How seniors can use cannabis edibles to feel their best

Education

Are you a senior cannabis consumer or caregiver looking for the best ways to use cannabis edibles for health and wellness? Look no further! With edibles, there’s a world of innovative options that can help seniors feel their best everyday. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at various benefits of cannabis edibles that are especially applicable to seniors, and provide helpful tips on how seniors and their caregivers can make the most out of their experience. So if you’re ready to learn more about this topic, buckle up, because it’s time to explore edibles for seniors!

A male and female senior couple embrace in the sunshine

What are cannabis edibles and how do they work?

Cannabis edibles are food products infused with cannabis. They can be eaten or drunk, and work by entering the bloodstream through the digestive system. Unlike inhaling cannabis smoke, which takes effect almost immediately, the effects of cannabis edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in and can last for several hours. Edible potency can vary widely, so it’s important for new consumers to start with a low dose and wait until the effects are fully felt before consuming more.

Cannabis edibles work by entering the bloodstream through the digestive system, where they are absorbed through the stomach lining and digestive tracts, and also metabolized by the liver. When cannabis is ingested as an edible, your body processes the active compounds (like THC or CBD) and then converts them into metabolites that are distributed throughout your whole body, including to your brain. This process results in the effects associated with cannabis use, such as euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception of time and space. It’s important to note that the effects of cannabis edibles can be much stronger and longer-lasting than those produced by smoking or vaporizing, so it is important to experiment slowly with cannabis edibles until you know how they will affect you.

How can seniors use cannabis edibles to improve their quality of life?

Seniors can use cannabis edibles to improve their quality of life in several ways:

  1. Pain management: For some consumers, edibles can provide persistent relief from chronic pain and other types of discomfort associated with conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, and cancer. If you find that cannabis helps relieve your pain, consuming it in edible form can help the benefits last longer than smoking or vaping dried flower or concentrates.
  2. Insomnia: Edibles can help seniors who struggle with insomnia or sleep disturbances to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Check out our post on using cannabis for sleep for more.
  3. Improved Appetite: Seniors can struggle with lost appetites, due to illnesses or the side effects of medication.  Cannabis edibles are known for their ability to stimulate our appetites! If you’ve ever heard of “getting the munchies”, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
  4. Glaucoma: Cannabis edibles have been shown to help reduce the intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss, and that becomes more common as we age.

It’s important to note that every individual reacts differently to cannabis edibles. That’s why it’s important to start with a low dose and wait until you fully feel the effects before consuming more. It’s also important for seniors to consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis edibles, especially if they’re taking other medications, which can interact with cannabis in surprising ways.


Are there any risks associated with using cannabis edibles for seniors?

The answer is “yes”!  Perhaps the most common risk for seniors is the potential for unexpected interactions with other medications. Cannabis consumption can also cause side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, and changes in blood pressure. Seniors taking blood-thinning medication may experience an increased risk of bleeding if they use cannabis edibles. Additionally, older adults may be more sensitive to the psychoactive effects of THC, the main active ingredient in cannabis. It’s important for seniors to talk to their doctor before using cannabis edibles, and to start with a low dose to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

An elderly woman's hands are held by a younger woman's hands.


How can caregivers and loved ones help seniors safely consume cannabis edibles?

Caregivers can help seniors safely consume cannabis edibles by following these guidelines:

  1. Consult a doctor: Caregivers should encourage the senior to talk to their doctor before using cannabis edibles to make sure they are safe to use and won’t interact with any medications the senior is taking.
  2. Start with a low dose: Edibles can take up to two hours (or more!) to take effect, and the effects can last for several hours. Starting with a low dose can help reduce the risk of adverse effects.
  3. Read the label: Caregivers should carefully read the label of the edibles to understand the dose and ingredients.
  4. Store edibles safely: Be sure to store edibles in a secure place where they are not accessible to children or pets.
  5. Keep track of effects: Caregivers should encourage the senior to keep track of how they feel after taking edibles and to report any negative effects to their doctor.
  6. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery: Seniors should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking cannabis edibles, as they can impair coordination and judgement.
  7. Follow dosing instructions: Caregivers should encourage the senior to follow the dosing instructions carefully and not to exceed the recommended dose.

By following these guidelines, caregivers can help seniors safely consume cannabis edibles, which can be a helpful tool for seniors to improve their quality of life and manage certain health conditions that often come in our golden years. Because they work by releasing cannabinoids into the body over time, they can be very effective in helping with pain relief, sleep issues, and appetite stimulation.

Conclusion

It’s important for seniors to use cannabis edibles responsibly, as they can pose risks such as accidental overconsumption. Caregivers and loved ones can assist by educating themselves on cannabis edibles and guiding seniors in using them in a safe and controlled manner. Ultimately, using cannabis edibles can be a positive experience for seniors if they approach them with caution and understanding.

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Tabitha Fritz

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