As medical marijuana gains recognition for its therapeutic potential, numerous studies and professional endorsements highlight its value in addressing various health issues, particularly for seniors. Older adults with specific health conditions can benefit from the information in this article.
What’s Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana refers to using the Cannabis plant and its components, known as cannabinoids. These compounds alleviate symptoms or treat various medical conditions. It uses THC and CBD to relieve symptoms or treat specific conditions. These cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. They help regulate various physiological processes like mood, appetite, pain, and sleep.
Health Conditions Cannabis Can Address for Seniors
- Chronic pain: Marijuana can help manage chronic pain by reducing inflammation and affecting nerves similarly to local anesthetics. It can also help patients decrease their daily opioid requirements when used alongside other pain management therapies.
- Arthritis: Medical cannabis possesses strong immune-modulation and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for managing symptoms and treating arthritis.
- Alzheimer’s disease: Beta-amyloid is a key factor in Alzheimer’s. A preclinical study found that THC, a chemical in cannabis, slowed the production of beta-amyloid protein.
- Cancer: The FDA has approved synthetic THC pills, Dronabinol and Nabilone/Cesamet, to treat nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Marijuana can also help manage cancer symptoms. It helps relieve pain, stimulates appetite, improves sleep, and enhances mood. Some studies suggest that it may inhibit the growth of certain tumors.
- Heart disease: Cannabis can help prevent heart disease when combined with exercise, proper sleep, and a healthy diet by reducing anxiety and stress. It is also useful for managing pain in patients with conditions like angina.
- Glaucoma: Ingesting cannabis can temporarily relieve glaucoma patients by reducing pressure in the eyeball.
- Diabetes: Research suggests that medical marijuana may prevent and treat diabetes. It lowers insulin resistance, alleviates pain, and combats oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Fibromyalgia: Cannabis can offer broad-spectrum relief for fibromyalgia symptoms. This includes unexplained pain, fatigue, poor sleep, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can help patients sleep better, manage pain, improve mood, and address gastrointestinal issues like IBS.
Contact Access Marijuana RX in St. Petersburg Today!
If you or a loved one are considering using cannabis to treat a specific health issue, consult Access Marijuana RX in St. Petersburg, FL, to discuss appropriate options and ensure this alternative treatment’s safe and effective use. Call us at 727-209-5470.