Older people seek relief in cannabis

Older people are turning to the yerba to treat a range of illnesses, from arthritis to neuropathy, insomnia and chronic pain.

For these age pains, a little cannabis. More and more seniors in the United States come to the factory to treat their diseases by growing up in several states.

"They arrive en mbade with curiosity and interest, seeking to relieve pain and sleep problems," he says. Marta Macbeth, who works in a seniors' consulting practice in California, where recreational marijuana has been legal since January and has the largest legal cannabis market in the country.

Macbeth herself, 63, uses cannabis sciatica and insomnia. And he said that the interest is such that the presentations in retirement homes arouse a lot of interest.

Dyes, sprays, edibles and topics such as lotions and oils are the most popular products among the customers of silver hair. They provide relief for a wide range of diseases without having the psychotropic effects normally attributed to the drug.

"We had a presentation these days in San Jose [norte de California] and there were 400 people waiting.

According to several studies, seniors are the segment of the population of cannabis users who knows The fastest growth in the US If the trend continues, they could outperform the younger ones in terms of consumption.

The use of marijuana among Americans aged 65 and over increased by 250% between 2006 and 2013, according to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), from the English)

Another study determined a 71% increase in consumption in adults over 50 years of age between 2006 and 2016.

– From Arthritis to Insomnia –

California, one of 29 states where therapeutic marijuana is legal, the industry expects the company will reach 6.500 million d ollars by 2020.

Experts believe that older people are turning to yerba to treat a range of ailments, from arthritis to neuropathy, insomnia and chronic pain, and to avoid the side effects badociated with prescription medications, including opioids.

"Some seniors take 20 different pills a day and many times these drugs have an impact," said Beverly Potter, author of "Cannabis for Seniors," a book that helps seniors understand this new market.

Potter, who often speaks during events, always warns that marijuana – illegal at the federal level – is a drug of reference for all ills, especially because there is little medical research.

But he firmly believes in cannabis as an alternative to traditional painkillers or sleeping pills, which can leave patients

"Start small and go slow" is the advice that Potter gives to those who are interested in eating . "It's not about becoming tall, but learning to study your body."

The effects of therapeutic marijuana vary if it's an edible product like cookies or gelatins , or a cream

– Stigma –

Barbara Blaser, chief medical officer of a dispensary in northern California, explains that her clients are not trying to regain youth but improve their quality of life.

"They tell me," Alone I want to be able to work in the garden without getting my knees hurt, "said the 72-year-old nurse and 50-year-old nurse, who began consuming after a serious illness and ended up being an activist. "If used correctly, it can change your life."

And Blaser believes that the more social stigma on marijuana diminishes, the more it will become an alternative.

There is the case of Kyle Johnson, 68, who learned about marijuana from her neighbor Mary Lou Molinaro at her home in Brentwood, north of San Francisco.

"We started the club in March and at the first meeting there were 160 people, but they feared that people would find out." Said Johnson, who uses the substance to relieve his back pain and lighten up the pain. ;insomnia.

He indicated that now it is the opposite, although there are still people who believe that cannabis use becomes high. Look at me, do I look drugged ?! "She exclaims." If you use the right product, you will find relief, not a steering wheel. "