The effects of aging have a profound impact on our health, but there’s also hope for us in the future. As we get older, our biological processes slow down. This means that many of the benefits from regular use of marijuana will start to decrease as well. However, this doesn’t mean that cannabis has no place in the lives of elderly people. In fact, there are many benefits for seniors when it comes to using cannabis. Read on for details about why you should consider adding it to your senior lifestyle.
What is Cannabis?
The cannabis plant has been used as both a recreational and medicinal herb for thousands of years. Today, most cannabis is grown as an indoor crop, but it can also be found outdoors in warm climates. The main active compounds of cannabis are called cannabinoids, which are thought to have both medicinal and recreational uses. Cannabinoids can be found in both hemp and marijuana plants, but hemp has very low amounts of cannabinoids. There are a wide range of cannabinoids found in cannabis, including CBD, CBG, CBN and much more. Each cannabinoid has a different effect on the body, and it’s the combination of these compounds that make up the “high” from cannabis. There are many therapeutic benefits of cannabis that make it a great option for seniors.
Medicinal Benefits
For many seniors, the medicinal benefits of cannabis are what first drew them to it. These benefits include pain management, improved sleep, and reduced stress and anxiety. As we age, our bodies begin to experience changes related to our metabolism, including a decrease in certain chemicals in our brains that help us feel pleasure and cope with stress. For seniors, this can lead to an increase in anxiety, insomnia, and stress. These conditions can cause feelings of helplessness and depression, which can be difficult to navigate alone. Cannabis can decrease stress and anxiety by decreasing the brain chemicals that contribute to feelings of helplessness, improving sleep by decreasing the amount of time we spend in REM (rapid-eye-movement) sleep, and increasing metabolism by helping our brains produce chemicals that increase focus and concentration.
Recreational Benefits
One major benefit of cannabis for seniors is the potential for improved cognition. Many active seniors are looking for ways to boost their cognitive health and prevent cognitive decline. Cannabis can have promising effects on seniors’ cognition. One major benefit is the potential for improved stress. Stress can negatively affect cognition, which can lead to memory problems and increased risk of dementia. In addition to improved stress and anxiety, some studies have shown that cannabis can improve seniors’ cognition. One recent study looked at the effects of cannabis on seniors with mild cognitive impairment, including those with other conditions that can cause memory loss, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. The researchers found that the participants experienced a statistically significant improvement in their cognition after taking cannabis. This improvement was present even after the researchers controlled for possible confounding factors, such as medication use and age. Another study found that daily cannabis use was linked to improved cognitive function, including increased attention and spatial memory.
Social Benefit
Many seniors rely heavily on a social circle for support. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for this support network to begin to slowly deteriorate as we age. Fortunately, cannabis can help you to maintain a strong social circle. One way this happens is through the development of a strong support network through online communities. Many seniors are looking for ways to stay engaged in their community and develop new relationships. Cannabis can help with both of these goals. One study looked at the relationship between cannabis use and loneliness in older adults. The researchers found that, surprisingly, seniors who used cannabis were less likely to be lonely than seniors who did not use cannabis. The researchers suggested that this was likely due to the social benefits of cannabis use. These include increased social interaction and an increased sense of connectedness.
Conclusion
The benefits of cannabis for seniors are many, and research continues to evolve on the topic. If you’re a senior who’s interested in trying it, make sure to do your research and talk to your doctor first. There are many benefits to using cannabis for seniors, including pain management, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved cognition. Make sure to keep these in mind as you explore what cannabis has to offer. Visit Budcargo.net online dispensary for all your cannabis needs.
