, helping alleviate the body’s need for those chemicals over time.
One of the most common health problems American’s encounter as we age is osteoporosis. This is a weakening of the bones, caused by a loss of essential minerals, and leads to much more frequent fractures and breaks. Cannabis can combat this, helping to strengthen bones and even boosting the healing process if damage has occurred.
The number one cause of death among older Americans is heart disease, while more than half of us suffer from high blood pressure. There have been a number of recent studies that show cannabis has potential in this area, with antioxidants within cannabis possibly helping with the reduction of cardiac inflammation, a cause of many heart problems. In addition, studies have shown cannabis users to exhibit lower blood pressure even under stress conditions, and this can aid long term health and wellbeing.
Ageing brings many challenges, and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s are a far too common one. However, because cannabis directly interacts with the brain and nervous system, it has long been thought that it can help alleviate such problems. There have been extensive medical studies on the effects of cannabis on diseases like Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis, and cannabis has displayed the ability to slow the degenerative process, alleviate the inflammation thought to be associated with Alzheimer’s, and even reduce agitation and aggression in those already suffering.
Anxiety and stress can strike anyone at any time, but as we get older and live more sedentary lives, and often alone, they can be even more devastating in their impact on quality of life. Cannabis has shown an ability to help reduce anxiety, along with the symptoms of ongoing anxiety such as high blood pressure and so on.
Insomnia and poor sleep patterns can affect us all. However, many medications can adversely affect sleep quality, and as we get older and require more regular medication, this happens more frequently. Taking cannabis can assist with this issue, it promotes calmness and aids relaxation, which in turn can help you enjoy more, quality sleep. If you are taking prescription sleep medications, replacing them with a single , natural alternative with no side effects is another benefit, once again reducing the amount of medication you are taking.
Finally, cannabis is great for helping you to manage mood swings, depression and similar problems. It can be easy to find yourself down or depressed in older age, especially if though the loss of loved ones you find yourself alone for much of the time. Not only is this detrimental to your mental health, but if left can begin to affect your physical health too. Cannabis can positively interact with the areas of the brain associated with mood, and it promotes stress reduction and boosts cognitive function. The result is that users experience more positive moods, and allows clarity in viewing situations, allowing the mind to focus effectively and helping you avoid the spiral into depression that can occur in some situations.
Cannabis is exceptionally useful for older age groups, and while we have outlines important benefits here, cannabis is also great for promoting creativeness and aiding in general relaxation, as well as being particularly useful in combating many health issues. If you are suffering from chronic pain or any of the issues we mentioned, no matter your age cannabis can be a real help in your life, and without the side effects associated with many of today’s prescription drugs.
