How Does Marijuana For Alzheimer’s Disease Work?

Source Node: 801021

Alzheimer’s disease is a challenging condition, which is common among seniors. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, between 2000 and 2019, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased by 145 percent while it’s 7.3 percent in the case of heart disease. About two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients in the United States are women.

Medical studies say that cannabis-based products have the potential to ease Alzheimer’s symptoms, such as pain and anxiety. By getting a New York medical marijuana card, you can buy edibles, tinctures, oils, etc. from state-licensed dispensaries.

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are often unknown. Science says that age-related changes in the brain, environment, etc. may play a role in development of this condition. The disease is characterized by changes in amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary, which can lead to loss of neurons. As a result, patients lose their ability to think and perform tasks.

Risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease increase if you have a family history of this disease. Other risk factors include poor sleep patterns, drinking large amounts of alcohol, obesity, lack of exercise, and high blood pressure levels. However, risks of Alzheimer’s disease may differ from patient to patient.

How Marijuana Treatment Works?

Marijuana can help in managing Alzheimer’s disease. It is beneficial in disrupting the neurodegenerative process that leads to the disease’s progression.

Scientists have found that chemical compounds in marijuana interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates the brain function.

According to a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, THC can slow the production of beta-amyloid, thus managing the disease. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, which makes consumers high.

CBD, another cannabinoid in marijuana, is known for its amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation in the brain contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, reducing inflammation means reducing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Moreover, findings at Neuroscience 2018 reported that cannabis may help improve memory and reduce neuronal loss. 

Using Cannabis For Medical Purposes

Get a New York Medical Marijuana Card

Marijuana for medical purposes is legal in New York. Registered patients are allowed to access cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries. To get a New York medical marijuana card, you need to see an MMJ doctor.

Related- How to Get a New York Medical Card? – A Definitive Guide

At NY Medical Card, you can apply for a marijuana evaluation online through telemedicine. Here’s the complete process-

  • Fill a simple form providing your medical and personal details
  • Talk to a medical marijuana doctor via video call
  • Get an MMJ recommendation letter in PDF format

A medical marijuana doctor-signed card allows you to access high-potency cannabis products and save taxes.

Buy The Right Cannabis Products

Cannabis is available in many forms. You can buy flowers, tinctures, edibles, oils, or topicals from licensed dispensaries. Which type of marijuana products work for you depend on your condition and personal preferences. For instance, if you are looking for calming effects without getting high, go for high-CBD products.

So, when buying cannabis, make sure you check the cannabidiol profile carefully. See the percentage of THC and CBD before purchasing any product. However, for beginners, we suggest starting with high-CBD products.

Top marijuana strains for Alzheimer’s patients are-

  • White Russian
  • Green Crack
  • LSD
  • The Ox
  • Dutch Dragon
  • Purple Kush
  • OG Kush
  • Acapulco Gold

Consider Consumption Methods & Dosage

Selecting marijuana strains is an important decision when it comes to using marijuana for Alzheimer’s disease. But, you also need to decide how to consume cannabis. Here are some of the best marijuana delivery methods-

Smoking

Smoking is widely preferred by medical users due to the fact that it delivers cannabinoid into the bloodstream directly. In other words, you can receive therapeutic effects instantly.

However, there are some concerns about health risks of smoking, especially for those who are suffering from Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease. Studies show that marijuana smoke contains toxins and carcinogens that are harmful for lung health.

Vaping

A great alternative to smoking that allows consumers to enjoy medicinal effects quickly. It’s quite similar to smoking, but cannabis is heated at a much lower temperature. This limits the generation of harmful chemicals.

Modern vaporizers allow users to set their own vaping temperature, thus enjoying a customized cannabis consumption experience.

Edibles

Edibles are easy to consume. The best part is that ingesting marijuana delivers lasting effects than other consumption methods. Edibles usually take one to two hours to kick in, and their effects usually last for about eight hours.

Related- Edibles vs Smoking – Which is Right For You?

However, this delivery method is associated with overconsumption issues. Since you can’t feel the effects right away, you are likely to take more dosages.

Tinctures

Tinctures are cannabis-infused in alcohol or glycerine, which accelerate the process of absorption of cannabinoids in the system. When using a tincture, dosing is easy. You can easily measure the amount using a dropper.

Tinctures are usually absorbed sublingually. However, many prefer mixing tinctures with foods.

In addition to delivery methods, you need to dose cannabis properly. The appropriate dosage may vary from consumer to consumer.

In conclusion, marijuana can help slow the production of beta-amyloid in the brain. Additionally, the herb is proven effective in managing anxiety, inflammation and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Marijuana’s effects are influenced by various factors, such as consumption methods, dosage, strains, etc. So, you need to learn how to use cannabis and which products and amounts of cannabis can help you ease your condition. Discuss your condition with a professional doctor for medical advice.

Apply for your New York medical marijuana card to access cannabis legally.

Source: https://www.nymedicalcard.com/blog/how-does-marijuana-for-alzheimers-disease-work/

Time Stamp:

More from NYMedical Card