Not everyone saw this coming, but cannabis is big among the 55 and older crowd. Seniors are one of the fastest growing market segments, and it makes sense. After all, many of the diseases or conditions often associated with aging like arthritis, chronic pain, dermatitis, stomach upset, inflammation and insomnia are all currently reasons multitudes of Americans now use medical marijuana. Like other patients, seniors are finding they can take fewer prescription drugs and replace them with cannabis. It is often an inherently a safer alternative with no risk of fatal overdose.
Of particular interest to some aging patients is the promise marijuana has shown in the lab to preserve and even improve neuroplasticity, reducing symptoms of dementia by reducing plaques in the brain.
The great variety of products available on the market means that seniors don’t have to smoke it to get the desired effect. Options like CBD only products and infused topicals can bring relief with no intoxication. Others are not shy about getting a buzz and welcome the added pain relief benefit a high THC or whole plant extract can provide. Pain patches, capsules, suppositories and tinctures provide safe, discrete use options that were not available before.
Regardless of a patient’s age, using herbal remedies can require a rethinking of one’s therapy. Dosage amount may change from individual to individual. The patient may have to try a few different products or delivery methods to find just the right effect and personal fit. It could be argued that this process can help a patient become more in touch with his/her own body and healing process.
A well educated workforce in the cannabis industry is essential. Healthcare professionals and retail employees should always be mindful to educate when possible, to guide a new user to go “low and slow,” to use a dosing journal and even have company the first couple of times for security. A bad first experience can turn a potential customer/patient off forever to medical marijuana.
For now, medical marijuana is not covered by most health insurance providers. This could change if the DEA classification of cannabis is relaxed in the future and insurers see it for what it is, a safe, cost-effective alternative that poses fewer risks to consumers and business liability than other pharma options. That will take time and pressure from patients/customers. Thankfully, seniors vote and have the ability to affect election outcomes.
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