Know About THC
Cannabis plants, the other being CBD. While CBD is non-psychoactive, THC is known for its psychoactive properties and the ‘high’ effect on its users. Besides the high euphoric effect, THC Gummies have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, and analgesic effects. The increasing interest in cannabis and the medicinal potential of compounds found in it is driving people to use THC as a recreational drug and as an add-on treatment to improve the efficacy of their therapy.
THC and Endocannabinoid System
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD act by modulating the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) present in our body. Studies show that ECS impacts numerous body processes, including sleep, mood, memory, fertility, appetite, motor control, etc.
THC interacts with ECS by binding with the endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. CB1 and CB2 receptors are present in the central nervous system (CNS). The location of these receptors explains the range of effects THC has on the user’s mind and body.
Cannabis for Older People
The efficacy of cannabinoids in treating psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, childhood epilepsy, and behavioral problems has made cannabis the center of research in recent times. It has multiple benefits for children and older people. The various health-improving effects of cannabinoids have absolved the stigma of Cannabis use.
The natural process of aging has many implications for people when older. Problems like cognitive decline, heart-related issues, low appetite, slowed metabolism and digestion, affected motor skills, stress and fatigue, and many other health issues are common with aging. Due to manifold benefits, the use of cannabis products like THC and CBD among older people has increased recently.
Benefits Of THC in Older People
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Anxiety Effects
Cannabis is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, THC, and THC+CBD combinations have predominantly anti-inflammatory effects. Long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs can have side effects like ulcers, but a regulated administration of THC gummies can relieve inflammation with additional benefits.
Anxiety and stress are common lifestyle problems that everyone faces worldwide, irrespective of age. Anxious behavior among older people is common, according to observations. High stress and anxiety levels translate to other health problems—low productivity, insomnia, restlessness, depression, and more.
Many clinical and preclinical studies show that THC has anxiolytic effects on the users. It has relaxing properties, and the tasty THC gummies can bring down your stress and anxiety levels. THC is also used as an add-on treatment with CBD for many anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety, social anxiety disorder (STD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The mild euphoric and relaxing effects of THC gummies can be perfect for alleviating anxiety and making their day a little better.
Pain-Relief and Anti-Emetic Properties
THC can also help the elders as a painkiller. The pain relief effects of THC can treat mild to severe chronic pain. Cannabis has long been in use to treat pain. THC can help treat mild pain and for elders suffering from chronic pain conditions. THC is also quite popular as a treatment for nausea. THC is also helpful in appetite stimulation.
THC gummies can help in age-related anorexia. Nabilone, a synthetic analog of THC, has been studied to see its anti-pain and anti-nauseating effects, and it shows positive results in relieving pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease condition that affects and damages the eyes’ optic nerve, leading to vision loss over time. The optical nerve connects the eye to the brain. It is responsible for carrying the virtual information from the eye to the brain. The damage condition usually occurs due to high pressure in the eye. A common cause of blindness among people above 60; Glaucoma happens when the excess fluid inside the eye is not drained, and the fluid buildup leads to increased eye pressure.
Studies show that consumption of THC can potentially help in Glaucoma by reducing the eye pressure of the user. One can treat this condition by decreasing eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure. Further research is still going on to study the effect of THC.
Possible Contamination Risk
Before buying your THC gummies, ensure their quality and potency. Cannabis is a bio-accumulator known for its notorious ability to absorb elements like heavy metals, pesticides, etc., from its surroundings and store them. The unregulated Cannabinoid business is an easy target of bogus vendors who sell low-quality contaminated THC products that can adversely affect your health. Always look for trustworthy sellers who provide you with third-party lab testing reports of their products to prove their claims.
Side Effects
Consumption of THC has to be highly regulated. Though THC does not have any severe side effects in low quantities, taking THC in high amounts can have mental effects on the users.
Overconsumption of THC in huge amounts can lead to psychotic issues. THC can lead to cognitive and behavioral effects and the potential risk of addiction. Some commonly observed side effects are impaired thinking, memory loss, and decreased reaction time.
Concluding Thoughts
Many studies show the difference in THC’s effects on older adults and younger people. The psychoactive effects of THC are more intense in younger people rather than in aged people. With the higher dosage of THC, younger adults are more vulnerable to the possible adverse effects like addiction, cognitive impairment, memory, etc. More research is going on to understand the reason behind adults’ vulnerability toward THC fully.
As already mentioned, Cannabis use is becoming prevalent day by day, especially among older people. The overall benefits of THC gummies make it an all-rounder deal that can help alleviate mood by providing low euphoric effects and by helping with underlying health issues common in aged people like anxiety, pain, loss of appetite, inflammation, and more.
