Senior citizens have become the fastest growing group of cannabis consumers

Photo credit:texasmarijuanapolicy.org

since 2009. The federal government made cannabis illegal in 1937. For most their lives our parents have only known this unprocessed plant to be off limits. However, the times they-are-a-changing. Walk into any cannabis shop and many friendly faces in there will resemble your parents. Cannabis is practically made to accommodate and improve the quality of life for those advancing in age, so give it a try.

Unfortunately, to start, I am going to have to see their identification. Colorado has an odd compliance law that makes it mandatory for anyone in a dispensary to show a valid form of identification. Trust me, I believe they are 21. We do not take down any names or keep any records but they must show their ID. It is usually the older generation who forget their ID’s and then end up leaving without seeing anything. It is a small price for legal cannabis I suppose, so please bring the ID.

Before you come in, it would be helpful if you explained to your parents how cannabis has improved your life or someone with similar ailments to theirs. Examples of how the use of marijuana has improved your life could make all the difference. They have lived through all the negative “marihuana” propaganda and most likely are unsure of what to believe, your assistance will help. Point out that marijuana can safely alleviate problems while at the same time can assist in breaking any reliance on prescription pharmaceuticals. Pain, inflammation, sleep, arthritis, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression can all be effectively and safely treated with cannabis. Most recently, during an Alzheimer’s study in 2016, THC stimulated the removal of toxic plaque in the brain and prevented cells from dying*.

So, should they smoke it, eat it, or rub it on? There are no significant side effects to using cannabis. Possibly a little sleep? Some people have experienced paranoia, but that only occurs when high doses of THC are introduced. Cannabidiol (CBD) is non-psychoactive, start there. CBD is one of the medicinal “ingredients” of cannabis and the first thing I would suggest trying is a lotion. Lotions work nicely since they affect only the area you put them on and will not get you high. The lotions will help with inflamed areas like joints or muscles. In addition to the painful spots though, cannabis patients will also rub the lotion on their temples to alleviate any headaches, around dry areas to manage psoriasis or eczema, or on their jawline to avoid teeth-clenching during sleep. If you have never rubbed weed cream on your feet before bed I would recommend you do so immediately. Personally, I do not think edibles are a good idea for first-time consumption. The dose can often be too much or too little, and with a least an hour of wait time it is best to try something a little quicker, like smoking or vaporizing.

Budtenders want to meet your parents, and I think your parents would like to meet us too. Allow us to be the concierge for their first ganja experience. How fun will that be? Then, maybe you can also find out what it is like to smoke a joint with mom. See you guys soon.

*Medicalnewstoday.com, June 30, 2016

Cannabis products are designed for adults 21 and older. Please consume responsibly.

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