The Doctors and producer Leslie Marcus investigate the growing trend of seniors who are using marijuana.
She traveled to one of the biggest retirement communities in the nation, where she met a group of seniors who say they are turning to pot instead of pain pills. The seniors with whom Leslie met say they are using cannabis to help with things like Parkinson's, back pain, leg pain, sleeping issues, teeth grinding, anxiety, and depression.
Watch: Are Seniors Substituting Marijuana for Opioids?
The Doctors note the science surrounding cannabis use for these issues are still hazy and that the exact effect marijuana has on health conditions like dementia is still unknown. There are also some concerns that cannabis can interact with other medications and increase falls in seniors.
Leslie says the seniors she spoke with told her that while the pot was not a cure-all for their ailments, they said it drastically improved their quality of life.
Chief Medical Officer of Canna-Centers Dr. Bonni Goldstein joins the panel to share that many of her patients have found that using cannabis has helped them get off many different medications. She says that dosage is a concern among seniors and recommends, "Start low and go slow." She notes that it is important for seniors to speak with a doctor who is familiar with marijuana, as medications for blood pressure and blood thinners can be affected by cannabis use.
Watch: Medical Marijuana for Kids?
Dr. Goldstein feels that all doctors should be able to speak with their patients about cannabis and says, "It's just another tool in the toolbox."
If marijuana or medical marijuana is legal in your state, please speak with your doctor before using cannabis medicinally.
