Author: Jeff Reidel
This article was originally published on the Lovin’ Life blog.
Since medical marijuana was legalized in Arizona over a decade ago and recreational sales began in 2021, many older adults have used cannabis with or without a medical card for a variety of reasons. The legalization of medical cannabis has heralded a new era of usage, particularly among the senior population.
Here are a few things to know if you plan to visit a dispensary for the first time:
• There are many dispensary locations throughout the greater Phoenix area, including areas like Sun City, Cave Creek and Fountain Hills. A comprehensive list of locations can be found here: azdispensaries.org.
• You will need to bring state identification with you when you check in.
• Each retail location has a budtender on site who can answer any questions you have and will assist you in finding the right products for you.
• When you visit a dispensary, feel free to bring a list of questions.
• Many dispensaries only take cash for payment transactions, so come prepared with cash.
Reasons to use cannabis can include:
• Pain management for chronic pain.
• Sleep improvement for individuals who tend to wake in the middle of the night or those experiencing insomnia.
• Anxiety and stress reduction.
• To aid in the management of symptoms from medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or cancer.
• To improve your mood.
• To stimulate your appetite, especially for those undergoing chemotherapy.
Whether you’re using cannabis to relax or to aid with a medical condition, there are many retail locations with a wide variety of products available to you. And whether you’re knowledgeable about cannabis products or you need assistance while shopping, Arizona dispensary locations have friendly and educated staff on site who can help you.
As a part of the medical cannabis industry for nearly two decades, I’m often asked about dosage. New users, or those returning to cannabis after a long period of not using it, are often concerned about taking too much or not enough.
Chill Pill is the perfect solution with exact measured dosages in easy-to-use capsules— I can even recommend them to my own mother.
Cannabis use among seniors has increased by 75% in the past four years.
The industry continues to create more controlled cannabis products. This evolution is mirrored in the growing preference for edibles and specifically dosed products among seniors. All cannabis products sold at a licensed dispensary are lab-tested and regulated.
A recent statistic underscores this trend, revealing that cannabis use among seniors has increased by 75% in the past four years, driven by its efficacy in managing chronic pain, sleep disturbances and other age-related health issues. This burgeoning acceptance highlights the significant role of accurately dosed products like Chill Pill in making cannabis a viable and safer alternative for senior citizens.
Chill Pill is a member of the Arizona Dispensaries Association, which is a statewide organization that works to advance the Arizona cannabis industry through political advocacy, public education and professionalization.
Jeff Riedel has nearly two decades of experience in the medical cannabis industry and serves as the senior brand adviser for Life is Chill. His 87-year-old mother successfully moved from prescription sleep aids to cannabis.
