Find out how weed can be seniors and aging people’s go-to friend for feeling healthier and happier. In this article we will be unraveling cannabis' benefits for aging and elderly adults.

Seniors are the fastest growing age group when it comes to using cannabis

"40s are the new 30s", is a motto we've been hearing for ages. And people ages 50+ are now saying and feeling the same way.

We are aging slowlier, is what I’m trying to say. We can remember our 40-year-old parents lecturing us all the time, disliking pretty much everything we did, wearing awful clothes, and being.... well, old.

At least to us, they looked and acted old. So much, we were kinda scared of turning out like them: settled down and too serious about everything.

Times have changed, so much. We really were decided to evolve things and change society. Today, tattoo artists, geeks, musicians, hippies, gamers, and many other tribes have managed to make a good living while staying true to themselves. The whole concept of aging has completely changed.

But I’m not here to say our generation rocks and saved everybody (though we did ;) ). Whatever happened that propelled this general change in people’s way to think and live impacted all generations in some way.

Older generations are way more open to new ideas than ever before, and with cannabis going legal in so many states, using weed is something that more and more seniors are starting to consider.

For those in the middle of your golden years. For those on the path to seniority. For those going through their "new 30s". Today we want to help you discover (or re-discover) how cannabis can be the perfect partner for this new stage of your life.

There are more elderly and aging people using cannabis than you think

It’s not a surprise to discover that elderly adults are no stranger to cannabis. According to a 2007 study, a good chunk of seniors reported using cannabis as a solution for many age-related issues like pain, sleep disorder, or anxiety.

Seniors are wise enough to know the pros of cannabis, and it has been like that since ancient times. Ancient civilizations are not strangers to the benefits of cannabis, and just like our time elders, they used it to help them get rid of annoying aging symptoms.

Not only there's a big chunk of seniors using weed. Many of them are new users. The study also revealed that over 60% of the seniors featured in the study had started using weed (in any of its different forms) after turning 60. The reason to do it? Aging better.

With so many side effects associated with prescription drugs that are normally used to treat common aging discomforts such as chronic pain, sleep disorders, hot flashes, migraines, inappetence, anxiety, or depression, it's easy to see why elderly adults would want a more natural and dependable option.

Not only that. Prescription drugs can be highly addictive, impacting not only the user's mind and body but also their economy. Cannabis, on the other hand, doesn't produce physical dependence and due to its compounds, the same dose can be used for many different treatments, making it a more efficient, safe, and cheaper option for seniors of all ages.

Today, and with so many different cannabis-based products on the market, more grown adults enjoy sucking on Jane lollipops or popsicles while watching a show or feeding their cats.

Do you know what this means? It's entirely possible that your next-door neighbor (the one that always gives you a judgemental look), or the sweet granny you see now and then in the fish aisle are high every time you see them.

Cool, huh?

Can senior and aging adults smoke cannabis?

As an aging adult or one in the middle of growing older, you're probably tired of constantly popping pills down your throat to end up feeling kind of dumb, dizzy, and sleepy. Exactly the way you didn't want to feel.

I mean, that's how old people act! Who wants to feel like a zombie when the whole idea of the golden years is to enjoy and chill?

Cannabis is proven to be one of the less dangerous drugs existent, and its soothing, non-addictive effects have turned it from a pariah to a revolutionary solution for physical, mental, and emotional discomforts.

Cannabis is an ideal side or complementary treatment for many health conditions not only in adults but also in elders and children.

For years, people of all ages have used THC-based, CBG-based, or CBD-based cannabis products for safe and effective health treatment in cases such as:

• Sleep disorders
• Anxiety
• Smoke addiction
• Pain
• Chronic pain
• Epilepsy
• Asthma
• Cancer

And many others.

Seniors in particular find marijuana to be a great companion.

Many elderly adults have testified that weed has helped them to have a better life quality because there is no numbness, sleepiness, nausea, or any of the other side effects that they experienced with prescribed drugs.

Many others talk about the empowerment that cannabis has given to them by allowing them to be more active, in a better mood, and willing to try new things.

And for those of us in the 40+ route, cannabis can help us a lot too. We’re not retired, but we’re also not the same kids that went partying all the time. With spouses, kids, mortgages, angry bosses, and many other “adulthood wonders”, weed can be the help we need to enjoy our lives a little more.

It's quite simple: cannabis makes you feel good. When you’re high you laugh more. You feel more loosened, relaxed, and happy. People who consume cannabis are often involved in new activities, meet new people and just enjoy life more. And all without making a fool of yourself, something you can't expect with pills, alcohol, and other common "solutions".

When it comes to aging, weed wins every time.

Can you start using cannabis when you’re an elderly or aging parent?

Seniors over 50 are the fastest growing age group of cannabis users, with millions of new consumers every year. Many of them turn to Mary looking to feel healthier without feeling dumb, whilst others find fun and relaxation to keep their groove on during their golden stage.

Although there isn’t a perfect age to start using cannabis, doing it in your senior years can be a wise decision.

As an older, smarter, less impressionable person, making cannabis a part of your grown-up life can make your life more enjoyable, healthier, and richer. 

Having lived so many ups and downs in life, being on the path of aging, suffering from a couple of nasty conditions, and being just another human being in this crazy, always busy world, I can definitively say that cannabis has improved my life overall. 

And many other busy adults agree with me on this.

Benefits of cannabis for aging and elderly adults

Not so sure to dive into the wonders of cannabis yet? No worries, I understand. We all understand you. After years of hearing doctors, teachers, priests, your momma, and your pops telling you that’s the plant of the devil, it’s not a surprise that you feel a little insecure about Jane's virtues.

And even if I told you cannabis has been used legally since 1996, or that there are tens of thousands of scientific papers on the matter, you would probably second-guess about using cannabis anyways.

So, let me review some of the -many- impressive talents of miss Mary Jane for you:

Make that blood pressure go down

High blood pressure? I hear you. I’ve been battling that bitch since my 20s and nothing seemed to help to lower it.

Until along came Mary with its relaxing effects lowering my blood pressure, my heart rate, and my breath rhythm to normal levels.

The soothing effects of cannabis can help you to regulate your blood pressure, which is a common problem amongst aging adults, especially those who have high blood pressure running in their families, or those with stressful jobs.

Deal with your pain without drooling all over the place

Pain is a common problem that comes with the years. More years, more pain. And regardless of all the exercise, yoga, walking, and positive thinking you use, pain is a natural event of aging, so finding safe ways to deal with it is a must.

For years, people reached to pain killers to cope with their pain. The results? Not so great. Not only people turned into zombies (that's what opioids do), they got hooked up on pills and ended up developing health issues that -guess what?- made them have to take more meds.

Cannabis offers a non-addictive, non-overdosing way to fight pain, whether is related to injuries, joint soreness, bone pain, inflammation diseases like MS, autoimmune diseases like cancer, lupus, etc. And the best part is that it allows you to stay active longer.

Ditch your crankiness

Many studies have proven cannabis can help reduce social anxiety, anxiety attacks, depression symptoms, stress, and other emotional problems. Cannabinoids act on the brain releasing dopamine and endorphins that help you feel better, relaxed, and calm.

In some cases, the process of aging can be stressful due to the changes that happen physically, emotionally, and in life overall. Cannabis can help you fight these emotional discomforts to adapt better to your new stage of life.

Nighty night

A regular factor in aging is sleep disorders. Whether you fall in and out of sleep several times at night, suffer from insomnia, sleep, or even dream too much, cannabis helps to regulate sleep patterns so you can get the rest you really need to have a productive, joyful, stress-free day.

Improve your brain

Smoking marijuana can have positive effects on the brain, especially in aging-related conditions like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer and MS.

THC can slow and stop the amyloid plaques' development, help to stop memory loss, and improve the behavior of Alzheimer's patients. It can also significantly decrease tremors in Parkinson's and MS patients.

Quit your stinky addictions

Smoke too much? Have too many drinks? Hooked on pills or something worse? Cannabis can help people reduce cravings associated with many addictions, improving people's chances to get clean and recover.

Help your tummy feel better

With aging, many gastrointestinal issues start to appear, many associated with medicine consumption. Ulcers, colitis, Chron’s disease, acid reflux, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, and many other conditions can significantly improve with the use of cannabis.

Marijuana also prevents these problems from appearing or re-appearing when used regularly, so you can keep enjoying the foods you love.

A friend for cancer patients

Cannabis is one of the best natural-based treatments to help cancer patients in and out of medical treatment. It helps to gain appetite, sleep more and better, reduce pain, nausea, and dizziness. It can also help to improve the patient's mood.

The power of cannabis is such, there’s evidence that its components, cannabinoids, can reduce and even kill cancer cells, making it without a doubt an amazing ally in the fight against cancer.

The best way to start cannabis when you're a senior or aging adult

Ready to hop on the cannabis train? We welcome you. We’re sure you will enjoy a better life, feeling more joyful, healthy, and active.

And because we know you want to be on top of your game and enjoy your ride the right way, we want to help you by recommending you some products you will enjoy for your first steps:

CBD oil

This oil uses CBD or cannabidiol, one of the non-psychoactive cannabinoids in cannabis. CBD’s effects are the same ones you would find in THC.

The only difference between them is CBD doesn’t make you high.

Edibles

This is a favorite among new users because you can regulate your dose by eating more or less according to your needs.

Products like gummies, caramels, or bubble gums, are a fun and safe way to experience cannabis, whether you chose to get high or not.

Smokables

Especially if you’re trying to get rid of an addiction, cannabis smokables can be the perfect companion for you.

With legalization came the rise of cannabis and with the rise of cannabis, new products are showing up all the time.

Today, you can enjoy your traditional ganjah flowers to roll, puff, and pass, and you can also find non-THC smokables that contain non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as CBG (cannabigerol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

No one can say there aren't options for everybody.

Cannabis ointments and lotions

Ointments containing THC or CBD are very popular, especially in the elderly and aging community.

Cannabis-based body lotions are very used in cases like joint soreness, bone pain, injuries, or headaches.

Cannabis ointments, cremes, moisturizers, lotions, and gels have also a special power that women will find very useful during their golden years.

With menopause, many symptoms appear, and a very common one is vaginal dryness. This condition can make sex less enjoyable and produce pain and soreness during the act.

Cannabis-based body lotions produce a warm and anesthetic effect that can help to lubricate the vagina, as well as reduce vaginal pain and soreness during and after the sexual act. This can potentially improve an aging woman’s sexual life.

Aging opens a new stage in our lives. What was before seen as a death and boredom sentence, now is the beginning of a new era where we can finally think about ourselves. Kids are old, we’re on our own…what better way to enjoy this new time than sitting feeling whole, happy, relaxed, with no pain, and high?

Befriend cannabis in your golden years. You won’t regret it.