MJ and Longevity in Seniors
Laurel Dewey, a writer from the United States, is known for her determination and even a bit of obsession. After witnessing the devastating effects of drug addiction, Laurel made it her mission to help those suffering from dependency.
The Difference Between Hard Drugs and MJ
Laurel quickly realized that not all drugs are the same, and that it’s wrong to equate heroin with MJ, or cocaine with hashish, and so on. There’s a big difference between a hard drug that causes instant addiction and catastrophic consequences, and a much milder substance like MJ. Dewey focused her attention on the MJ plant.
She soon came to understand, supported by historical facts and modern scientific findings, that MJ is not only a narcotic but also has unique medical properties. Laurel thoroughly studies everything related to this plant. She’s interested in MJ seeds, cultivation and harvesting techniques, storage and transportation, processing into narcotic substances, and most importantly—how to use the plant for good.
An American Journalist’s Investigation
For two years, Dewey worked on her upcoming book, knowing that without concrete evidence and examples, it would be meaningless. She meticulously gathered facts about the positive effects of MJ in treating elderly people.
Most of the seniors she spoke with had never tried MJ before, but after talking with Dewey, they agreed to use it if there was solid proof that it was effective and wouldn’t cause negative side effects. Laurel was prepared for these questions, and her answers—backed by specific facts and figures—helped dispel the seniors’ doubts. After all, what can you say against statistics?
Facts Supporting the Legalization of MJ and Its Analogs
- In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 36,450 deaths from prescription drug overdoses, while there has never been a documented case of a fatal MJ overdose in human history.
- Statistics also show that the painkiller acetaminophen is much more dangerous than MJ, causing at least 450 deaths each year.
- Medications containing MJ components don’t carry warnings about potentially causing suicidal thoughts, unlike many modern pharmaceuticals. That’s because, unlike some widely advertised drugs, MJ does not have a negative impact on human consciousness.
- Another surprising fact for a plant classified as a narcotic: MJ does not cause addiction. Countless people from all walks of life use MJ to relieve stress, pain, and anxiety, and to normalize sleep. Regardless of how often they use it, people can take a break or stop using MJ altogether—unlike hard drugs, which can cause addiction after just a few uses.
- Years of research have shown that certain cannabinoids (especially the psychoactive cannabinoid THC) found in MJ help the body absorb various medications more effectively.
- MJ has long been used to quickly lower blood pressure and to stabilize it over time. However, people who use MJ should be cautious when taking blood pressure medications, as MJ can enhance the effects of opiates if used together. This is because MJ has a high potential to boost the effectiveness of many medications, thanks to its similar properties.
American seniors are grateful to Laurel Dewey for the reassuring and hopeful answers they found in her book, “Betty’s (Underground) Garden.” The book has become a small but important addition to the growing movement for MJ legalization.