Cannabis for Seniors

Would it surprise you to learn “…people ages 55 and older are now the fastest-growing demographic of pot users in the country?”. Or that several conditions of aging can be treated with medical marijuana in place of opioids? Cannabis is rapidly becoming a viable option to treat chronic conditions in senior citizens.

Cannabis for Seniors is a fascinating look at pain relief that is not addictive – unlike opioids. Ms. Potter states that “The Risk of dependency (of opioids) is virtually 100%”. The author contends that “pharmaceutical does not “cure” the distress, but rather masks it”. Sadly, many seniors live with constant pain and the only solution up until now may have been pharmaceutical – but that is rapidly changing.

There has been a steady reduction of opioid use in states with legalized marijuana. Per the Health Affairs Journal: “…$165 million reduction in annual Medicare spending on drugs for which marijuana could be a substitute ”. Another interesting statistic comes from the JAMA Internal Medicine study that “saw a 25 percent reduction in overdoses from painkillers in states with legalized marijuana.” Personally, I feel the research sees it a viable option that cannot be taken lightly and should be considered if you or someone you love has to deal with chronic pain. Additionally, cannabis has also shown “promise in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease” as it promotes the removal of plaque in the brain.

The title page of this book states that it is not “medical advice” and “Readers should discuss issues raised in this book with their personal physician…”. I agree wholeheartedly. But I seriously feel it is a book that any senior who has chronic pain issues should read and consider the possibility of using cannabis for relief. It is informative and offers an alternative to opioids, and as we all know many states have legalized marijuana. If your doctor feels it is a viable option, it is really important to do your own research as well, to see if it is right for you. “Cannabis For Seniors” is a great way to start.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2021 Laura Hartman

Written by Beverly Potter PhD, Cannabis for Seniors is a how to guide, targeted at the aging demographic of Baby Boomers. Critically, the book focuses on Cannabidiol, which is mildly psychoactive (mind-altering), NOT the mood-altering tetrahydrocannabinol the basis of the recreational drug. Potter advocates its usage for various medical problems and in conjunction with other treatments like socialising, music and laughter therapy. A comprehensive analysis of cannabis for seniors including a detailed bibliography and clearly set out chapters to make a most readable four-star informative book. As always with medication you need to see your own doctor for specific medical advice. With thanks to NetGalley and the author for a preview copy for review purposes. All opinions expressed herein are freely given and totally my own.

This is an excellent "how to" "did you know" "let me give you the facts" kind of book. I think that any beginner will find this information helpful and factual.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Ronin Publishing for this advanced readers copy. This is a re-release of a previous published book.

I wish I had found this book two years ago. While my doctor had suggested I try it for my chronic pain, he didn’t have much information to share, other than another patient who used morphine for pain had successfully switched to cannabis. I found that in our state’s new Medical Cannabis market there were not a lot of bud tenders who really knew enough to help me find a good strain for my pain.

Over the past two years I have researched and researched and tried various strains until I found what works for me. This book would have been a godsend when I first started out. Trying to understand the chemical components that make one strain different from another, and not just Indica vs Sativa vs. hybrid. This book will help you understand what cannabis is, hint, it’s not just weed to that hippies smoked in the 70s, nor is it some truly awful drug that must be avoided at all costs.

Here’s the kicker, I don’t smoke, never have. Yet cannabis has helped me relieve the chronic pain to a rather manageable level, which opioids never did for me. Edibles and infused oils are how I medicate. My hope is that we will legalize cannabis nationwide and then I can cook with it more often, as my husband does not have a license and cannot partake. Yeah, he could, but we are rule followers. Give the book a read and see for yourself. I promise you that you will find it more educational than listening to opponents who do not understand it at all and may just find yourself the relief you need from your chronic issues.