Vancouver Home Health Care Agency

  • 8885 SW Canyon Rd. Suite 220 Portland, OR 97225-3455

Medical Marijuana

Cannabis and Elderly Care

Leave a Comment / Cannabis, CDC, Drug interactions, Medical Marijuana, THC /

Pexels has provided the following image: Safeguarding Vulnerable Populations: Cannabis and Elderly Care – Understanding the Benefits and Risks At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, our commitment is rooted in caring and compassion, ensuring that your well-being remains at the heart of what we do. In this blog post, we delve into the topic of cannabis usage among the elderly, exploring both its potential benefits and risks, and how it intersects with our mission to provide exceptional care to vulnerable populations. Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has gained increasing attention for its medicinal properties and therapeutic potential, particularly in managing symptoms associated with various health conditions common among the elderly, such as chronic pain, arthritis, insomnia, and anxiety. As advocates for holistic and patient-centered care, we recognize the importance of understanding the role of cannabis in addressing the unique needs of older adults. Firstly, let’s explore the potential benefits of cannabis usage in elderly care. Research suggests that certain cannabinoids found in cannabis, such as THC and CBD, possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties, which can provide relief from pain, inflammation, and anxiety, without the adverse side effects often associated with traditional medications. For seniors dealing with chronic pain or discomfort, cannabis may offer a natural alternative or complementary therapy to improve their quality of life and overall well-being. Moreover, cannabis has shown promise in managing symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as neurological conditions such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Studies have indicated that cannabinoids may exert neuroprotective effects, potentially slowing the progression of cognitive decline and motor impairment in elderly individuals with these conditions. As advocates for innovative and evidence-based care, we remain vigilant in exploring emerging treatments like medical cannabis to enhance the lives of our elderly clients. However, alongside its potential benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential risks and considerations associated with cannabis use, particularly in the elderly population. Older adults may be more susceptible to adverse effects due to age-related changes in metabolism, cognition, and overall health. Factors such as polypharmacy, drug interactions, cognitive impairment, and cardiovascular risks must be carefully evaluated when considering cannabis as part of a treatment plan for elderly patients. Additionally, there are legal and regulatory considerations surrounding the use of medical cannabis, which vary depending on the jurisdiction. Healthcare providers must navigate complex legal frameworks and adhere to state regulations regarding cannabis prescription, dosage, and patient counseling to ensure safe and compliant use among elderly patients. In conclusion, while cannabis holds promise as a therapeutic option for managing various health conditions in the elderly, its usage must be approached with caution and informed decision-making. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, we prioritize the safety, well-being, and autonomy of our elderly clients, and we remain committed to staying abreast of the latest research, regulations, and best practices in cannabis-based therapy to deliver the highest standard of care.

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Why is Marijuana Illegal?

Leave a Comment / Marijuana, Medical Marijuana /

Why is Marijuana Illegal? This is a large question that has been asked for generations. Why are some synthetic drugs allowed in hospitals while a naturally occurring plant is kept out? While the politics are too large to review in one sitting, there are some simple answers to this question. Marijuana, in a medical scope, is as or more effective as other treatments, and its side effects are less than most synthetic drugs. Medically, the drug could benefit a lot of people both in health and in the wallet. Consider a drug which will grow in most parts of the country. Consider having the ability to grow said drug, legally, in your own home. Would you not grow this drug and cultivate its benefits for free? There is the biggest reason why marijuana is illegal. The pharmaceutical industry keeps its hand in the regulation of marijuana due to the possible cash lost if the drug becomes legal for personal and medical use. This is the largest industry in the United States, and it keeps high connections to keep the right drugs selling at high prices. The reasons why marijuana is illegal have changed over the decades, but, at this time, the biggest reason is money. Pharmaceutical companies do not want us growing our own medicine at home. Marijuana is only one of the long line of herbal medicines that are labeled as “bad” by propaganda. Marijuana only stands out from its herbal cousins because it is currently illegal and it does produce a mind-altering state, whereas other herbals do not. Pharmaceutical companies have more incentive to use a lab to recreating cannaboids in the lab rather than let the natural version into the general public. These companies want to make money, and free pain relief will reduce the bottom line greatly. No one company can patent a plant, and this is the incentive for the pharmaceuticals to keep all forms of cannabis illegal. There is no money to be made from its growth. However, as Colorado and other states have demonstrated, there is, in fact, money to be made from natural plants. Perhaps the pharmaceutical companies could begin farming marijuana and selling it to the public, therefore, making money from the very plant they love to hate. If you would like to talk more about medical marijuana, contact Vancouver Home Health  Care Agency today. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

Why is Marijuana Illegal? Read More »

Why is Marijuana Illegal?

Leave a Comment / Medical Marijuana /

Why is Marijuana Illegal? This is a large question that has been asked for generations. Why are some synthetic drugs allowed in hospitals while a naturally occurring plant is kept out? While the politics are too large to review in one sitting, there are some simple answers to this question. Marijuana, in a medical scope, is as or more effective as other treatments, and its side effects are less than most synthetic drugs. Medically, the drug could benefit a lot of people both in health and in the wallet. Consider a drug which will grow in most parts of the country. Consider having the ability to grow said drug, legally, in your own home. Would you not grow this drug and cultivate its benefits for free? There is the biggest reason why marijuana is illegal. The pharmaceutical industry keeps its hand in the regulation of marijuana due to the possible cash lost if the drug becomes legal for personal and medical use. This is the largest industry in the United States, and it keeps high connections to keep the right drugs selling at high prices. The reasons why marijuana is illegal have changed over the decades, but, at this time, the biggest reason is money. Pharmaceutical companies do not want us growing our own medicine at home. Marijuana is only one of the long line of herbal medicines that are labeled as “bad” by propaganda. Marijuana only stands out from its herbal cousins because it is currently illegal and it does produce a mind-altering state, whereas other herbals do not. Pharmaceutical companies have more incentive to use a lab to recreating cannaboids in the lab rather than let the natural version into the general public. These companies want to make money, and free pain relief will reduce the bottom line greatly. No one company can patent a plant, and this is the incentive for the pharmaceuticals to keep all forms of cannabis illegal. There is no money to be made from its growth. However, as Colorado and other states have demonstrated, there is, in fact, money to be made from natural plants. Perhaps the pharmaceutical companies could begin farming marijuana and selling it to the public, therefore, making money from the very plant they love to hate. If you would like to talk more about medical marijuana, contact The Vancouver Home Health Care Agency today. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

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Marijuana and the Brain – What Happens Exactly?

Leave a Comment / Medical Marijuana /

Marijuana and the Brain – What Happens Exactly? States are lining up to consider the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana for medical use, which means the science of the drug is scrutinized. It is important for everyone to learn what we already know about the drug and how it specifically affects a person’s brain. These facts will focus on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC. This is one of the most active ingredients in the cannabis plant. THC affects a number of different body systems, with each user experiencing the drug in a personal manner. Cannabinoid Receptors When the drug is smoked, the THC moves through the lungs to the bloodstream. From here, it is picked up by the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2. These are proteins which are long and rope-like, and they tie around cells in every part of the body. However, most of the effect is in the central nervous system, or CNS. Here, the THC is carried by the cannabinoid receptor 1. It remains for two to four hours, where it can inhibit memory, perception of time, and pain, and increase appetite. Memory Marijuana affects memory, according to a number of studies. It inhibits the person’s short-term memory and how those memories are formed. This may be due to a disruption of activity in the hippocampus, which is where memory is believed to be stored. The hippocampus contains a high number of cannabinoid receptors, and is often destroyed with marijuana use. Typically, memory issues are considered temporary, however, some heavy, lifelong users have presented with brain abnormalities later in life. Hunger This drug will get the hypothalamus going as well. This area regulates the appetite in a person. Healthy users will simply gain weight through consistent use. Those who suffer from food issues find this effect to be indispensable. Canadian studies have shown that cancer patients, who do not want to eat after chemotherapy, found their appetites increased and their nausea alleviated through marijuana use. Time Distortion of time is a frequently reported side effect of marijuana use. This is due to an altered blood flow to a section of the brain called the cerebellum, which is believed to be our “internal clock”. After using THC, researchers noted an increase in blood flow to this brain area. Every user did not have this effect, however, those who did noted a significant alteration to their sense of time. If you ‘d like to talk more about what marijuana does to the brain, call Vancouver Home Health Care Agency today. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

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