The various medicinal benefits of cannabis are something that anyone of legal age can enjoy, and that includes seniors, but for anyone who did not grow up in this golden age of medical marijuana, diving in for the first time can be a bit intimidating.
The truth is that seniors who have not tried cannabis products before should exercise some caution to ensure that they not only fully enjoy the benefits of THC and its cannabinoid cousins but also stay safe and comfortable when doing so.
The best way to do this is with edibles, as there’s no smoking involved, and dosages are clearly defined. We recommend low-dose edibles for seniors who are inexperienced with cannabis products, as they can help get them started on this natural medicine as gently as possible.
But what is a low-dose edible, and why are they the best option for seniors? Read on to find out.
Intro to Edibles for Seniors
If you are a senior looking for a safe new way to address pain, worry, stress, loss of appetite, sleep issues, and more, cannabis may be the answer for you.
But while many younger people can get caught up to speed on everything they need to know about careful cannabis use from their peers, it can be a little trickier for older folks to broach the subject and get the info they need.
When present-day seniors were growing up, the public view of cannabis was that it was a seriously dangerous and addictive drug that stole your motivation and possibly even inspired criminal behavior.
But the truth is that these ideas were the result of a disinformation campaign that sought to outlaw marijuana for reasons far more related to big business interests and racism than the supposed dangers of the plant.
The Truth About Cannabis
What we now know through a wide variety of studies is that cannabis offers an array of potential medicinal benefits.
However, that does not mean there are no drawbacks to cannabis use or things you should be cautious about when trying it out. It is just that cannabis is far less dangerous than was once widely believed, and in fact, it can be incredibly beneficial for all kinds of people.
What Is a Low-Dose Edible?
A low-dose edible is a cannabis edible that contains a smaller amount of THC than the average edible. THC is a chemical compound known as a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant and is largely responsible for both its psychoactive effects and many of its medicinal benefits.
Low-dose edibles for seniors generally contain a higher concentration of CBD than THC. CBD is another cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is non-psychoactive, so it does not get the user high, but it is believed to offer an array of medicinal benefits.
The combination of higher CBD and lower THC content makes for a more gentle and relaxing experience for people who are not accustomed to the psychoactive effects of THC.
What Are the Benefits of Low-Dose Edibles for Seniors?
Low-dose edibles are the best way for seniors to get acquainted with the world of cannabinoids and hopefully begin to enjoy the various medicinal benefits these fascinating chemical compounds have to offer. Here are some of the upsides of choosing low-dose edibles:
They Can Help You Start Slow
You may get to a point where you would like to up the dosage of THC in your edibles, but it is always best to follow the “start low and go slow” mantra, as overdoing it can potentially lead to an uncomfortable experience and ruin cannabis for you going forward.
They Can Offer Relief
You do not need a high dose of THC in order to enjoy its medicinal benefits. Many people use cannabinoids to provide them with relief from mild to moderate chronic discomfort.
They Can Help You Relax
Low-dose edibles for seniors do not only offer physical relief; they can offer mental relief as well. THC and CBD are believed to help induce a more calm and relaxed state along with a sense of euphoria that can help you feel more at ease.
They Are a Safe Alternative to Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical drugs often come with a laundry list of potential side effects, some unpleasant and some seriously dangerous. Low-dose edibles for seniors offer a safe alternative to some of these medications.
Make sure you speak with your doctor before you stop taking any of your prescribed medications.