Recreational marijuana isn’t yet legal in PA, but in 2016, Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana, also referred to as cannabis. We often write about how not everyone in recovery needs to avoid marijuana, but it’s probably a good idea to steer clear of it, especially after completing residential treatment or outpatient services with St. Joseph Institute.
But what about older adults who may or may not be in recovery from substance abuse? Is it safe for them to use it? If there are other substances involved, should you be worried?
Don’t panic, our Wexford and Port Matilda care teams are here to educate, inform, and support you. However, this article does not contain medical advice and should be used for educational purposes only.
What Constitutes an Older Adult?
The International Encyclopedia of Public Health classifies anyone aged 60 or older as an older adult. But the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) extends that minimum age to 65, and reports that nearly a quarter of US adults will have reached older-adult status by 2060. Once you reach that point—and even if you’re in better shape than you are now—you’ll have entered new medical territory that many healthcare professionals believe comes with risks, such as:
- Higher risk of heart disease
- More possibility of developing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Greater vulnerability to infections like pneumonia and the flu
- Bigger possibility of feeling anxious or depressed, and perhaps even more so if living alone
- Increased chances of developing type 2 diabetes, cancer, and arthritis
Those last two bullets that speak about anxiety, depression, and arthritis are actually the main drivers of cannabis use among older populations. In a study of 568 older adults who use cannabis, almost 80% said they consumed it to help with arthritis pain, other forms of chronic pain, and symptoms stemming from anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
If you’re older or have an older loved one who uses cannabis for those reasons, you’re not alone, but there are a few things to be aware of.
Can Cannabis Help Adults Manage Pain and Mental Health?
Good Rx says that it may, but there are risks, like a greater probability of falling, visiting the ER, or experiencing a heart attack or stroke. It can also raise—or even lower—blood pressure. Cannabis can also interact negatively with other medications you may be taking.
All that said, the severity of these risks can depend on the type of cannabis being consumed, how often it’s consumed, and its potency. If the cannabis has high concentrations of THC, its psychoactive element and the component that creates a high, it may be more dangerous. If it has higher concentrations of CBD (a calming compound that doesn’t cause a high but can still affect your mood), it may carry less risk.
Here are some other important facts about THC-heavy products compared to more CBD-concentrated options:
- High THC products can help reduce nausea and pain, but they also slow reaction time and are more likely to cause anxiety.
- High CBD products can help decrease inflammation and anxiety.
- If products mix CBD and THC in equal parts, or there’s more CBD present than THC, there may be less of a psychoactive effect, which can be safer.
Tips For Using Medicinal Cannabis Safely
These tips only apply to situations where somebody is using medicinal marijuana, the kind that requires a medical marijuana card. Using marijuana without a provider’s guidance can lead to health issues and dependency, which sometimes develops into cannabis use disorder (CUD).
- Start slowly and with small amounts.
- Opt for products that primarily contain CBD or have high CBD concentrations.
- If you aren’t satisfied with CBD-dominant products, you can look into alternatives with more balanced ratios, just as long as the final outcome isn’t super THC-heavy.
- If you choose to ingest edible cannabis, consider choosing products that have 2.5mg or less of THC.
- Keep in mind that edibles can take hours to kick in, so consuming more cannabis while you wait can lead to shockingly strong effects.
- Be aware of the fact that the packaging of many edible products can be misleading or confusing, and dosages aren’t always entirely uniform across states where medical marijuana is legal.
But most importantly, it’s good to know that long-term marijuana use can have serious consequences, and it may be more helpful to use it intermittently or for the short term.
Get Support For Cannabis Misuse in Pennsylvania
If you’re an older person concerned about the negative effects that your cannabis use may be causing, or you’re simply worried that an older family member may be developing an unhealthy dependence on it, you can contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
