While THC has been legal for medical purposes for over 20 years, CBD––the component of marijuana that doesn’t create a high––is relatively new to mainstream healthcare. Both compounds are more akin to herbal supplements for common ailments than a substitute for traditional healthcare. There are new studies into the benefits of CBD and THC every year for seniors considering alternative medicine.
For those interested in adding non-traditional treatments to your comprehensive geriatric care in Scottsdale, there are benefits to both CBD and THC for seniors.
THC is a non-addictive chemical compound of marijuana that intoxicates users. A common misconception is that you have to smoke marijuana to get the benefits of THC. However, following the medical and recreational legalization of marijuana in several states, producers created a wide range of products with THC.
Now, consumers can enjoy candies and baked goods, liquid extracts to add to beverages, ointments and creams, and more.
One of the most popular uses for THC is as an appetite stimulant. Weight loss is a serious concern in geriatric care in Scottsdale. Products with THC can reduce or eliminate nausea, stimulate hunger, and renew consumers’ interest in eating.
THC can be an essential component of a treatment plan if other medications cause nausea as a side effect. Early research shows that regular marijuana users are also obese at a lower rate. While THC may increase your appetite, there aren’t detrimental effects on body weight.
As aging happens, there are simply more aches and pains. They can range from the daily discomfort of arthritis to the acute, substantial pain from cancer and treatment. Prescription pain medication can cause side effects that are detrimental to patients’ everyday life. THC is an effective pain treatment without long-term side effects.
As part of geriatric care in Scottsdale, seniors can apply a THC-infused ointment directly to joints affected by arthritis to relieve their pain.
Prescription medications may be effective treatments but often come with either day-to-day or long-term side effects. THC has neither, and many seniors find they can replace some of their medications with a THC product. The alternative affords them the same benefit, but without side effects that compromise their enjoyment of life.
CBD is the non-intoxicating chemical compound in marijuana. Compared to THC, research about CBD is relatively new, and making conclusive statements about its efficacy in geriatric care in Scottsdale will require more long-term studies.
Initial research shows that CBD may be effective in relieving:
Many patients find some combination of traditional and non-traditional treatment to be the most effective form of senior care. Ask your primary care provider for more information if you’re interested in adding THC or CBD as treatments.
The doctors at Sage Medical have years of experience in senior care and devote themselves to staying current on the latest advancements in treatment. Our team takes the time to get to know patients to provide them with nuanced, focused care that addresses their concerns. Our top priority is supporting seniors in the Phoenix area as they age so they can experience their golden years the way they want––with independence.
When your loved ones need escalating care, the mobile team at Sage Medical can act as a primary care provider. We also work with a patient’s network of providers to keep track of paperwork, treatment plans, referrals, and prescriptions. We’re a customized, adaptive resource for geriatric care in Scottsdale.
