An astounding number of elderly cannabis users state plant has improved their quality of life.
The advent of legal cannabis has brought about great interest in the many medical benefits the plant offers. One of the fastest growing segments of the population exploring marijuana is senior citizens. Cannabinoids, and more specifically, cannabidiol (CBD), have been found to be effective at treating a myriad of conditions that often affect geriatric patients. 76% of seniors currently using prescription drugs consume an average of four different medications per day, leading many to research cannabis as a safe and natural alternative.
According to new research, the plant may be just what the doctor ordered.
Seniors Cite Pain, Cancer as Two Main Reasons for Cannabis Use
A recent study conducted at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel and published in the European Journal of Internal Medicine found that over 90 percent of geriatric medical marijuana patients have found the plant to be effective in achieving wellness goals, including reducing pain. The researchers examined over 2700 people over the age of 65 and asked them to describe how their lives changed after beginning to use cannabis. 93.7 percent said their conditions had improved and their lives were better.
The majority of the patients were using medical marijuana to treat pain (66.6%) and cancer (60.8%). Reported pain levels were reduced from a median of 8 on a scale of 0-10 to a median of 4. Researchers concluded, “The therapeutic use of cannabis is safe and efficacious in the elderly population. Cannabis use may decrease the use of other prescription medicines, including opioids.”
Side Effects of Marijuana Use Minimal
The study found that nearly ten percent of elderly people taking cannabis experienced dizziness, while seven percent complained of dry mouth. However, when compared to the potentially dangerous and habit-forming prescriptions currently on the market, the side effects seem to be worth the risk.
Source: The Weed Blog
