Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
C
curtly Asked January 2014

Is there demand for medicinal marijuana among the elderly?

curtly Jan 2014
Hi and thanks for the responses. Summer, i am a carer (my mother with early dementia). I ask because i see legalisation sweeping the world (it's already decriminalised here in south australia) and i am HUGELY interested in becoming a medicinal provider for the elderly. Trouble is, i just don't know if the interest is reciprocated.

I'm with you 1tired in that i have seen the medicinal benefits first hand (my father used for the first time to get pain relief from late-stage bowel cancer and a very close friend of mine uses for MS). Nothing more convincing than seeing the benefits, first hand, amongst those you love, hey!

I am also with you solegiver - and i'd even go further - i suspect many amongst the elderly are not actually open to the idea of using marijuana under any circumstances. Like e.g. maybe pre-baby boomers view it as a hard drug like heroin, whereas perhaps from baby boomers and beyond, it is viewed more like a soft drug…along the lines of caffeine….and so that demographic is more open to the idea(?) Certainly, my father was really against the idea of smoking and would only consume as an edible (despite that meaning less dosage control).

Anyway, as i say, i am champing at the bit to jump into this industry when legalisation happens, but suspect there is little demand in the demographic i am most interested in. So i'm putting it out there…is there interest? Should i hang onto my day job? I'd love to hear more opinions, observations and thoughts.

And thanks again psteigman, summer, 1tired and solegiver for sharing yours!

solegiver Jan 2014
Yes, ME!!! :)
No really, that's a good question...but many elderly may not know about the benefits of marijuana. I live in chronic pain and I take care of my father alone. I do know from experience that marijuana is excellent for pain and keeping calm and relaxed. Wish I lived in California where it is used for medical uses! I have to say I would so much rather my dad use cannibus that the chemicals in the medications he takes...which are actually dangerous for the elderly (seroquel), but they unfortunately work. Seeing the way things are going now, - more realistic views on the benefits of the plant, I see it being used medically nationwide. Hopefully in my lifetime.

ADVERTISEMENT


1tired Jan 2014
I think there is and there will be an increase as we move toward legalization of medical marijuana. I have an elderly friend with glaucoma who smokes regularly even though it is not legal here. His doctor at the VA says keep doing what you are doing as the results are good. As the baby boomers age there will be more demand

Summer1900 Jan 2014
Had to ask. Why do you ask? Request by whom, elder or caretaker?

curtly Jan 2014
i guess not so much then

pamstegma Jan 2014
Dronabinol is already prescribed in some cases.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter