Seniors have taken to using cannabis for all kinds of ailments. They have found that the use of these products have helped with specific symptoms like those that accompany menopause, as well as everyday ailments like chronic pain. In fact, it has become common enough to warrant a study to look at the premise using cannabis for minor ailments.

Percentages of Cannabis-Users

A study was taken by surveying 568 people who were all 65 years or older. Reportedly, 78 percent of those surveyed claimed to use cannabis for medical purposes exclusively. Nearly all of them admitted that their family knew about their cannabis use. 

However, only 41 percent stated that their healthcare providers knew. The study suggested that they would be more likely to tell their providers if the stigma surrounding cannabis use diminished.

Percentages of Treatments

Those taking part in the study reported that they used cannabis for a number of different ailments. 73 percent of those using cannabis for minor ailments used it to handle pain and arthritis. 29 percent used it to help with sleep, whereas 24 percent and 17 percent used it for anxiety and depression respectively.

Risks Involved

There are, of course, potential risks associated with elders using cannabis to handle even minor ailments. While this hasn’t been completely proven, due to few test samples, it has been suggested that cannabis can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Whether or not this is the case, this shows the importance of elderly cannabis users disclosing their use with their doctors. 

Make Your Choice, But Know the Risks

Plenty of elderly people are choosing to try cannabis in order to treat their minor ailments. It offers plenty of benefits for them, but users should be aware that there are some potential risks. However, these risks have yet to be fully proven. That said, it would still be beneficial for anyone planning to start using it to inform their doctor beforehand.

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