Cannabis is a plant used to make a drug that us illegal in most countries. What most people don’t know is that once upon a time this drug was legal. Many started abusing it leading most countries to list cannabis as an illegal drug.

However, in the recent past studies are looking at the benefits of cannabis Some states have even legalized it for medical purposes and seniors are among the top customers. Old age comes with a number of problems, both physical and psychological. Seniors are turning to cannabis to help them deal with the effects of old age. It is taken as cannabis edibles in form of gummies and chocolates. Seniors are using cannabis edibles for the following:

Alleviating pain

Seniors experience a lot of pain in their later years. Sometimes the pain is too much to bear. This is why they turn to cannabis edibles .The edibles can be smoked or consumed to reduce pain. They are also available in ointment. This ointment can be applied to the skin on the problematic area. The ointment is not as common as edibles. Edibles are easily available and all you have to do is chew. After consuming it, the pain begins to slowly fade and for a while seniors can enjoy a pain-free existence.

Sleep

Insomnia and other disorders may also characterize aging. Studies claim that cannabis edibles may have a calming and sedating effect on the brain. Tetrahydrocannabinol(THC) is a component derived from cannabis and infused in some edibles. It is what causes the “high” feeling. THC is what induces sleep by reducing dreams and nightmares.

Eating disorders

Many seniors are experiencing eating disorders. As people grow older, the number of taste buds also reduces. A reduction in taste buds may lead to failure in eating. This may cause anorexia which leads to cachexia. Cachexia is unintentional weight loss, specifically the loss of lean muscles and fat. Often, it is accompanied by lose of functional abilities and fatigue.

Reduce effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Memory loss is common among seniors. Alzheimer’s is caused by s build up of protein clumps in the brain. Research claims that THC be used to slow down the growth of these proteins.

Glaucoma

It is a common disease among seniors caused by higher than normal pressure inside the eye. It may lead to optic nerve damage then blindness. Eye drops are usually prescribed to relieve the pressure but cannabis edibles can also do the job. Most seniors prefer this, especially because it is pocket friendly.

Anxiety and depression

Some seniors become depressed as they grow older. Things like diseases, pain and the worrying about the inevitable end and those they will leave behind, leads to depression. Depression in turn causes anxiety and panic attacks. Cannabis edibles becomes a solution to this problem. The calming effects provide an escape from depression and anxiety.

Boosting activeness

Seniors tend to be less active compared to adults. Their bodies have grown tired after all the years of working. Some even become dull and inactive yet they still want to play with grandkids and have general fun. In fact, most don’t want to be inactive. They want to feel young and do activities like before. When this becomes a problem, cannabis edibles provide a solution. The “high” sometimes makes them active. They begin to work as they used to while still young and energetic.

Cancer treatment

Old cancer positive seniors use this during cancer treatments. They use it to manage the effects of chemotherapy, which include, pain, nausea and vomiting and neuropathy. Neuropathy is characterized by a feeling of weakness, numbness, or burning in the hands and feet.

Final thoughts

Cannabis edibles are continuously gaining popularity among seniors. The medical benefits to seniors are overriding any negative effects. Most seniors are choosing this over prescription drugs because it is cost effective. They also have nothing to loose by tying it. After all, they have seen what life has to offer and are at a point where relaxing is all that matters.