Older adults are among a rapidly growing cannabis-consuming population. The upward trend in marijuana use among senior citizens suggests that the medicinal benefits from cannabis may be a valuable alternative to taking prescription drugs for mental and physical health issues. Some seniors may use cannabis as a less harsh, recreational alternative to alcohol. These small changes along with knowing the best strains for seniors can positively affect their quality of life by allowing them to be more active without the burden of depression, anxiety, inflammation, or intense chronic pain.

Finding the Right Strain

While it may be a newer concept, senior citizens can significantly benefit from the regular use of cannabis. Certain medical marijuana strains can help combat age-related health conditions such as fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety, chronic pain, and help reduce inflammation. Suppose you’re an older adult who is curious about utilizing the overall benefits of cannabis to promote healthy aging with minimal side effects, and you’re not sure where to begin. In that case, the first step is to research and seek out the perfect cannabis strain to fit your specific needs. Here are the five best strains for seniors that we recommend:

1 – Bio Jesus

This hybrid strain comes from the diesel family, a cross between Bio-Diesel and Gumbo. The THC content is relatively high, making it an overwhelming high for novice users. It’s best to start this strain in low doses and work your way up accordingly. It begins as a euphoric cerebral high, then quickly through the bloodstream and provides a numbing feeling at the limbs.

What is the most calming strain?

Typically, Bio-Jesus is optimal for seniors to use at night due to its pain-relieving medicinal use and calming effects. This earthy marijuana strain can also help seniors relieve chronic pain, stress, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, depression symptoms, and people suffering from behavioral issues.

2 – Green Crack

This popular Sativa strain has become highly marketable in recent years. Green Crack, which became famous as Green Kush before Snoop Dogg renamed it, is a sweet and earthy cannabis bud. The rapper credits the brand name for its light, energetic and uplifting qualities. It’s a cross between Skunk No 1 and another unknown Sativa dominant hybrid strain. This skunky citrus marijuana strain has a THC concentration of around 17%, perfect for newer users as well as older users.

What strain is best for daytime use?

Green Crack is an excellent choice for daytime marijuana use for seniors because the mild high keeps you energized and pain-free. This cannabis strain can even be used as an alternative to your morning coffee or as an afternoon boost to get you through the day in your golden years without any potential risks.

3 – Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a famous, Sativa dominant hybrid cross of Super Silver Haze and Blueberry Indica. This strain originated on the West Coast and is relatively mild despite having levels of THC at 17%. Users typically experience gentle cerebral peaks, making it an attractive choice for wake-and-bakers and daytime smokers over other strains.

What is the best strain to make you happy?

Blue Dream has an array of helpful mental health benefits for its users. Generally, seniors report incredibly positive feelings and an uplifting high after just a small dose. Many use it as an anti-depressant as well as for pain relief, arthritis, or nausea. If you’re a senior suffering from depression and looking for something to brighten your day, we suggest enjoying the cannabis benefits and giving this strain a try!

4 – Afghani

The Afghani Sativa strain is named from its origin country, located at the foothills of the Hindu Kush Mountains. Afghani or Afghan Kush has created award-winning cannabis strains, including Northern Lights and Amnesia Haze. This marijuana strain contains about 16 percent THC content and is known for its intense body high and powerful relaxation qualities.

What is the best strain for insomnia?

Afghani is an intensely relaxing cannabis strain, best used for sleeping at night. It has a slightly more sedative effect than most cannabis strains for seniors and will result in producing intense stoned effects, helping you drift off to your best sleep in years, according to many seniors.

5 – Harlequin

Harlequin is one of the Sativa dominant hybrids that crosses Swiss Sativas, Nepalesian Indicas, Thai Sativas & Colombia. The typical THC/CBD ratio is nearly a 1:1 ratio making it a reasonably high CBD strain. Harlequin contains 7-95% THC & 10% CBD. This large percentage results in an intoxicating intensity that makes your mind wander and promotes creativity. Users claim that the benefits from this cannabis strain provide them with a relaxing and enjoyable mental state, free from anxiety, without the feelings of exhaustion and irritability afterward. These cannabis strains for seniors are best taken when in pain and not intoxicated to receive the full benefits from anti-inflammatory effects.

Is Indica or Sativa better for Joint Pain?

While looking at the results of a 95-person online survey about the medicinal use of marijuana, researchers found that the Indica cannabis strains perform best for chronic pain management, arthritis symptoms, and a relaxing effect to help with sleep. However, the Sativa cannabis strains worked better as energy and mood boosters.

How can seniors buy cannabis in a dispensary?

Legal, medical marijuana proves an essential tool in reducing barriers for senior citizens for cannabis products in medical use. However, the vast product selections in a dispensary can be overwhelming even for experienced consumers. For older adults in legal states, it’s best to contact your local dispensary for accurate and helpful information about cannabis use. Some dispensaries provide online education, marijuana delivery and pickup options, and even shuttles to and from the dispensary.

Are the Classic Strains from the 60s Suitable for Senior Users?

Yes, classic 60s strains like Acapulco Gold and Panama Red are still available. These strains were popular for their mellow, uplifting effects and are well-suited for senior users looking for a nostalgic experience. However, it’s important to check the potency and effects to ensure they meet individual needs.

How can cannabis be used for everyday senior health needs?

Many widespread medical marijuana benefits are beneficial for senior-specific health problems. Cannabis relieves pain and inflammation in the joints and tissue, making it best for arthritis relief. THC, CBD, and some minor cannabinoid compounds may influence how one perceives pain. Using cannabis to ease daily stress is often used by cannabis users of all ages, especially within the senior population. Medical marijuana has proven helpful for chronic pain, muscle spasms, arthritis, relieving cancer pain, patients suffering from anxiety, and easing multiple sclerosis symptoms.

Is cannabis for seniors allowed in assisted living facilities?

In some states, there’s a medical marijuana program for patients in need of pain relief and management, or suffering from sleep disorders, anxiety, and other ailments, even glaucoma, that typically place a strain on many senior citizens. Hence, one could suppose marijuana is legally available at assisted care centers in these states. It is also true that many long-term facilities have their own rules about cannabis and the use of a CBD product. Likewise, while some places allow the use of cannabis recreational or medical marijuana, others nearby might not. It’s best, for your well-being, to talk to your local healthcare provider or assisted living facility physician about your cannabis options.

Final thoughts

Many health providers focus on providing the senior citizen communities with reliable cannabis alternatives that will support their health and wellness. Our mission is to provide safe, high-quality cannabis education for seniors to be more informed and feel more comfortable asking about cannabis and marijuana use. We always suggest researching the best marijuana and CBD products, as well as talking with your healthcare providers about the best strains for seniors like you. Local dispensaries can also give you a good idea of the medical and recreational marijuana options in your area, along with helpful information about selecting the right cannabis products for you. There are multiple strains and endless ways to consume each cannabis strain, so take your time and find what’s right for you!