Page 11 - BusinessWest February 3, 2025

health benefits.
“But, again, what we’re talking about
with residents is, you have to have a conversation with your primary-care physician to make sure that, if you’re going to take certain dosages, it’s not going to counteract with other medica- tions that you’re taking for, say, your liver or kidneys, and that your gut can process cannabis.”
The University of Michigan poll highlighted the types of cannabis prod- ucts favored by older adults. Seventy- four percent reported consuming edibles and beverages, which, Sanders noted, offers a smoke-free alternative to those concerned about respiratory health. Meanwhile, 58% smoke the flower, 26% opt for vaping, and 19% use dabs, butane hash oil, or other concentrates.
“I have people that hug me on a regular basis, saying, ‘thank you, you’ve helped me finally sleep.’ That right there is a huge healing aspect. So I think that’s part of it.”
She added that the rising trend
of cannabis use among older adults presents an opportunity for dispensa- ries in a highly competitive market, and shops should educate their staff on the specific benefits and consid- erations of cannabis use for seniors, as well as curating senior-friendly products, creating gift bundles with seniors in mind, hosting educational events, and generally fostering a welcoming environment, which may include accessible facilities, comfort- able seating areas, and staff train- ing to engage respectfully with older adults.
“Every single day, we see multi- generational shoppers come in together, and daughters are walking their mothers through, granddaugh- ters are walking their grandparents through — ‘this is a really great thing, try this, I love this, you might love it,’” Sanders added, noting that family members are often influenced by the success and enjoyment experienced by trusted loved ones.
“I have people that hug me on
a regular basis, saying, ‘thank you, you’ve helped me finally sleep.’ That right there is a huge healing aspect. So I think that’s part of it.”
Joint Efforts
Cannabis has taken hold across America, with those 24 states with legal recreational use joined by 14 more that have legalized for medical use. And that means more concern around using the substance safely.
In addition to possible contraindi-
cations from prescription drugs, medi- cal professionals also caution about cannabis possibly affecting parts of the brain that are responsible for coordi- nation and reaction time, according to the AARP, which cites a 2021 study
in the journal Brain Sciences finding that older adults who used cannabis had a higher fall risk, worse balance, and slower gait speed than people who didn’t use cannabis.
The University of Michigan poll also found that 21% of older adults sur- veyed weren’t aware that many canna- bis products available today are much stronger than they were decades ago, contributing to concerns about dose
levels.
That’s why the Arbors has begun to
take an educational role in residents’ cannabis use, even while acknowledg- ing the potential benefits.
“They’re very interested in alterna- tive medication and ways to treat dis- eases besides typical pharmaceuticals,” Walters-Zucco told BusinessWest. “So we ask them if they’re open to having a person come in and do a presentation about cannabis and answer any ques- tions they may have.”
Many residents trying out cannabis have already used CBD products, she noted, but cannabis, which contains the psychoactive compound THC, is a
much different animal. “We’re asking them to ask to talk to their primary- care physician before starting to take gummies, and dosages are definitely something they want to learn about.”
Walters-Zucco noted that, for some, it’s never too late to try something new.
“I talk to to residents, and one resi- dent who’s 90 went to the pot shop for the first time — yes, she called it a pot shop. She said, ‘I can’t believe this.’ If it can help people with increased relax- ation, better sleep, better pain relief, maybe elevate people’s moods, yes, absolutely — but it needs to be done safely and effectively with conversations with their primary-care physician.” BW
Expert advice. Custom solutions.
Local decisions.
Valley businesses come in all shapes and sizes. That’s why we start by listening. And learning what makes you successful. By doing that, we can provide you with lending solutions that make sense for your business, not just any business.
So talk to us today. We’re here to help. Always.
COMMERCIAL LENDING SOLUTIONS
n Equipment Financing n Working Capital
Financing
n Commercial Real Estate Loans
n Construction Loans
n Cash Management Services
florencebank.com/commercial-lending
Member FDIC | Member DIF
BusinessWest
<< FEATURE >>
FEBRUARY 3, 2025 11