Welcoming the New Year with Cannabis-Infused Self-Care
Happy New Year, Beautiful! Much as I love the holiday season rituals of giving—and oh how I do love them— I also appreciate January as a time to turn inward and give ourselves the gift of self-care.
In that spirit, we took a deep dive into cannabis research and reached out to doctors on the cutting edge of cannabis for self-care. Here's our guide to incorporating the plant into your wellness journey decade by decade.
The 20s: Navigating Adulthood with Cannabis: Balance and Stress Relief
It isn't easy to start "adulting." In our 20's, we're breaking free, which can be exhilarating but also pretty stressful. The green goddess can help.
Dr. Julie Holland, psychiatrist and author of "Good Chemistry," told us, "Cannabis can help us get out of fight or flight and into the parasympathetic nervous system where we can rest, digest, and repair."
Holland says when the stress of the “real” world strikes, in low doses, THC can help "right the ship" and in higher doses, CBD acts as a relaxer. Experts advise choosing full-spectrum CBD for best results.
Dr. Holland does have a warning: "In your 20s, your brain is still developing, so it's important to be cautious with cannabis use." Doctors say one option is cannabis with precise dosing, such as tinctures or edibles.
The 30s: Cannabis for the Busy 30s: Connection, Unwinding, and Parenting
Like lots of women, my 30s were about juggling marriage, kids, and work. Cannabis was key to my parenting. I would never have played with my son's ferret if I didn't get high!
Move over wine moms and make way for Cannamoms like Blunt Blowing Mama "coming out of the green closet" with the news that cannabis can help moms be more present and emotionally connected. Turns out, that warm sense of connection, with people and ferrets, is worth making. Studies show that connection protects against stress and stress-related illness. That goes for the giggles too.
Whether it's unwinding with a THC edible or using CBD oil for a restful night's sleep, cannabis can be mom's best friend.
*With parenting and work duties, experts advise trying a high CBD to THC ratio.
The 40s: Fortifying Your 40s: Cannabis for Mind, Body, and Wellness
In your 40s, maintaining mind and body health is key. Some women try CBD-infused topicals to soothe tired muscles and aches, or a calming sesh (with a fabulous My Bud Vase!) to alleviate anxiety. Not too much though, that can make you even more anxious!
The fabulous 40s aren't for sissies. Say hello to perimenopause, health issues, and divorce. The good news is that responsible use of cannabis can make a difference, according to Harvard's Dr. Jordan Tishler, CEO/CMO of InhaleMD. He told us "Cancer, which can occur at any age but increases risk from the 40s onward, can lead to pain, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, in addition to anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Cannabis can be used to help with these symptoms." You'll need to experiment with dosing, Dr. Tishler says, as everyone responds differently. He recommends strains of less than 20 percent THC for sleep.
The 50s: Embracing Menopause: Cannabis for Middle Age Vitality
First of all, kudos to us middle-aged women- A Harvard study suggests a whopping 86 percent of women in perimenopause or menopause are cannabis users!
Dr. Leslie Apgar, an OBGYN and cannabis entrepreneur, told us she prescribes THC/CBD blends for many patients and customers combating a brace of menopause-related issues like hot flashes, insomnia, and sex drive/satisfaction. "I practice what I preach…a little cannabis, either inhaled or taken orally, can really take your sex life to the next level." Dr. Apgar recommends starting with 2-5mg THC and 5-10mg CBD.
Yes, research suggests the plant really can increase sexual desire and orgasm intensity! Here's a survey.
The 60s: The Liberating 60s: Cannabis for Joy and Comfort
I've noticed as I've gotten older, I have fewer fucks to give, and my cannabis lifestyle, which I call My Bud Life, consistently reduces the fucks. I'm not alone. Cannabis use is on the rise in older adults. Low doses of THC stimulate the release of dopamine, our body's own mood enhancer. As with all phases of adult life, the plant appears to help with anxiety. Check out this study by Dr. Susan STONER. (Yes that's her real name!)
The '60s can be a liberating decade, but also a time for aches and pains, For chronic pain, doctors suggest microdosing 1mg THC throughout the day and adjusting from there.
The 70s & Beyond: Golden Years, Green Choices: Cannabis in Your 70s and Beyond - The "Fuck It" Era
I can confirm that seniors are blazing up a storm. I spent some time visiting Florida’s sprawling retirement community known as The Villages and weed was wafting.
According to Weedmaps, there are at least three dispensaries in The Villages. (Medical marijuana is legal in Florida for Parkinson’s, PTSD, cancer, glaucoma, and other illnesses.)
Why are the Golden Girls going green? They use it to tackle chronic pain, sleepless nights, and anxiety. Also just to have a blast, which totally counts as self-care. Be careful though, doctors say cannabis might not be a fit with prescriptions or even over-the-counter meds. Also, if you’re at risk of falling, consider high CBD and very low THC.
If you’re beyond these age groups, Congratulations! Get baked…safely.
In any decade, it's important to approach cannabis mindfully. Start low and go slow.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional or legal expert before incorporating cannabis into your self-care routine. Individual experiences may vary, and be aware of potential side effects and interactions with other substances.
