Marijuana Use Amongst the Elderly:

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By: Kimberly Calderon

Throughout the years as we see the expansion of the legalization of marijuana, we not only see how the stigma behind cannabis is dissipating amongst states but also different age groups. Now we see the use of cannabis amongst more of the members of the elderly community instead of just seeing people in their twenties and thirties using cannabis. Cannabis amongst the elderly has become popular in both recreational and medical use throughout with less stigma and judgment.

As we age, our health begins to deteriorate slowly and we are more susceptible to pain and illness compared to when someone is young. To help with pain, CBD and other forms of cannabis can be used by those of age and have become popular with the elderly and other communities as an alternative to stronger pain-relieving drugs which can be more addictive than cannabis. “For instance, cannabinoids can suppress pain, help with nausea and vomiting for cancer patients, provide treatment for glaucoma, and alleviate anxiety disorders or eating disorders. CBD in elderly adults has been used to manage Parkinson’s, Huntington’s Pick’s disease, and many other kinds of chronic conditions” (Duncan Gumaer 2021).

With a decrease in the stigma behind cannabis, more members of the elderly community can consider cannabis as an option to be part of their treatments or daily use to continue with their daily tasks as they age.

Article referenced: https://www.griswoldhomecare.com/blog/2021/april/medical-marijuana-benefits-for-elderly-adults/#:~:text=For%20instance%2C%20cannabinoids%20can%20suppress,other%20kinds%20of%20chronic%20conditions.

Images from istock and New York Times