Cannabis

Seniors Want To Try Marijuana For Pain

Published

1 year ago

September 13, 2023

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The misconceptions about cannabis began in the 1930s caused a massive stigma for the plant-based drug. This stigma is still present now, especially in the population that makes up those generations. Seniors want to try marijuana for pain, but the misconceptions of past prevent them from relieve of today. The American Medical Association acknowledges medical marijuana can help patients.

At least 40% of Americans who are above the age of 65 are suffering from several types of pain. Some experience it for a short while, while others have long-term pain.

For seniors above the age of 80, about 75% suffer from chronic pain, especially the ones in assisted living quarters like nursing homes.

Many patients are manage conditions like hip and knee pain, insomnia, cancer, and other tough conditions. Some are also recuperating after major surgeries and are in long term pain. Analgesics do little to relieve pain after continuous use, and people have certainly used the drugs continuously over their long rich lives.

It’s time seniors, as well as their guardians and caregivers, come to terms with the therapeutic benefits from cannabis plants.

Senior Citizens and Cannabis Stigma

When cannabis prohibitions began in the 1930s, the seniors of today were just children. From the onset of their lives, they had it ingrained in them that cannabis was an evil of society. This continued till the mid-1900s when they also instilled the same messages in their children.

The government portrayed cannabis as an ill of society which shouldn’t be condoned, and to these seniors, it has remained an evil of society.

Yes, they may have heard the news about the decriminalization of cannabis in their state of residence, but they still consider it an illegal substance. In a survey carried out by Gallup some weeks ago, less than 19% of Americans above the age of 75 say they have tried using cannabis at some point in their lives. This is how low the acceptance of the drug is among that group.

For the children born in the ’60s, many have taken steps to register in medical marijuana programs. Quite a few of these “grandfolks” bring up topics about marijuana discreetly, as though they feel they are still breaking the law.

The cannabis stigma is worse in senior Americans who are also persons of color. They went through traumatizing episodes due to the War on Drugs and have been left at a disadvantage since then. For most of these seniors, their minds have been conditioned that cannabis use is followed by destruction.

American Seniors Deserve More

Nobody — young or old — deserves to suffer from chronic pain, Especially when effective medical cannabis drugs have been approved for treating such conditions.

Older adults who deserve to have every comfort at this last stage of their lives are conditioned by their experience many years ago to remain silent, even in an epidemic of chronic pain.

How MIllennials And Boomers Differ on Marijuana Use — Photo by Tim Robberts/Getty Images

Aging itself comes with varying degrees of aches and pains, and all these are compounded by social isolation, insomnia, dementia, disability, and even depression. The current data of senior adults refusing medical marijuana treatment is bothersome. As they choose to remain in pain instead of seeking relief.

Addressing the Crisis

Had it been that these older adults could tolerate NSAIDs, the silent crisis may not have been as serious as this. Drugs like acetaminophen, naproxen, and ibuprofen have intense aftereffects on the body organs of senior citizens. Many who can withstand opioids have managed with it. However, opioids are not sufficient enough to resolve the problem, not to mention the high risk of addiction involved.

Now is the right time for medical marijuana programs to pass on information to the senior generation about the benefits of plant-based medicines like cannabis. Caregivers should also be taught about the non-addictive nature of cannabinoids.

Resolving Cannabis Propaganda, Stigmatization, & Prohibition

At this present time, medical obstacles such as these should not be a thing. The fear-mongering and propaganda these American seniors were subjected to back then are seriously holding them back from accessing what they need the most.

The federal prohibition of cannabis Is one of the factors that make these older people believe that cannabis consumption is likely to harm them. It seals their life-long belief that cannabis remains a threat to public safety. These old folks can’t be blamed for being wary of plant-based medication because of what they’ve been programmed to believe.

We Don’t Talk Enough About Cannabis And Its Effect On The Sex Lives Of Seniors — Photo by Tyler Farmer via Unsplash

Hillary Lum, a pediatrician and associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, said that many of these senior citizens are fearful, and sometimes ashamed whenever they ask about cannabis. In a survey carried out by Lum, and published in 2019, “30% of older adults didn’t answer the question about whether or not they used medical marijuana,” said Lum. “If people feel uncomfortable with it on an anonymous survey, they may also feel uncomfortable telling their doctor. That could have ramifications for their health.”

Older Americans can first be introduced to the wonders of CBD instead of cannabis. Many may show interest in trying CBD to manage their symptoms. Health departments have to make informed medical counsels available at all times for these residents. Safety assurance and access to the drug also have to be made stress-free to encourage these seniors to opt into the treatment.

More Cannabis Research

Medical personnel occasionally lay complaints about being unable to recommend cannabis drugs due to the minimal clinical research carried out in the field.

Even in states that have legalized the medical use of cannabis, doctors have not been fully briefed about the impacts and risks of cannabis use. Due to this, most of these doctors refuse to prescribe medical cannabis to patients suffering from serious conditions.

An example is Texas. The state has over 43,000 doctors and only 150 are registered members of the medical cannabis program. There’s no easy way an uninformed doctor would be able to convince a senior citizen that plant-based drugs can serve as effective treatments.

Federal decriminalization of cannabis will be the most effective way to convince senior citizens and their caregivers that cannabis is their best choice to get relief. Health care providers, journalists, celebrities, family members, caregivers, and older Americans have to speak up about the benefits of cannabis as a reliable pain reliever for Americans. This could incentivize governments to bring barriers down.

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Cannabis

Veterans With PTSD Are Given A Little Hope

Published

15 hours ago

December 3, 2024

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Some good new from the government about veterans who are suffering from PTSD and are using marijuana.

While our military is generally honored, medical treatment for them can lag behind the praises given by politicians and bureaucrats. Almost 23% of veterans who use the Veterans Admstinatrion (VA) health care have had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. In 2021, 10% of men and 19% of women veterans using VA care were diagnosed with PTSD. A study of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan found the prevalence of PTSD varied by unit component. For example, deployed active duty veterans had an 18.5% prevalence of PTSD, while non-deployed active duty veterans had a 13.2% prevalence. It is difficult to treat and has ruined thousands of lives. But cannabis has helped and now veterans with PTSD are given a little hope with additional medical research.

Cannabis has shown promising potential in alleviating symptoms PTSD, offering hope to those struggling with this debilitating condition. Earlier studies have shed light on the biological mechanisms behind cannabis’s therapeutic effects on PTSD. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week authorized a long-delayed clinical trial to test whether marijuana can be used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. The agency had raised a variety of objections. The change is good news for veterans and their families. And another indicator the FDA is supportive of the rescheduling.

Veterans With PTSD Given A Little Hope

One key way cannabis helps PTSD sufferers is by reducing activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain associated with fear responses to threats. This dampening of the anxiety response can help individuals manage their symptoms more effectively.Additionally, cannabis may aid in extinguishing traumatic memories through a process called ‘extinction learning’.

The cannabinoids in cannabis, particularly THC and CBD, can enhance the rate at which challenging memories are processed and reduce overall anxiety responses. Research has shown that cannabis use is associated with a reduction in overall PTSD symptoms and improved quality of life. Low doses of THC or a combination of THC and CBD have been found to be particularly effective in enhancing extinction rates for traumatic memories and reducing anxiety.

The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in this process. CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, indirectly affects this system by inhibiting the uptake or enzymatic degradation of endogenous cannabinoids. This action allows for a greater effect on CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are found in brain regions important for anxiety and aversive learnin

.Cannabis may also help address specific PTSD symptoms such as sleep disturbances, recurrent fear memories, and panic episodes. While individual responses can vary, cannabis can be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under medical supervision.

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Cannabis

Can CBD Keep Cats From The Christmas Tree

Published

1 day ago

December 2, 2024

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They seem to be total enemies – but can CBD help cats chill out around the Christmas Tree?

While is seems cats do things just to annoy their owners, there are reasons. And when it comes to the Christmas tree, there are manyfelines that causes the pull to be “involved” with the giant temporary addition to the festive season. They enjoy being high up to survey their surroundings and it makes them feel safe from predators. Yhe branches provide a fun climbing challenge. And they are attracted to shiny objects with the ornaments and lights. Like humans, cats enjoy the smell of live evergreen trees which is another reason they stay close. But can CBD keep cats from the Christmas tree?

Alone, CBD can not keep them from exploring, but can be used as another tool to relax them and help them lose interest in wrecking a tree. CBD for cats has gained popularity among pet owners seeking alternative treatments for various feline health issues. CBD is generally considered safe for cats when used appropriately. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp plants that interacts with the endocannabinoid system in cats, potentially offering benefits for anxiety, pain, inflammation, and overall wellness.

Can CBD Keep Cats From The Christmas Tree

CBD could help cats with several issues during the holidays including reducing anxiety from visitors, decorations, and changes in routine. It can help alleviate pain and inflammation, which may worsen in colder weather. With the change in routine, it can help with sleep quality. And must of all regarding the tree, it can help them chill and relaxat, giving them a

Use products specifically formulated for cats, as human or dog CBD products may not be suitable. Follow dosage guidelines carefully. Consult with a veterinarian before starting CBD, especially for cats with health issues or on medications. CBD for cats typically comes in oils or treats. Oils allow for precise dosing, while treats may be easier to administer.

Other ways to keep the cat from the tree is have a fake tree which is less dangerous than a real tree. A smaller tree is less likely to cause serious harm if it falls over. Use a heavy base or weights to prevent the tree from toppling over. You can also secure it to a wall with wire. Cats dislike citrus and foil scents, so you can wrap the tree trunk in foil and put orange or lemon peels around the base. Place cheaper, less sentimental decorations toward the bottom of the tree. Tie ornaments tightly to the branches to avoid loose, dangling temptations. Choose wooden or plastic ornaments instead of highly reflective ones. Tie plastic bags filled with orange or lemon peels around the base of the tree.

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Should You Mix Up Online And In-store Shopping This Weekend

Published

5 days ago

November 29, 2024

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On the first holiday weekend, should you mix up online and in-store shopping? Well, there is definitely benefits for both – including Target’s new tie-in promotion.

Black Friday is With average holiday spending expected to reach over $1,000, it is important to capture the customers. Twenty years ago, malls were packed and the news reported Karen’s gone wild in an effort to snag shopping deals. Now things are easier with online shopping, but in-store experiences remain crucial. This year 26% of consumers plan to shop primarily in person for the holidays, while 51% plan to do both in-person and online. As usual, retailers offered early discounts and unique shopping experiences to bring people into brick and mortar.

In 2024, the Black Friday shopping landscape has evolved dramatically, presenting consumers with compelling reasons to choose both online and in-store shopping experiences. Each approach offers unique advantages that cater to different shopper preferences and priorities. Online shopping continues to gain momentum, with 75% of shoppers planning to make purchases digitally in 2024.

green smoke on dim light

The benefits are easy and they’re rarely a need to deal with a long line (except for very hard, limited release items). Shoppers can browse and purchase from the comfort of their homes. It provides access to extensive product catalogs across multiple retailers and easy ability to compare prices instantly.

Despite the digital surge, in-store shopping lends itself to being more festive and provide a longer, interactive experience. Shoppers have the ability to try on clothes, test electronics, and physically examine items and are three times more likely to make spontaneous purchases in-store. Usually food purchases from coffee, lunch to drinks are involved and it is considered a full activity. And shoppers arrive home with packages.

Many consumers are adopting a hybrid approach. For instance, some shoppers visit physical stores to try products and then complete purchases online. Retailers are adapting by offering exclusive in-store experiences, like Target’s Taylor Swift album release and special giveaways. Many wine and liquor stores offer tasting and marijuiana dispensaries offer specials on products.

And the reason we call today Black Friday is thanks to the Philadelphia police department. Department stores in the city would hold huge sales to capitalize on the large crowds ahead of the Army/Navy football game. Vast crowds caused havoc for police and forced them to work harsh, extra-long shifts, resulting in them dubbing the day Black Friday, both to express their dislike of the day and to try and reduce visitors by making it sound less appealing.

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