Long appreciated for its medicinal properties, many older Americans have also discovered the benefits of recreational cannabis, now that it has been legalized in several states. However, there are still a number of misconceptions about cannabis, that keep some seniors in the dark when it comes to the benefits of recreational marijuana.
If you are a senior looking for more information on cannabis, read on to learn more:
Marijuana and Your Health
While it’s true that aging brings with it a host of aches and pains, one thing that’s not true is that you have to treat those aches and pains with prescription meds.
Recent research has shown that marijuana can be used to treat conditions such as arthritis, insomnia, and even the pain associated with cancer and its treatments. While prescription meds often have terrible side effects, and are very expensive, marijuana has insignificant side effects and is affordable. Seniors should know that marijuana is much safer than many commonly prescribed medications.
Marijuana can actually replace your prescription medications, in some cases. Its healing properties target a wide range of complaints from inflamed joints to headaches to constipation.
Marijuana can help enhance the quality of your life. Many seniors fill their free time by traveling, playing golf, taking up yoga or pursuing things they always wanted to learn. All of this can be enhanced through the use of recreational marijuana.
After a couple of hits of pot, you might feel more inclined to take that yoga class, or learn to paint! Who knows? You might take up a new cause or learn a new language! When your mind is open to new experiences, life can be fuller.
Many people, seniors included, have fears that they can become addicted to marijuana. This is simply not true. You can discontinue usage of marijuana at any time, and won’t feel much more than the same headache you’d feel if you gave up caffeine.
Types of Cannabis
Recreational marijuana comes in a broad range of products. You can purchase buds, flowers, edibles, topicals and much more. If you prefer to smoke marijuana, the two main types are Indicas and Sativas (there are hybrids of these as well). Indica strains are more popular with those suffering from pain and insomnia.
Sativa strains are popular with recreational users because they have a higher level of cannabinoid, the primary psychoactive component of marijuana. The highs with these strains are more uplifting, but can cause problems with those who tend to feel paranoia or anxiety when they smoke marijuana.
Edibles are cannabis-infused treats. You can purchase baked goods, candies, drinks, cooking oils and more that make ingesting cannabis fun and delicious! It’s important for first-timers to know that it can take up to six hours to feel the high from edibles, and it takes longer for the effects to wear off. It’s easy to consume too much with edibles, so remember to start slowly. Edibles are the perfect choice for those who don’t want to smoke pot.
Concentrates are great for seniors who want to experience the high without smoking. Concentrates offer a quick, intense high. You can purchase tinctures and oils which are infused with cannabis.
Finally, topicals are a very popular way to experience the benefits of marijuana. You can purchase lotions infused with cannabinoids that you can put right on the spot of your pain. You won’t feel the high, but you’ll reap the pain relieving benefits! Topicals are perfect for anyone that doesn’t want to get high and who doesn’t want to smoke marijuana, but still wants to enjoy the benefits it can provide the body.
Marijuana and Appetite
One problem seniors face is loss of appetite, and marijuana can help with that. Recreational pot will actually increase appetite. It helps alleviate nausea, too.
Chronic Therapy
The old stigmas about marijuana are fading away, and seniors are the fastest growing group of new recreational marijuana users. If you are in chronic pain, it is definitely worth giving it a try. If you are in the Wheat Ridge or Denver area, please visit Chronic Therapy. Our dispensary provides premium recreational marijuana and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about it.