What should seniors in Illinois know about legal marijuana?

It can be a bit confusing to try and understand what it means now that medicinal and recreational marijuana are both legal in Illinois. Is it safe to use marijuana as medication? Is this advisable? Are people just using it to unwind at the end of the day, as they would a glass of beer or wine? Is this really advisable?

Here are some of the details to help you understand what is available to Illinois residents. Make sure to talk to your doctor to discuss any specific questions you may have and before you make any changes to your routine.

Legal lowdown on medical marijuana

In 2013, Illinois recognized marijuana as medically beneficial to help treat some conditions. Illinois residents who are managing serious illnesses such as cancer, glaucoma, Crohn's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cachexia/wasting syndrome, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease, lupus, epilepsy, and a variety of other illnesses can work with their care providers to get a medical cannabis classification card. Those who have terminal illnesses can likewise qualify.

Aging.com, which provides seniors with information on medical marijuana, notes that medical marijuana has been found to be helpful with nausea, vomiting, depression, insomnia, anxiety, and other issues. Dr. Peter Grinspoon, writing for Harvard Medical School, explains that the most commons use of medical marijuana is for pain control. Aging.com explains that a full understanding of the benefits and drawbacks is still emerging: “Medical marijuana has not been nationally approved by the Federal Drug Administration yet, mainly because there have not been enough clinical trials done on a wide enough scale to prove the plant’s medical benefits.”

Medical cannabis card holders can purchase marijuana legally at a dispensary. Medical cannabis card holders can also cultivate up to five marijuana plants on their property. They also do not have to pay the same taxes that recreational users pay, because they are using the products they purchase for medicinal reasons. Medical marijuana is not covered by health insurance providers. 

During Covid-19, patients can meet with their doctors via telehealth to discuss whether or not this treatment may be a good fit for them.

Legal lowdown on recreational marijuana

Recreational marijuana became legal on January 1, 2020. This means that at the same dispensaries that sell medicinal marijuana, recreational marijuana users who are 21 and over may also purchase products. Recreational users do not have a cannabis card. It is legal for recreational users to consume these products in their homes, but not in public places, in vehicles or in the company of minors.

The difference between marijuana and CBD

CBD is becoming increasingly popular. It’s being used to treat everything from seizures in children to anxiety in pets during long trips, storms or fireworks displays. It is believed to deliver some of the benefits of medical marijuana without the high associated with marijuana use.

Aging.com explains: “Medical cannabis includes the cannabinoid THC, which has psychoactive properties as well as some benefits that include symptom relief. CBD is a separate cannabinoid called cannabidiol, which does not have psychoactive properties, yet studies show it may have similar effects as THC in providing symptom relief.” It is widely available and does not have to be purchased in a dispensary. Again, make sure to discuss it with your doctor before you try CBD or any new medications so that you can talk about any potential side effects and how it might impact your health.

Remember

Marijuana is potent and there are many different varieties and many ways that it can be absorbed into the body. It can be smoked, eaten, or absorbed as a vapor.

Those who are interested in pursuing this treatment should discuss it with their doctors. Also, it would be helpful for your Visiting Angels Caregiver to know if you elect to pursue marijuana as a treatment.

Dr. Grinspoon points out: “Cannabis use among the elderly is growing as there is more public acceptance and reduced stigma. Medical cannabis is increasingly viewed as an effective option for managing insomnia and chronic pain. It’s key to have an informed discussion with your doctor to weigh the safety risks, especially if you have cardiac issues, are taking multiple medications, or have cognitive changes due to aging.”