Picture this: Grandma strolls into a dispensary, hoping for a solution to her aching joints or sleepless nights. She’s expecting the kind of personalized care she gets at the pharmacy—the pharmacist who knows her name, her meds, her story. Instead, she gets, well…a guessing game. A well-meaning budtender offers her a gummy they swear helped someone with “similar vibes.” But Grandma’s vibes are unique. Her health needs aren’t one-size-fits-all. And honestly, would we accept this approach for any other kind of medicine? Probably not.
Cannabis has become the Wild West of modern medicine. Sure, there’s potential—huge potential—but walking into most dispensaries feels like rolling the dice. Some people swear by their luck; others walk away more confused than ever. The truth is, what works for one person might not even scratch the surface for another. And yet, we’re asking seniors—folks who often already feel overwhelmed by their health—to navigate this labyrinth without a map. It’s frustrating, a little absurd, and definitely not fair.
Here’s the thing: we’re talking about a generation that deserves more than guesswork. Seniors already face enough challenges with aging bodies, countless prescriptions, and, let’s be honest, a healthcare system that doesn’t always put them first. Add in the risks of opioids and benzos—hello, falls and dependence—and cannabis seems like a safer, smarter option. But only if it’s done right. Only if there’s science, training, and real care behind those recommendations. It’s not just about tossing options their way; it’s about giving them something that actually works for them. Something they can trust.
The good news? It doesn’t have to stay this way. The future of cannabis care can—and should—look a lot more like Grandma’s trusted pharmacy. Tailored, informed, compassionate. A place where health isn’t left to chance but guided by expertise. So, let’s stop throwing spaghetti at the wall and calling it medicine. Let’s build something better—because Grandma’s worth it, and frankly, so are we all. 🌱✨
For more on the Commonwealth Project: https://commonwealthproject.org
For The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook: Amazon | Gift a Signed Copy | AudioBook
Cannabis care made simple & accessible through telemedicine 👉 CEDclinic.com 💻
🌟 First come, first served! Smash that Like, drop a Comment, and hit Re-Stack to grab your free week of subscription access—because you’re worth it. 💅
Prefer YouTube?
Below: 5 Evidence-Based Tidbits for Better Cannabis Care
Cannabis use among older adults has seen a dramatic increase in recent years. A study found a 250% rise in past-year cannabis use among adults aged 65 and older between 2006 and 2013, with current estimates ranging from 2.9% to 9.0% for adults 65+ and 50-64, respectively. This trend underscores the growing importance of understanding cannabis effects in this population, particularly as more seniors turn to cannabis for various health concerns.
Older adults primarily use cannabis for medical purposes, with pain, sleep disturbances, and anxiety being the most common reasons. A survey of 568 patients found that 15% had used cannabis within the past three years, with half reporting regular use mostly for medical purposes. This suggests a pressing need for more comprehensive research on cannabis efficacy for age-related conditions, as seniors increasingly seek alternative treatments for chronic health issues.
The use of cannabis in older adults presents both potential benefits and risks. While some studies indicate improvements in chronic pain, sleep, and anxiety, there are concerns about cognitive effects, cardiovascular risks, and drug interactions. A systematic review highlighted the need for more research to clarify the neuroprotective benefits and potential risks of cognitive decline in this population. This complex balance of effects underscores the importance of personalized, evidence-based approaches to cannabis use in seniors.
The safety profile of medical cannabis in older adults appears generally favorable, but caution is warranted. A study of patients aged 75 and older found that medical marijuana was well-tolerated, with initial side effects decreasing after dosage adjustment. However, potential risks include sleepiness, balance problems, and gastrointestinal disturbances. This highlights the need for careful monitoring and individualized dosing strategies when introducing cannabis to older patients.
There is a critical need for evidence-based guidelines and personalized approaches to cannabis use in older adults. Current research emphasizes the importance of individual benefit-risk assessment and shared patient-clinician decision making, given the paucity of clinical evidence specific to this age group. This underscores the necessity for a more tailored and informed approach to cannabis recommendations for seniors, moving away from generalized advice to more personalized, scientifically-grounded strategies that consider the unique health profiles and needs of older adults.
Share this post