CannaConsumer Magazine
CANNABIS FOR SENIORS 87
SENI RS
Cannabis
for
I had the pleasure of reviewing Cannabis For Seniors by Dr. Beverly Potter, also known as Docpotter, and could not be more excited to share what I found, with our readers.
The description, on the back, shows that “Cannabis For Seniors is an essential reference for seniors, both new to cannabis and those who are experienced users”. Additionally, that “Caretakers and family will find the information invaluable in evaluating the potential benefits of cannabis”. After reviewing this publication, I could not agree more, as the subjects that Dr. Potter touches upon are essential for seniors to find their way through this complicated, and stigma ridden, plant - ripe with potential medical and wellness benefits.
Why Cannabis for Seniors:
This chapter begins with this impressive statistic: “Baby boomers are turning 65 to become “seniors” at an incredible rate of 10,000 each day. The percent of Americans aged 65 or over will grow to 18% by 2030 and it’s projected that the senior citizen population will balloon to 89% by 2050.” Not that I was unaware of the explosion for the baby boomer population, as I have family in this age group and we have been discussing the various issues with Social Security benefits, medical care, etc. for decades now. However, Dr Potter brings attention to some details such as “It is not uncommon for seniors to be taking up to 20 pills per day”, many haves “become isolated due to grown children” or “death of a spouse”, and that they find it “harder to meet new people”. She also points out that “with isolation comes feeling lonely and helpless to be able to change it, which can lead to anxiety and worry about their situation, health and future”. Finally, that “cannabis has properties and benefit that seniors can draw upon for aid in these issues”.
The Endocannabinoid System:
I was happy that Dr. Potter took the time to address the basics of the Endocannabinoid System as it is the system, in the human body, that is set up to receive cannabinoids. She discusses Trichomes, “the small, mushroom-shaped crystals that coat the cannabis flower” as well as terpenes, “the oils within the plant affecting it’s flavor” and other synthetic cannabinoids, or “designer drugs” made to emulate the natural cannabinoids of the plant.
Routes into the Bloodstream:
This chapter discusses all the methods of consumption, such as injection, inhalation, eating, absorption through skin, sublingual absorption, and suppositories. This chapter points out facts such as how although injection is the quickest route into the blood stream, cannabis is not water soluable and so this is not a typical method of consumption. Also, that “most people begin to notice effects of suppositories within ten to fifteen minutes after insertion” This is an incredibly informative chapter that is quite explanitory of the consumption methods, of cannabis, and the risks and benefits of each.