More states are legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational use. What better way to learn cannabis lessons than shopping for products while getting high with friends who may or may not be easing their pain from chronic illnesses. The dynamics and effects of marijuana use on personal, social, and health outcomes among older adults definitely deserve our attention. Fortunately, that analysis can be done through research.
This research study examined older adults and marijuana use. A literature search using very reputable sources resulted in 18 articles reporting these results:
1) The greatest increase in marijuana use was observed among those in the older adult population 50 years or older.
2) Those 65 years or older had the greatest increase in marijuana use in the older adult population.
3) Common connections with marijuana use among older adults included being male, being unmarried, having multiple chronic diseases, having psychological stress, and using other substances such as alcohol, tobacco, other illicit drugs, and prescription drugs.
This research basically concluded that the increased use of marijuana in older populations requires more observation and research to better understand how it should be used in terms of side effects, prescription interactions, and possible addictions to avoid negative health outcomes. In addition, patients’ doctors should be informed of alternative treatments, and users should be informed about local and federal legalities.
In the meantime, while we wait for research to provide more assurances, join us on a field trip with some lively Seattle, Washington nursing home residents to a marijuana dispensary. In this video, you can learn more about marijuana products and treatments, listen to comments from active users, and draw your own conclusions.
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog
Thank you for sharing this. It is inspiring to see these seniors with an open mind and curiosity. As a college student of the sixties, it is valuable for me to see the potential benefits of this substance at this time of life. We are never too old to try new things(or retry old things).
ReplyDeleteDave, it's always a pleasure hearing from you. They say the best part about being over 40 is that we did all of our crazy stuff before the Internet came out. The sixties were very exciting times. It's interesting that marijuana is playing an impactful role with many older adults again. I agree that the focus on researched positives and negatives about the drug should be emphasized. I love the fact that so many amazing older adults are becoming more educated about various topics and making informed decisions. They (we) still have words of wisdom to offer future generations. As the Beatles would say, "Let it be!"
ReplyDeleteHappy endings, Frances Shani Parker