medical marijuana for seniors: a growing trend
As the population ages, more and more seniors are turning to medical marijuana to manage their medical conditions and improve their quality of life. Medical marijuana, also known as medical cannabis, is marijuana that is used to treat various medical conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. In this article, we will discuss the growing trend of medical marijuana for seniors.
First, it is important to note that medical marijuana is only available for individuals who have a valid prescription from a healthcare provider. This prescription must be provided to the licensed retailer or online store where you will be purchasing your medical marijuana. Without a valid prescription, it is illegal to purchase or use medical marijuana in Canada.
Once you have a valid prescription, you can purchase medical marijuana from a licensed retailer or online store. The Government of Canada maintains a list of licensed producers of marijuana for medical purposes, which can be found on the Health Canada website. It is important to only purchase medical marijuana from a licensed retailer or online store, as it is illegal to purchase marijuana from unlicensed sources.
The trend of medical marijuana for seniors is growing, as more and more seniors are turning to medical marijuana to manage their medical conditions. In a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers found that the number of seniors using medical marijuana increased by 75% between 2015 and 2018.
There are a number of reasons why seniors are turning to medical marijuana. Many seniors suffer from chronic pain, which can be difficult to manage with traditional pain medications, such as opioids. Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing chronic pain, without the risks associated with opioid use, such as addiction and overdose.
In addition to chronic pain, seniors may also use medical marijuana to manage other medical conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and improving mood, as well as improving sleep quality.
One of the challenges of using medical marijuana for seniors is that they may not be familiar with marijuana, or may have negative perceptions about it. It is important for healthcare providers to educate seniors about the potential benefits and risks of medical marijuana, and to help them choose the right product and dosage for their needs.
Overall, the trend of medical marijuana for seniors is growing, as more and more seniors are turning to medical marijuana to manage their medical conditions and improve their quality of life. While there are challenges to using medical marijuana for seniors, it has shown promise in treating a variety of medical conditions, and can be a valuable addition to a senior’s healthcare regimen.
Disclaimer: Views expressed here are those of the author and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare practitioner.