Alva Review-Courier -

President Bill Clinton admitted to smoking marijuana in the ‘70s but famously stated “I didn’t like it and I didn’t inhale.” That led talk show host Johnny Carson to quip, “Even when Democrats do something wrong, they don’t do it right.”

Today, even though medical marijuana is legal in 33 states and only totally illegal in four, the “stoner stigma” still exists. According to AARP Magazine, research generally supports its use for reducing MS symptoms, easing seizures, alleviating PTSD, reducing chronic and cancer pain, and lowering anxiety.

As an older American, I am interested in the compounds found in the plant that could benefit my remaining years. But be cautious. Even if improved health is a result, can you get the benefits without getting high?

Chances are, you are on your own, as the dispensary is not like a drug store with a prescription waiting for you. What does await are tinctures, oils, vape pens, smokable “flowers,” and all sorts of edibles infused with THC including cannabis cherry chocolates.

Edibles seem low risk but can contain up to 4 times the amount of THC, which doesn’t take effect for 30 minutes up to 4 hours and may last 6 to 8 hours. It’s easy to overdose on them.

Research has been limited because marijuana’s use is still illegal at the federal level.

My question is this: if you are having good results with low side effects from your prescription drugs, why pay out-of-pocket for something that may prove destructive?