There is an alarming increase in cases of mental health disorders, and dementia is one of the most common ones. Dementia affects over 10 million people every year, causing loss of cognitive functions, including memory, communication, and reasoning. With no successful traditional treatments for this disease, alternative therapies are now being explored.
Cannabis has gained a lot of attention in this sector and has been shown to help manage symptoms relating to dementia. In this article, we are going to share all the things that are essential to know when treating dementia with cannabis.
Cannabis can Help People with Neurological Disorders
Natural elements present in marijuana have been demonstrated to replicate or improve elements present in the human body. Because they are derived from the plant Cannabis Sativa, these substances are known as “cannabinoids.”
Currently, there are more than 100 cannabinoids known. THC and CBD are the two most widely used. Cannabis contains THC, which is what gives some users a “high” feeling. The hallucinatory effects of THC have been demonstrated to be lessened by CBD.
THCA hemp flower, which contains THCA, an alternative for THC, is now gaining popularity as it doesn’t contain psychoactive properties like THC, yet offers a unique perspective in dementia management.
THC, CBD, and other cannabis cannabinoids have been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, analgesic, and neuroprotective qualities. So, using prescribed doses of cannabis products by health professionals can help to fight neurological disorders.
6 Strains of Cannabis that Help with Dementia
As alternative meds are being explored more, it has been found that there are multiple cannabis strains that can help with dementia, here are our top 6 picks that are the most efficient.
1. Platinum Girl Scout Cookies
This is a 60/40, Indica-dominant combination that has slightly more CBD than THC to keep the high manageable while maintaining strong effects. The euphoria-inducing PGSC is a delectable berry-candy breed developed to help you more effectively manage your mental and physical symptoms.
It helps to assist with relaxation, reducing pain, elevating your mood, and reducing anxiety. It was created by breeding Durban Poison, OG Kush, and a “mystery” strain thought to be Cherry Pie.
2. Orange Cookies
Orange Cookies is a fruity and sweet hybrid of Girl Scout Cookies and Orange Juice that contains a large quantity of three sweet terpenes that are also present in marijuana.
- Caryophyllene, a cannabinoid that also works to relieve pain by binding to CB2 receptors.
- Linalool, which is calming.
- Limonene, which has been demonstrated to aid in symptoms of depression.
Terpenes and cannabinoids can complement one other’s health advantages, according to science. This stimulating, invigorating, yet calming strain is excellent for individuals who struggle with anxiety, despair, tremors, and muscle rigidity. THC content in orange cookies is 18%.
3. Deadhead OG
The two classic “landrace” types, San Fernando Valley OG Kush and Chemdawg 91 were combined to create this highly potent THC strain. This balanced 60/40, Sativa-dominant hybrid is supposed to quiet the mind and calm the body while producing a wonderful feeling because it contains more than 25% THC.
It is advised to improve sleep, lessen physical discomfort, and calm tension, stress, and anxiety. Deadhead OG has a lemon-pine flavor and a potent, powerful aroma.
4. Blissful Wizard
Another cannabis variety that helps reduce tension in dementia patients is Blissful Wizard. It is strongly encouraged that people start low and progress slowly when using Blissful Wizard because this hybrid strain is frequently high in THC, at 30–34% at times. After consuming this strain, you will be feeling ecstatic and energized.
Blissful Wizard also has advantages for preventing plaque accumulation in the brain, reducing inflammation, and preventing appetite loss and nausea.
5. The Ox
The Ox is a strain of cannabis that is extremely high in CBD. While CBD doesn’t get you as high as THC does, it does cure inflammation, which is important for slowing the onset of dementia.
The Ox is a great option for elderly dementia patients since it has a substantial quantity of THC, which also gives it pain-relieving effects and a mild high.
6. Lavender
A popular indica cannabis variety for unwinding is lavender. The terpene linalool, which is utilized in essential oils for its relaxing effects, is present in both the cannabis strain lavender as well as the herb lavender.
Consumers of lavender strains can anticipate experiencing a stress-relieving, mood-lifting high as well. Due to its medium-to-high THC level, lavender also has the ability to relieve discomfort, which is crucial in assisting dementia patients in feeling satisfied and at ease.
Things You Should Consider Before Using Cannabis for Dementia
If you are considering consuming cannabis to help with dementia symptoms, there are a number of important factors that you should take into consideration.
1. Legal Status
The use of cannabis is regulated and has different laws in different countries. So before you start using, make sure what the law says regarding cannabis in your location and if you require any authorization to avoid any legal consequences.
2. Medical Supervision
Consumption of cannabis comes with multiple side effects. So if you are a dementia patient, make sure you are using cannabis under medical supervision. Each patient is different, so it is essential to understand how cannabis will affect you. By assessing your health conditions, medications, and lifestyle, your doctor can assess if cannabis consumption would be safe for you.
3. Dosage and Cannabis Strain
Which strain of cannabis you consume and its dosage is extremely important when it comes to managing dementia symptoms. You can opt for CBD dominant strains or THCA hemp flowers, as these are much safer options compared to THC.
4. Risks and Side Effects
Cannabis can have a lot of side effects, including mood fluctuations, dizziness, sedation, etc. It is important to be aware of the risks and side effects associated before you consume.
Conclusion
For a while now, medical cannabis has been a hot topic. Cannabis has shown promising results in treating dementia symptoms. However, since this is still undergoing research, it is essential that you maintain precautions and check with your healthcare professional before you try it out.
