Episode 44: Marijuana & Medicine: A New Frontier for Older Adults

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the show. I’m so glad you’re here with me today, because we’re diving into a topic that’s been stirring up conversations across dinner tables, doctor’s offices, and even retirement communities: marijuana. 

🌿 Segment 1: Why Older Adults Are Turning to Cannabis 

“Let’s start with a surprising fact that might challenge some assumptions: seniors are one of the fastest-growing groups of marijuana users in the United States. 

• A 2022 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that cannabis use among adults aged 65 and older increased by a staggering 75% over five years. 
• According to a survey by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy, nearly one in five adults over 50 have tried cannabis in the past year, and most say they use it for medical reasons. 

💊 Segment 3: What Conditions Can It Help Treat? 

Across the United States, medical marijuana is approved to treat a wide range of conditions. And while the list varies from state to state, here are some of the most common: 

• Alzheimer’s disease:  
• HIV/AIDS: 
• Crohn’s disease: 
• Epilepsy and seizures: 
• Glaucoma: 
• Multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms: 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): 
• Chronic pain: 
• Nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment: I

⚖⚖️ Segment 4: Legal Confusion & Federal vs. State Law 

“Now, let’s talk about something that causes a lot of head-scratching: the legal status of marijuana. If you’ve ever tried to look up whether you can use cannabis in your state, you’ve probably run into a maze of conflicting information. 

Here’s the deal. Under U.S. federal law, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug. That means it’s considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse—right alongside heroin and LSD. This classification makes it illegal at the federal level to possess, distribute, or prescribe marijuana. 

But here’s where it gets complicated. 38 states have legalized medical marijuana in some form. That means in those states, doctors can recommend cannabis to treat certain conditions, and patients can legally purchase it from licensed dispensaries. However, because of federal restrictions, doctors can’t technically ‘prescribe’ it like they would antibiotics or blood pressure medication. 

 🎧 Closing Thoughts 

“So, is marijuana good or bad? Maybe that’s the wrong question. Maybe the better question is: can it help you live better? 

For many older adults, the answer is yes—with caution, guidance, and a willingness to explore new options. As always, talk to your doctor, do your research, and listen to your body. 

Thanks for joining me today. If this episode sparked your curiosity, share it with a friend, and let’s keep the conversation going.” 

  

Medical Marijuana: What It Is, Uses & Side Effects 

Bing Videos 

 Dr Sanjay Gupta: Weed - CNN Special Documentary 

 

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