It’s no secret Cannabis has been making a name for itself in the medical world, especially for those individuals who are suffering from chronic illness, mental disorders and symptoms of aging. People all over the world are finding healing benefits for everything from everyday aches and pains to chronic sleep problems to stress relief. Awareness and acceptance of cannabis grows every day. At High Tops Cannabis, we consider ourselves cannabis health experts and we hope this article helps to educate those who are new to medical cannabis.

Cannabis and the Elderly

One of the largest and fastest-growing groups to realize the benefits medical cannabis are those who are over 50 years of age. More and more baby boomers are experimenting with cannabis for their health as well as their overall well-being. In the past, this age group was adamantly opposed to marijuana because of the taboo associated with cannabis use while having a career and raising a family. It was a common misconception that a cannabis user could not be successful and live a responsible life.

Thankfully, research has come far enough that the stigma has widely changed and seniors are now reaping the health benefits from medical cannabis. Did you know cannabis is safer than most of the commonly prescribed pharmaceutical medications? Most senior citizens take prescription drugs every single day while enduring an onslaught of undesirable side effects.  The side effects of cannabis are insignificant in comparison. It is impossible to overdose or consume toxic levels of cannabis. It is also impossible to consume a fatal dose of marijuana. Ongoing research continues to prove this fact.

Cannabis is also non-addictive. Senior citizens have expressed hesitation in trying medical marijuana because of the fear of addiction, and who can blame them? They have been exposed to the negative effects of pharmaceuticals for so long, it is hard for some to believe there is natural relief out there in the form of cannabis. Remember, cannabis is still considered a Schedule 1 Drug federally, which gives the impression of danger and addiction. In reality, cannabis is not only safer than addictive pharmaceutical drugs, but it has the potential to completely replace prescription medication for some people. This is great news for anyone currently taking prescription medication!

A Flower for Everyone

There are many different strains of medical cannabis, each affecting the body and mind differently. Each cannabis plant has its own individual benefits. There are strains out there which help specifically with chronic pain, while others are great for keeping someone focused and energized, while others may promote relaxation for a good night’s sleep. Sativa and Indica are the two main species of cannabis which have thousands of sub-strains. Your budtender at High Tops in Colorado Springs can recommend which type of flower (or strain) would help with the symptoms you are looking to ease. Typically, it takes experimentation to find exactly which strains will work best for you, as cannabis affects everyone differently. We are happy to help!

Indica Strains

Indica strains of cannabis generally provide a sense of deep relaxation. This is both mentally and physically. If you are someone who suffers from mental anxiety, stress or depression, an Indica strain will give instant relief. Indicas also relieve nausea and increase appetite, making it ideal for anyone suffering from the side effects from cancer treatment, like chemotherapy. Because of the high levels of cannabidiol (CBD) present in Indica strains, they are also ideal for patients looking to treat symptoms related to chronic pain, muscle spasms, eating disorders, or sleep disorders (to name a few).

Sativa Strains

Sativa plants are the opposite of Indica, which provide more of an energizing effect. It is the choice you want to make if you are looking to become more motivated, creative, physically active or social. Physicians would recommend Sativas for anyone with an active lifestyle. If you are suffering from mood disorders, depression, ADD or fatigue, Sativa is a promising recommendation. At High Tops Premium Cannabis, we love Sativas because of the multitude of mental health benefits.

Sativa offer feelings of extreme well-being and bring about feelings of ease. It can help to combat depression and make you think cerebral and uplifting thoughts while energizing, stimulating and increasing your creativity and focus.

Sativa is commonly prescribed to treat behavioral and mental health issues like ADHD and chronic stress. One of the notable side effects of Sativas are the feeling of being high. The psychoactive elements of cannabis tend to be more prominent in the energetic strains. Some users may experience panic attacks, paranoia and anxiety while taking Sativa strains. It’s important to figure out your personal dosage before committing to your busy lifestyle so as not to experience these effects. These strains are not typically recommended if an individual has social anxiety. Again, experimentation is key, and your budtender can help you find out which strain type is right for you!

Dosing Cannabis

Edibles

Many doctors do not recommend smoking cannabis for your ailments because of the side effects of smoke inhalation. The most doctor-recommended consumption method is cannabis-infused products, commonly referred to as edibles. Edibles come in many forms, including brownies, candy, chocolate bars, gummies, cookies, drinks, and even pills. Cannabis ingested orally enters the bloodstream after being digested in the stomach and absorbed into the intestines. This method ensures the cannabinoids within the edible are processed as the body needs and is a much healthier alternative than smoking.

First-time medical patients should start with a low dose of 10-15mg.  Research indicates 30-100mg is considered a daily dose for most patients. However, only the individual can determine what works best for them. This requires experimentation with different types of edibles and potencies. It is always going to be a process of trial and error when figuring out the perfect cannabis dose for your desired effect. Your budtender at High Tops can help explain all the different strains, dosage and consumption methods. Talking openly with us about your desired outcome with your cannabis regimen will help our experts to lead you in the right direction for your medical cannabis journey.

Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates are a segment of the market that includes hash oils, waxes, shatters, rosins, tinctures and more. This is a fast-growing market and can sometimes complicate your medical decisions when just starting out with cannabis. The more you educate yourself about these product options, the more you will be able to find out which unique product and dosage is right for you.

With that being said, concentrates are new to the cannabis arena and there is a ton of ongoing testing and research being conducted in order to give the world a clear idea of what to expect long-term, as well as how to dose and manage your symptoms in the short-term. Concentrates are products made from the cannabis plant that have been processed to keep the most desirable components present. They will always have a higher concentration of these compounds than a natural cannabis flower.

If you are looking for a higher potency of cannabis, concentrates might be your answer. Have you ever heard the term dabbing? Dabbing is a way you can consume waxes, shatters and oils. Another method is vaporizing. Vaporizing is growing in popularity because of the easy and discreet manner in which you consume. The vape device is small and portable, easy to use, and fast and effective. Many also turn to vaporizing because of the minimal health risks as compared to smoking. It’s important to note, too, that concentrates AND flower can be consumed by vaping.

There is a ton of information out there about the multitude of benefits of cannabis. A good place to start your journey is at a medical cannabis dispensary like High Tops Premium Cannabis Dispensary. Our budtenders are knowledgeable and kind, and will be able to guide you and help with any questions you may have. At High Tops Cannabis Dispensary, you get the best products at the best prices! We love our patients and encourage you to reach out to us as a resource for all of your medical cannabis questions and care.