Should You Encourage a Senior Loved One To Try Cannabis?

Cannabis legalization is growing increasingly widespread, with more and more jurisdictions decriminalizing or legalizing cannabis for medical or recreational use. In light of this, it’s no surprise that a growing number of people are interested in trying cannabis for the first time. Cannabis enthusiasts have shared many anecdotal stories about the benefits they experienced, so it’s understandable if you find yourself wondering whether or not cannabis could be helpful for your older loved ones. The truth is there’s a lot to learn about cannabis and you need to be informed before making a decision. Keep reading if you want to know whether or not you should encourage a senior loved one to try cannabis.

Should you encourage a senior loved one to try cannabis?

There is no easy answer when it comes to the question of whether or not to encourage a senior loved one to try cannabis. Ultimately, it will come down to a case-by-case basis. If you’re thinking about enrolling them in a medical marijuana program to treat a specific condition, the best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with their doctor. Many seniors who use cannabis products have shared that they feel it can improve their overall quality of life, but you should check with a healthcare professional to see how cannabis could affect their health or interact with the medications they’re taking.

If your loved one is going to experiment with cannabis, you need to find products they will enjoy. Generally, the most popular way for older adults to consume cannabis is by using edibles. Just make sure you look for products that use high-quality edibles packaging. Not only is it required to have high-quality packaging to ensure the product’s freshness and potency, but it’s also necessary to ensure the safety of the consumer. Read reviews from customers so you can get a sense of what a product is like and whether or not the packaging meets your standards.

The legal status of cannabis in your state will obviously affect your ability to purchase cannabis for your loved one. Every state has different laws, but currently, over 35 states have legalized medical marijuana and 18 have passed laws or ballot measures allowing recreational use. These numbers are expected to continue to grow in the future.

How else can you help your loved one as they age?

Home health care services can be extremely beneficial for seniors. By providing assistance with activities of daily living, home health care can help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life. Home health care can also enable seniors to stay connected to their community and reduce their risk of hospitalization. If you are considering home health care services for a loved one, you need to do your research. By taking the time to find the right provider, you can ensure that your loved one receives the high-quality care they deserve.

If your loved one has specific accessibility needs or struggles to get around the house as easily as they used to, you may want to invest in home modifications. There are several home modifications that can be extremely beneficial for seniors. For example, installing grab bars in the shower and near the toilet can allow seniors to maintain their independence and safety. Installing a raised toilet seat can also be useful, as can widening doorways and installing lever-style door handles. These modifications can make it easier for seniors to move around their homes and perform everyday tasks.

It’s our responsibility to do what we can to help our senior loved ones when they need our assistance. Medical marijuana is one option that many people feel improves their quality of life, but you need to talk to a doctor to determine if it’s the right choice for your relative. Their doctor may also be able to recommend additional steps you can take to provide them with the tools they need to live happily and as independently as possible. If they live alone, you may also want to consider hiring a home health aide. By doing these things, you can help your loved ones stay healthy and comfortable.