Older Adults and Cannabis

Older Adults and Cannabis

by | Nov 2, 2020 | Pain Relief

Cannabis products are seeing legalization all around the country and with the widespread popularity of these products, cannabis use is starting to cross generational lines. What does this mean for the industry, and for its newest customers? 

Boomers and Cannabis

A recent study has shown that overall, marijuana and cannabis is on the rise with baby boomers in the United States. Men in particular are finding their way to it as a treatment for a number of different ailments [1]. Why is this so significant? Well, historically older adults have been against cannabis products, even those who a decade ago did not support cannabis legalization have since started to change their minds. 

The findings of this study represent the changing attitudes of older Americans across the country when it comes to cannabis and marijuana use. Not only did use of cannabis increase in older adults in states where it has been legalized recreationally, but also in states where it has not. Researchers note that this phenomenon signifies a change in thinking across the entire country. 

This particular study looked at three years of data, collected between 2016 and 2018 in adults aged 55 and up. The data comes from 19 states and two territories, and focuses on cannabis use in those participants.  

Men between the ages of 60 to 64 were shown to have the highest rates of marijuana use, with the number of men using it jumping to 12.6% in 2018 compared to 8.9% in 2016. The study also showed that during the same time period cannabis use in men between the ages of 65 to 69 and 70 to 74 almost doubled. This is an impressive number in such a relatively short period of time. Research has shown, though, that the rates of cannabis use in women remained steady over the course of the study.

Scientists are still digging into what has caused such a shift recently, but the overall consensus is that more older adults are willing to use cannabis now because of the reduced stigma attached to it, increased availability of it, lowered inhibitions against cannabis, and the ever-growing list of medicinal benefits. Some of the most important of those benefits being help with chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep conditions [2]. As more older adults start to face these issues and also face the risk of certain prescription medications, they find themselves reaching for cannabis products. 

Effects of Cannabis on Older Adults

Current research shows that cannabis has much the same effect on older adults as it does on younger. Afterall, it interacts with the body in the same way no matter the age of the user. Cannabis finds its way via the endocannabinoid system, or the ECS. This system controls homeostasis within the body. If the body senses any kind of disturbance happening internally, the ECS will kick into gear and point its resources to that disturbance, working to again bring stability to it. The ECS functions using three primary elements called endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. 

  • The endocannabinoids are chemical compounds found within the human body. These compounds are very similar to the compounds found in cannabis, called cannabinoids. Since the two compounds are so molecularly similar, cannabinoids can easily attach themselves to endocannabinoid receptors. 
  • The receptors are found on the surface of cells throughout the body. When cannabinoids attach to the receptors, they are able to communicate with different systems, ultimately helping the ECS maintain homeostasis. 
  • Enzymes within the ECS are introduced after the receptor and cannabinoid compounds have worked together to achieve the desired level of stabilization in the desired system. Once homeostasis is achieved, the enzymes attach to the cannabinoids and break them down. 

Risks

Some are concerned with the possibility of drug interactions when older adults start mixing their medication with cannabis products. A recent study indicated that there is potential for marijuana to interact with certain heart medications when they are combined, potentially putting those users in increased risk of cardiovascular issues. The study also noted increased risk of confusion, dizziness, falls, and other accidents [3]. Everyone adding any sort of cannabis product into their routine needs to speak with their doctor beforehand. It’s not worth the potential risk when it just takes a few moments to ask questions. Research is ongoing and new information is constantly being released, so keeping up-to-date on potential issues, as well as reporting any new side effects to a doctor, are essential right now as the industry grows and spreads to more and more demographics. 

Uses

As mentioned earlier, some of the most common uses older adults have for cannabis include uses to help ease pain, anxiety, and sleep conditions. There are many other helpful uses for cannabis, including help with issues related to aging like inflammation, glaucoma, and Alzheimer’s, but we’ll discuss just the most common in this article.

Pain

Arthritis Pain

In the United States 23% of adults suffer from arthritis [4]. Arthritis can affect just one joint or several, and is most commonly seen in people over the age of 65 [5]. Researchers have been studying the benefits of cannabis on arthritis pain and the results are very positive. Their studies have indicated that THC and other cannabis products may help reduce inflammatory pain by changing the way pain receptors react to stimuli [6]. It may also work to reduce joint inflammation and protect the nerves [7]. While there are other treatments for arthritis pain available, many of them have less than desirable side effects. Cannabis can offer a reliable option for pain management without the risk of dangerous side effects. 

Back Pain

Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability around the world [8]. Some back pain can be resolved by rest alone, but many other types require treatment for recovery. Instead of taking prescription opioids for back pain, many are turning to cannabis. THC, for instance, has no dangerous side effects, is not habit forming, and has been shown to be an helpful option for managing inflammatory back pain [9]. Using THC along with stronger medications may be able to help a person reduce their need for more potent pills. That means combining THC with stronger pain medication may help cut down on dependency and the harmful side effects that go along with it [10]. 

Neuropathic Pain

Chronic neuropathic pain comes from damaged nerves, which is different when compared to the tissue pain described above. Research has shown that cannabis may be a treatment option for both types of pain, with many people swearing by cannabis and THC as a treatment for their neuropathic pain, including nerve trauma and widespread nerve damage [11]. Neuropathic pain is one of the most difficult to treat, yet current studies have revealed that cannabis can be beneficial to those patients who have not responded well to pharmaceutical treatments [12]. 

Anxiety & Stress

Studies have shown that cannabis interacts with two specific ECS receptors found in the central nervous system. Research is still ongoing, but these tests show that the cannabinoid THC may alter serotonin signals, particularly the receptor that has the largest role in anxiety disorders [13]. 

As mentioned earlier, the endocannabinoid system and THC work hand-in-hand and this is very much the case when it comes to treating anxiety disorders. The ECS is responsible for regulating stress and anxiety in the body, so when the system becomes overloaded, it is up to the ECS to make the necessary adjustments. Researchers believe that introducing cannabinoids to the ECS can have a positive overall effect on anxious behaviors [14]. 

THC is also believed to assist in neural regeneration [15]. High levels of stress and anxiety for prolonged periods of time can cause damage to the neurons and the brain. In order to correct that damage, new neurons must be formed and new connections made. THC helps boost this corrective process and stimulates growth of new neurons, resulting in reduced anxiety. 

Sleep Conditions

There are several factors to consider when investigating cannabis for sleep. First, consumers should determine which cannabis product they would like to try for sleep. Marijuana has been used for centuries as a natural sleep aid [16], however because it does possess psychoactive effects many potential users avoid it. While it is a powerful sleep aid, it may not be for everyone. If consumers would rather avoid the intoxication of THC, they should still be aware that THC contains a terpene called myrcene. This particular terpene is known to act as a sedative [17] and is a powerful addition to cannabidiol. 

Another factor to consider is the type of THC being used to assist in sleep. If a consumer decides to use a THC isolate, they will be missing out on the added benefits that comes with using a more inclusive THC product, like broad or full spectrum THC oil. The products that are listed as THC isolate will have all other cannabinoids and terpenes removed, leaving only pure THC. While this might be an excellent product for many other uses, it may not be the best product for someone looking for relief from sleep conditions because then they are missing out on a very special process called The Entourage Effect, which only happens when all cannabinoids and terpenes are allowed to exist together and aid each other in their processes, bringing maximum relief to the user. If even one of those compounds is removed, the beneficial results will be lessened [18].

Risks

Some are concerned with the possibility of drug interactions when older adults start mixing their medication with cannabis products. A recent study indicated that there is potential for marijuana to interact with certain heart medications when they are combined, potentially putting those users in increased risk of cardiovascular issues. The study also noted increased risk of confusion, dizziness, falls, and other accidents [19]. Everyone adding any sort of cannabis product into their routine needs to speak with their doctor beforehand. It’s not worth the potential risk when it just takes a few moments to ask questions. Research is ongoing and new information is constantly being released, so keeping up-to-date on potential issues, as well as reporting any new side effects to a doctor, are essential right now as the industry grows and spreads to more and more demographics.

THC for Pain Relief: What We Know

THC for Pain Relief: What We Know

by | Jun 19, 2020 | Pain Relief, THC

What is Pain?

Pain and pain relief have been tied to human history for centuries. It hasn’t always been a harmonious union, and there have been failures along the way, but humans have continued to strive for a better way to manage their pain. 

How do our bodies manage pain? By using the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a cell-signaling process in the human body that regulates different processes, including mood, appetite, and pain levels. This system is made up of molecules that are produced as needed, receptors that bind the molecules, and enzymes that break down the molecules once they are no longer needed. While experts are still researching how exactly THC interacts with the ECS system, it does suggest that THC has a beneficial effect on pain. Because THC doesn’t bind to the ECS receptors, it is believed this allows it to have more of an effect on the body, speeding up the process of homeostasis after pain is introduced [1]. 

THC for Chronic Pain

Arthritis Pain

In the United States, 23% of all adults have arthritis, a staggering statistic that means more than 54 million people struggle with this painful disease [2]. An inflammation of a single joint or several, arthritis can cause debilitating pain to its victims. It’s most commonly seen in people over the age of 65, but has been known to develop in people in any age group [3]. This means you will see questions related to arthritis in a very diverse group of people.

The customers approaching your company with arthritis are likely coming from more traditional types of treatment, some of those treatments may have troubling side effects making them less than desirable as a treatment for arthritis pain. Remind these customers that THC might offer an option for pain management without the dangerous side effects tied to prescription drugs. 

Researchers have been studying the benefits of THC on arthritis pain and the results are positive. Their studies have shown that THC actually helps reduce inflammatory pain by changing the way pain receptors react to stimuli [4]. It also works to reduce joint inflammation and protect the nerves [5]. 

Back Pain

Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability around the world [6]. It is expected that 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in the future [7]. With so many suffering from back pain, expect that your company will get questions about pain management and THC for back pain.

Hot and cold packs continue to be an effective treatment, but often the pain is more severe and medication is needed. Depending on the severity of the pain, this can be a dangerous world to wander into. Your customers may already know the dangers of opioids for pain, especially back pain, but there’s a chance they won’t know all the risks associated with them versus the benefits of using THC. Prescription opioids are addictive, and as many as 1 in 4 patients have reported struggling with prescription opioid addiction [8]. 

Instead of taking dangerous drugs, many patients are turning to THC for pain management. THC does not appear to have dangerous side effects and in clinical research has been effective at managing inflammatory pain [9]. Researchers have also discovered that combining THC with prescription pain medication may help cut down on the required drug dosage, risk of dependency, and harmful side effects from the prescription medication [10]. As always, remind your customers to check with their doctors before combining THC with any medications or starting any new treatment plan.

Neuropathic Pain

Chronic neuropathic pain comes from damaged nerves. The treatment for nerve pain is different than that for tissue pain. However THC could be a beneficial treatment option for both, including localized nerve trauma and widespread nerve damage [11]. 

Neuropathic pain is one of the most difficult to treat, so your customers might be especially frustrated by the time they reach out to you. It should relieve them to hear that research studies have revealed cannabis and THC to be effective for those patients who have not responded well to pharmaceutical treatments [12]. 

Cancer Pain

While there are some studies about how THC can actually help shrink cancerous melanoma [13], most cancer patients turn to THC to help manage the pain related to cancer and its treatment. Chemotherapy can cause vomiting, lack of appetite, and pain. These side effects all may be reduced or controlled by cannabinoids such as THC [14].

As with other types of treatment for pain, studies have found that THC may be used effectively alone or in combination with opioids to heighten their usefulness and reduce the required dosage needed to get the benefits [15]. Again, remind any customers looking to begin a new treatment plan or add THC to an existing plan to talk to their doctor first. 

THC for Other Types of Pain

Sports Injury

Just as THC has been found to be effective at reducing chronic pain, it also may be effective in easing musculoskeletal pain from exercise [16]. Many people turn to anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen after a sports injury, but those drugs can have side effects such as renal damage and increased risk of heart attack and stroke after prolonged use [17]. THC has not been found to have those side effects and may be just as effective at easing pain related to sports injuries. 

If your customers are athletes and concerned about how THC is perceived in the competitive field of athletics, you can remind them that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) removed THC from their lists of prohibited substances in 2018. 

Sore Muscles

Besides its anti-inflammatory benefits, it is believed THC’s analgesic effect makes it useful for sore or tired muscles. It may help relax the muscles to immediately ease discomfort. Added to the natural pain relief of THC products, many people say they feel relief in sore or overworked muscles [18]. 

Many athletes like to use THC before and after a workout, believing this helps ease their muscles into and out of anaerobic mode. Combined with proper stretching and massage, some notice a discernible difference in recovery [19]. 

Skin Conditions

Skin is the body’s largest organ and comes with the risk of pain. Almost 40 million people in the United States have some form of psoriasis or eczema [20] [21]. While incurable, there are treatments available to those who suffer. Because of its anti-inflammatory benefits and natural pain relief it offers, THC has become popular as an option for people who suffer from these painful skin conditions [22]. 

Your clients may also approach you with questions about acne and how THC can help. While most people think of acne as a cosmetic issue, it can actually be a very painful condition, especially if someone is suffering from cystic acne. Current research indicates that THC may help reduce the formation of sebum in sebaceous tissue, therefore reducing the likelihood of acne or the severity of an outbreak [23]. 

If your customers have a history of skin conditions, it’s likely they have been prescribed strong topical creams or steroids for treatment at some point. Neither of these are good long term solutions. Steroids have severe side effects, including hemorrhages, scars, and prematurely aged skin [24]. 

Is THC Right for You

Your customers know their bodies better than anyone else and know what is right for them. As a relatively new treatment still being researched, THC has been making excellent progress as an alternative treatment. It has offered relief to people who had previously given up hope or those who have histories or aversions to the often chaotic world of prescription drugs. THC may help your customers and their pain, and they will be thankful for any knowledge about THC you can pass on to them. 

They may approach you nervous and excited about the possibility of THC, so treat each customer individually and listen to their questions and concerns. Find out which type of THC would be right for them. Some may prefer a tincture, while others might prefer to smoke or use a salve. If you have personal experience with a product, share it with them. They will be thankful for your honesty and insight. 

Finally, you should always remind them to check with their doctor before taking THC.