Disclaimer: None of what is published on evn-cbd.com is intended to be professional medical advice. Consult your health practitioner regarding any medical treatment or diagnosis.
Cannabis reform has led to myriad changes in the West, including changing attitudes and demographics of folks embracing the plant. Notably, seniors are becoming one of the fastest-growing populations of cannabis users.
Whether you’re a senior yourself looking at the best options or have older folks in your life looking to explore cannabis, there’s never been a better time to embrace the wide array of options this emerging market has to offer.
It’s no secret that because the market has seen such an explosion in growth, it’s often overwhelming. For seniors especially, it may be hard to nail down what specific strains offer the best results.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options fitting for seniors that encourage a wide array of benefits!
SHOP INDICA AND SATIVA GUMMIES
Key Takeaways
- Seniors can benefit from cannabis for many of the reasons any other population can, namely for symptom relief and managing pain, inflammation, sleep troubles, and more.
- There are many strains that can benefit seniors. Indicas, sativas, and hybrids all offer specific benefits that can work to relieve symptoms of seniors.
Benefits of Cannabis for Seniors
Seniors especially may find that cannabis offers immense relief in a number of areas. Cannabis may help manage pain, inflammation, and improve sleep.
(Note: If you are thinking about using cannabis in combination with or instead of certain medications, it’s recommended that you consult your physician before making any changes.)
A number of studies have found that cannabis can help to reduce opioid use, which may lead to less side effects and issues with dependence. For those looking to avoid a psychoactive experience, CBD and other minor cannabinoids can be beneficial for relieving stress and achieving better sleep, among other benefits.
While research is still catching up, some of the benefits of cannabis seem especially fit for seniors — namely, its anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, and appetite-stimulating properties. Recent studies have even shown that THC is linked to the reversal of lost bone density.
Is Indica or Sativa Better for Seniors?
While there is some variance, sativa strains generally provide more energy and mental stimulation, and indica strains are more relaxing. Hybrids tend to fall somewhere in the middle.
Ultimately, there is no objective answer here. Like any other population, specific strains are great for folks looking for specific benefits.
Seniors who may have trouble gathering energy or motivation may find that a sativa is more beneficial. Sativas may also help to stimulate the mind and make folks feel more creative, which could be a benefit for many seniors who want a cerebral jumpstart.
That said, sativas are more heady and may not provide enough relief for seniors looking to manage aches and pains. For those folks, a more balanced hybrid could help to encourage a wider array of effects.
For seniors who need help with sleep, relaxation, and pain relief, indica strains may be the best way to go. These strains may be a better option to manage chronic pain, insomnia, and more.
Best Strains for Seniors
There are plenty of great strains out there, so be sure to keep exploring beyond this list. However, these are some of the best options fit for seniors, across the sativa and indica spectrum!
Green Crack
While the name may be a little off-putting, Green Crack is an iconic strain aptly named for its uplifting and euphoric effects. It’s a great strain for fighting fatigue, filling people of all ages with energy along with a mental boost that can help to get seniors through the day.
It’s also got a pleasant taste, and many Green Crack varieties contain a high concentration of THC-V, which has been shown to help reduce inflammation.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is one of the most popular cannabis strains for a reason. In addition to its sweet flavor, it generally produces a balanced blend of effects. The sativa Haze parent strain offers more cerebral-sativa effects, while the opposing indica Blueberry parent works well for relaxing and pain relief.
Blue Dream generally has high levels of THC, further lending itself to symptom relief. This strain truly has the best of both worlds, offering a mellow feeling without that dreaded couch-lock feeling.
Harlequin
For seniors looking to reap medical benefits from cannabis without an overpowering high, Harlequin is a great pick. This strain has high amounts of CBD, and a moderate amount of THC.
This is a great strain for pain relief. The high CBD content gives it some effects seniors may seek out from an indica, though it’s sativa-dominant strain, so it also won’t be too sedating.
Garlic Cookies
Another quality, high-potency option for seniors is Garlic Cookies. This strain often has high amounts of both THC and CBD, allowing users to enjoy the medicinal benefits of CBD and the more euphoric, psychoactive benefits of THC. This is a great strain for stress management and relaxation, though most consumers also claim that it is mentally stimulating and may help to promote creativity and imagination.
While it’s an ideal choice for pain relief, the higher levels of limonene and beta-caryophyllene also keep Garlic Cookies from totally knocking you out.
Bio Jesus
Some folks just need a solid, sedating indica, and Bio Jesus is a great choice. Complete with plenty of myrcene, which helps to induce relaxation and relieve pain, it’s a go-to choice for many seniors. Bio Jesus produces a heavy euphoria with high potency, great to help combat insomnia and pain.
That said, it is a pretty potent option, so it may be a good strain to work up to or enjoy in small amounts, especially for new users.
Final Thoughts
We’re in a new age of cannabis where people of all populations can enjoy the many benefits the plant has to offer. Seniors are no exception! While cannabis can work to specifically enhance the day-to-day life of any consumer, seniors are a group that can especially benefit from the compounds and properties of cannabis.
If you’re a senior looking for a solid strain or know an older person in your life ready to take the leap, these options should not be ignored!
References
Anil, S. M., Peeri, H., & Koltai, H. (2022). Medical Cannabis Activity Against Inflammation: Active Compounds and Modes of Action. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.908198
Bab, I., Zimmer, A., & Melamed, E. (2009). Cannabinoids and the skeleton: From marijuana to reversal of bone loss. Annals of Medicine, 41(8), 560–567. https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890903121025
Bicket, M. C., Stone, E. M., & McGinty, E. E. (2023). Use of Cannabis and Other Pain Treatments Among Adults With Chronic Pain in US States With Medical Cannabis Programs. JAMA Network Open, 6(1), e2249797. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.49797
Bolognini, D., Costa, B., Maione, S., Comelli, F., Marini, P., Di Marzo, V., Parolaro, D., Ross, R. A., Gauson, L. A., Cascio, M. G., & Pertwee, R. G. (2010). The plant cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin can decrease signs of inflammation and inflammatory pain in mice. British Journal of Pharmacology, 160(3), 677–687. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00756.x
Okusanya, B. O., Asaolu, I. O., Ehiri, J. E., Kimaru, L. J., Okechukwu, A., & Rosales, C. (2020). Medical cannabis for the reduction of opioid dosage in the treatment of non-cancer chronic pain: a systematic review. Systematic Reviews, 9(167). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-01425-3
