Medical marijuana has become increasingly popular in recent years, drawing an incredibly diverse mix of patients to dispensaries across the country. And in many medical cannabis dispensaries, it’s not at all unusual to see seniors outnumber younger patients.
According to the 2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, the number of adults age 65 or older that report utilizing cannabis has increased by 18 percent (U.S. News). In addition, over the last several years, the percentage of seniors using medical marijuana has steadily climbed – especially as legal cannabis becomes more and more mainstream.
Many senior citizens in Florida are exploring medical marijuana and finding that cannabis can offer an array of benefits for their sense of well-being. But before you incorporate marijuana into your routine, it’s essential to understand the basics. So, we’ve used our expertise to assemble a helpful guide for seniors considering cannabis, covering everything you need to know before you get started.
What to Know Before Trying Medical Marijuana
Are you a senior interested in getting your Florida MMJ card? Or perhaps you’ve already received your card, and now you’re ready to visit your first dispensary. Whatever the case, here’s what you should know first.
There are many different qualifying conditions for a Florida medical marijuana card.
Before you can purchase medical cannabis, you’ll need an MMJ card. Here in Florida, that means that you’ll first need to be diagnosed with one of the state’s qualifying medical conditions which include:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS.)
- Chronic nonmalignant pain caused by/originating from a qualifying condition, which continues beyond the typical course of that condition
- A terminal condition
- Comparable medical conditions to the ones listed above
You will need to be seen by a state-approved physician to begin the process.
Florida MMJ laws require healthcare professionals to undergo specific training before recommending cannabis for their patients. Only these physicians are considered qualified under FL state laws to determine whether or not an individual patient is eligible for medical cannabis.
You can find a current list of Florida MMJ doctors here, as provided by the state.
Cannabis can offer a myriad of benefits for seniors.
Many scientific studies show us the incredible versatility of medical cannabis, creating diversity among MMJ patients. For example, researchers have found that medical marijuana can effectively reduce chronic pain and support cognitive function. MMJ also helps alleviate symptoms associated with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), cancer, and many others.
For countless seniors, using cannabis to help alleviate chronic pain is one of the key reasons they pursued MMJ in the first place. And as the cannabis research community continues to expand its understanding of the therapeutic properties of marijuana, its benefits are only going to grow in number.
It’s absolutely possible to consume cannabis without a “high.”
It’s not unusual for seniors to be hesitant about medical marijuana because of the “high” typically associated with cannabis use. However, there are many options for cannabis without mind-altering effects.
For example, the FLUENT team can suggest specific strains that are low in THC (the compound that causes the “high”) for patients who prefer a milder experience. Or, options such as cannabis topicals can offer a way to avoid psychoactive side effects altogether.
Be aware of how cannabis interacts with other medications.
Like the many prescription medications or supplements you may have used for years, medical marijuana has a particular risk of interaction with some other drugs. Therefore, the more prescriptions you take, the more you’ll need to confirm that you can safely consume MMJ without adverse side effects.
Find High-Quality Medical Cannabis for Sale in Florida
Once you’re well-prepared to shop for cannabis with confidence, it’s time to find an excellent dispensary you know you can trust: and for that, you can turn to FLUENT. Our Florida medical marijuana dispensaries serve MMJ patients across the state, with Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, and many other cities.
For seniors, FLUENT has become the medical cannabis dispensary of choice for many different reasons. We take pride in offering an unparalleled level of service and product quality, providing a broad selection of cannabis products and strains to suit a diverse range of patient needs. Our team is well-educated on the latest MMJ research so that we can guide you towards options suited to your needs and goals. Our senior citizen discounts for FL medical marijuana – as well as a rotating variety of promotions and deals– not only show our appreciation but also help you count on the best value for your money.
Let FLUENT help you navigate the world of medical marijuana: visit one of our FL MMJ dispensaries today!
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