Betty Rhodes Senior Corner

Pot is becoming the "Pill Alternative"

Welcome, everyone.

This morning, we have the opportunity of educating ourselves on another form of pain control. I ask you to be open-minded, as the subject will be a bit controversial for many.

On the other hand, it holds out much hope for, possibly a better way to relieve the body pain that seems to come along a little more frequently as we get older.

The author of this book was told that I enjoy researching and sharing new ideas with our Napa Valley seniors, and she very generously sent me a copy of her book.

Psychologist and author Beverly A. Potter, Ph.D. is the author of Cannabis for Seniors.

May I just say, in my wildest dreams I never thought I'd be writing about cannabis for seniors. Many of you reading this were probably having the same conversation with your children in the late 1960s about smoking marijuana: "Have you tried it?

We had three children at Camarillo High and one at UC Santa Barbara when I asked my question. There response was, "It's pretty much the same as drinking alcohol."

Actually, and this is just between us, one day, during the Christmas holidays, my husband was at work, and the five of us were having the discussion when my oldest, who was home for the holidays, said, "Mom, I might have an old cigarette out in the trunk of my car from a fishing trip I went on some time ago. Why don't you try it and see if you don't agree?"

Being with my children, in my home, feeling safe and protected, I decided to see for myself what it was really like. So, I tried it, and nothing happened. My son said it was probably too old. Right about then, I started to giggle, everything looked and sounded funny, and then I was very hungry, and very happy. And, no, I didn't continue with a life-time of smoking marijuana.

So, let's continue with an open mind to a bit of exciting possibilities in our future.

After going through the various chapters of Cannabis for Seniors, I was delighted to see the many benefits for the various ailments of seniors.

Potter, in the first few pages of her book, writes: "Thank you, Dear Reader, for picking up this book. May you find comfort and inspiration in the information shared here in."

Potter speaks of the special issues seniors have as they age. Number one, being aches from arthritis, stiff backs, knees and hips, and muscle spasms. Another issue is isolation, when a spouse dies, or they retire and suddenly, there's no one to talk to. Difficulty sleeping, another issue.

"Cannabis is recommended," Potter tells us, "as it has properties and benefits that seniors can draw upon for aid in these issues and to reduce the amount of strong narcotics and substitute the more benign cannabis therapeutics."

Also, "Most health-conscience seniors understand the benefit of following a wellness regimen", Potter continues, "which includes diet, exercise, and other therapeutic activities.

"To remain in optimum health, regular visits with a physician, coupled with a carefully-planed medication regime may also be necessary in order to reduce pain, increase mobility and improve demeanor."

"What many seniors are discovering," Potter continues, "is that cannabis, a once ill-perceived 'street drug,' may actually be an incredible asset to their over-all health and wellness, as well, especially when used in conjunction with other physician-recommended forms of therapy."

Potter suggests that before we talk any more about the benefits of cannabis therapeutics, that we look at what cannabis, a.k.a. marijuana, weed, ganja, bud—actually is.

Apparently, cannabis is a chemical composition, and the way the chemicals interact with special receptors throughout the body suggests that cannabis may be used therapeutically in many beneficial ways. From pain management to improved demeanor, individual well-being to interpersonal relationships, cannabis's therapeutic value can be a great tool to help seniors achieve balance, Dr. Potter writes.

To give you a little balance on Dr. Potter's book, we're beginning to see the actual exciting success that is being seen in various circumstances.

So, let's take a quick break from Cannabis for Seniors, and refer to an article in the June 26 edition of the Register, which lets us know that "U.S. health regulators on Monday approved the first prescription drug made from marijuana, a milestone that could spur more research into a drug that remains illegal under federal law, despite growing legalization for recreational and medical use. The Food and Drug Administration approved the medication, called Epidiolex, to treat two rare forms of epilepsy in patients 2 years and older. But it's not quite medical marijuana. Epidiolex is essentially pharmaceutical-grade version CBD oil, which some parents already use to treat children with epilepsy. CBD is one of more than 100 chemicals found in marijuana. It doesn't contain THC, the ingredients that gives marijuana its mind-altering effect."

What an interesting and timely article.

As I read through Potter's very informative, well written and well- researched book, I know that I will continue to refer to various chapters in the future. Actually, I strongly recommend you're ordering Dr. Potter's book through your favorite bookstore. There's great research on aging and the various issues, including, but not exclusively about, cannabis.

Let me tell you about a few of the excellent chapters that I've skimmed, and recommend your reading: Cannabis and Depression, Cannabis and Anxiety, Managing Pain, Mind/Body Pain Control, Cannabis and Chemo, A Good Night's Sleep, Cannabis Promotes Socializing, Healing Laughter. Also: chapters on Preparing Topicals, Cooking with Cannabis, and DIY Cannabis Medicines.

Potter does remind us that cannabis is still a mood-altering substance and, like alcohol, may lead to impaired judgment or coordination, so it's important to use in a safe and secure environment and abstain from operating a vehicle after use.

Dr. Potter suggests, and I'm sure that you and I agree, "get the facts." Discuss cannabis with family, friends, and qualified professionals to get information to decide if using cannabis may be beneficial for you.

Excellent food for thought. This seems to be a wonderful beginning for help.

Many thanks to you, Dr. Beverly Potter, for your gracious gift of Cannabis for Seniors, full of wonderful new ideas to make our lives more enjoyable.

(Just one more point I'd like to share with you and that is the excellent success I have enjoyed, being free from my back pain, due to arthritis. This wonderful state is due to Susan Cislo, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and her treatments, but there are other options, certainly. This just happens to work for me, and I happily share this information with you. For additional information, please Google Susan Cislo.)

Thanks, also, to you dear readers who come to our Corner. Won't you drop me a line and let me know your thoughts on today's subject.

It's been very enjoyable, as always. See you soon.

Cannabis for Seniors

Beverly A. Potter

Ronin

Softcover $18.95 (200pp)

978-1-57951-242-2