Medicinal cannabis is being increasingly recognized for its potential benefits across all age groups, including older individuals.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a renowned medical correspondent for CNN, has been investigating the potential benefits of medical cannabis, particularly for seniors¹. His most recent documentary, “Weed 7: A Senior Moment”, premiered on Sunday, August 6, 2023¹.

In the documentary, Dr. Gupta explores how seniors use medical cannabis to achieve a better quality of life². He travels from research facilities in Tel Aviv, Israel – often referred to as “the holy land of medical marijuana” – to a senior living community in West Palm Beach running an experimental cannabis treatment pilot program³. He learns more about how seniors are using the drug for pain relief, better sleep, less anxiety, weight gain and more³.

Dr. Gupta’s reporting over the last 10 years has produced seven CNN documentaries on the topic of medical cannabis⁴. He meets scientists and families who found success using marijuana for patients suffering with dementia⁴.

You can watch “Weed 7: A Senior Moment” on CNN or on YouTube⁵.

Learn more:

1. cnn.com2. cnn.com3. cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com4. cnn.com5. youtube.com

Here are some of the benefits:

1. Chronic Pain Relief: A significant number of elderly individuals suffer from chronic pain caused by conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, and cancer. Evidence suggests cannabinoids in cannabis can effectively reduce pain by altering the pain perception pathways in the brain.
2. Promotes Better Sleep: As people age, sleeping disorders become more common. Medicinal cannabis can improve sleep quality by addressing related issues like chronic pain and anxiety, helping seniors achieve more restful sleep due to its sedative effect.
3. Improves Appetite: Illness, certain medications, and aging can all contribute to decreased appetite. Cannabis can stimulate the appetite in seniors, leading to healthier nutrition and improved overall wellness.
4. Alternative to Opioids: Medicinal cannabis can also be considered an alternative to prescription drugs, particularly opioids. Opioids can be highly addictive and have severe side effects, but cannabis could provide a safer and equally effective treatment for severe pain.
5. Alleviates Anxiety and Depression: Anxiety and depression are common in older individuals and can significantly impact their quality of life. Medicinal cannabis can help alleviate these symptoms due to its potential to positively influence mood and induce relaxation.
6. Managing Alzheimer’s symptoms: Research indicates that cannabinoids may have neuroprotective properties and may help to slow down the progression of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s. THC, a component of medicinal cannabis, might help slow the production of beta-amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
7. Reduces Glaucoma Symptoms: Glaucoma is more common in older individuals and can lead to blindness. Medicinal cannabis can help reduce intraocular pressure, a significant cause for this eye condition.
8. Relief from symptoms of Parkinson’s and MS: Medicinal Cannabis may alleviate symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s, such as tremors, stiffness, problems with coordination, and muscle spasms.

However, the use of medicinal cannabis in seniors should be monitored closely. Seniors are more likely to have medical conditions or take medications which can interact with cannabis, leading to further health concerns. Hence, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before initiating treatment.

Here are some related articles that discuss the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis for older individuals:

1. “Older adults and medical marijuana: Reduced stigma and increased use” – This article from Harvard Health discusses how many older patients are coming in to discuss the pros and cons of a trial of medical cannabis. It also mentions that cannabis use among older adults in the US has been steadily increasing¹.
2. “Medicinal cannabis and older people” – This article from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation discusses the benefits of medicinal cannabis for older people, including easing chronic pain, reducing nausea and vomiting, lowering levels of anxiety, and improving sleep².
3. “The Benefits and Risks of Cannabis Are Age-Dependent” – This article from Psychology Today discusses a study that assessed the relationship between long-term medical cannabis use and cognitive function in a sample of middle-aged and older patients with chronic pain³.
4. “A Guide to Cannabis for Older Adults” – This guide outlines what cannabis is and how it is used, as well as the health risks and potential benefits of cannabis use. It is intended to support adults aged 65 and over in making informed choices about using cannabis⁴.

These articles provide a wealth of information on the topic and can help to further your understanding of the potential benefits and risks of medicinal cannabis use in older individuals. As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before initiating treatment.

Learn more:

1. health.harvard.edu2. health.harvard.edu3. adf.org.au4. adf.org.au5. psychologytoday.com6. psychologytoday.com7. ccsa.ca8. ccsa.ca9. nhs.uk10. gettyimages.com