Why some older adults might choose cannabis
With the legalization of cannabis in B.C. in 2018, there has been an extraordinary growth in interest in the potential health benefits of cannabis as a therapy-aid, particularly among older adults.
Learn more about important information for adults age 55+ who might be considering using cannabis products.
With the legalization of cannabis in B.C. in 2018, there has been an extraordinary growth in interest in the potential health benefits of cannabis as a therapy-aid, particularly among older adults.
Older adults might use cannabis products for a number of reasons, including:
Cannabis products can work for some older adults and not others. Talk to your health care professional first if you are thinking of using cannabis for medical or non-medical purposes.
As you age, so does your body’s ability to process drugs and substances. Adults age 55+ may be more sensitive to cannabis and have a higher risk of developing side effects.
In recent decades, cannabis products have become increasingly concentrated with THC, which is the main psychoactive component found in cannabis. Thirty years ago, dried cannabis typically contained about four per cent THC, whereas nowadays, it averages about 15 to 20 per cent THC. Some cannabis extracts (i.e., concentrates) can contain more than 80 per cent THC. A high level of THC in cannabis or too much cannabis consumption can lead to over-intoxication. Symptoms over over-intoxication can include:
If you have certain medical conditions, cannabis use may potentially pose increased risk of experiencing side effects. For example, you should consider not using cannabis if you have serious:
Using cannabis while taking prescription or non-prescription health products, such a pharmaceutical drugs or natural health products, can also increase the risks of side effects. Talk to your health care professional first if you are thinking of using cannabis for medical or non-medical purposes. Active Aging Canada, a National charity that supports older adults living well and remaining active, provides a number podcasts, videos and information on safer cannabis use for older adults.
Buying cannabis products from a legally licensed producer or retailer ensures the quality of the products, whereas cannabis products purchased from the illegal market are not subject to the same quality checks. It may therefore expose users to unnecessary health risks. Because cannabis products are much stronger today and come in a greater variety of products and ways to consume, regardless of your previous experience, you should always start low and go slow.
To learn more about what cannabis is, how it can be used, along with potential risks and benefits of use, click here.
Explore our cannabis hub for specific information for families, youth, health professionals and local governments.
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