When you think of the typical cannabis user (if there were such a thing), the first image in your head is probably not your grandma or grandpa.
However, cannabis use among seniors has risen exponentially in the last few years, and many Americans over the age of 65 are now turning to the plant as a healthy alternative to medications with harmful side effects.
As a natural alternative to pharmaceutical narcotics and over the counter medications, patients with qualifying conditions can apply for a medical marijuana card and will soon have access to low-THC cannabis oil in Tennessee.
In this article, we’ll cover why baby boomers are turning to pot, and why patients are exploring both new and old methods of using cannabis as a medicine.
Why Older Americans are Looking at Cannabis
The number of seniors who use cannabis used to be a fairly small number.
Around a decade ago, cannabis use for American adults aged 65 or older was around half of a percent.
Today that number is over 4%, with most of that increase being in just the last 5 years.
And within the group of American adults aged 65 or older, women, high income earners, minorities, and college graduates saw the most significant increase in cannabis consumption.
So what is causing this group of people, who have historically avoided cannabis in the Western world, to suddenly start consuming cannabis in such large numbers?
Baby boomers, or those born between 1946-1964, have long considered cannabis a recreational drug with no medicinal value.
At least, that’s what you’d assume by looking at American voting statistics and the reality of how long medical cannabis has been off the radar in the US.
Public polls for the approval of cannabis legalization of both medical and
recreational have suggested cannabis has been a low priority for seniors
historically.
For example, in 1969 there was only 12% approval for legalizing cannabis use, while 84% remained opposed.
Then why all the sudden these spikes in senior interest?
One of the more revealing facts about this may be the link between adequate access to healthcare concerning mental health, and the availability of medical information on cannabis.
But more than likely, it’s because baby boomers have become educated to the fact that many common ailments that seniors suffer from are lessened by the compounds in the cannabis plant.
Benefits of Medical Marijuana for Seniors
Reportedly, one out of every five individuals take a pill every single day to relieve some type of aches or soreness.
Baby boomers are particularly susceptible to the bumps and roadblocks along the road of aging and are especially familiar with a daily pill regiment.
Aging invites along with it new and worsening problems, unfamiliar symptoms, and increased risks for chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
Medical technology has had a massive boom in the last 50 years, leading to more comprehensive healthcare, new surgeries and drugs, and innovations to slow aging and prevent diseases.
It’s probably true that if you live long enough, you’ll likely experience some health problems, and baby boomers know this better than all of us.
Because of the recent increased education on cannabis as a medicine in the United States, more doctors are equipped with knowledge
and experience with cannabis as a potential medication.
Treating ailments like nerve pain, arthritis, and inflammation with natural or organic medications is probably a better approach than harmful pharmaceutical narcotics, or the “kitchen sink” approach.
It is now widely known that cannabis can be a safe and effective alternative medication for many of these common symptoms and conditions, and although the West has been slow to the draw, we’re catching up at a fast pace.
Baby Boomers Adopt Cannabis as a Medicine
Because of how effective cannabis can be for common symptoms and
conditions that baby boomers are prone to, obviously there is a heightened interest in natural and organic alternatives to pharmaceutical medications.
While some rogue scientists and doctors have been preaching cannabis as a medicine for years, often they have been suppressed by an influenced pharmaceutical industry, or in some cases, political campaigns have even been launched with false claims of the terrible weed called cannabis.
Whatever the reasons, baby boomers are taking a new and fresh look at medical marijuana, and for good reason.
Boasting benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties, possible
neuroprotective properties, and possible anti-tumor effects, cannabis is being studied and consumed as an alternative medication for things like arthritis, Alzheimer’s and cancer.
As an alternative to opioids and opiates, cannabis shines as a safer and healthier alternative medication, where overconsumption will likely lead to a raided kitchen cabinet, rather than a trip to the morgue.
For those with sleeping disorders, Parkinson’s disease, or conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or chronic pain, cannabis has been effectively used to treat some or many of the symptoms.
It’s easy to see why America’s group of 70 million people would look at medical cannabis as an alternative medicine for many common ailments.
And with Tennessee recently beginning the process of implementing a medical marijuana program, seniors will soon be able to purchase and consume low-THC cannabis oil if they have a qualifying condition and a medical marijuana card.
Medical Cannabis in Tennessee
Tennessee cannabis patients will soon be able to legally purchase low-THC oil and see the relief they need organically.
Reserve your appointment today and get $25 off when we start processing applications!
Being a Tennessee cannabis patient allows you the freedom to take your medication the right way for you.
We’re dedicated to helping patients every step of the way, feel free to give us a call at (833) 781-5611 and we can answer your questions about getting a medical cannabis card in Tennessee.
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
At Tennessee Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (833) 781-5611, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Tennessee Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information!
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