You are no longer in your twenties and would like to grow a few cannabis plants in your garden or at home for ointments, smoking or simply for pleasure? We will advise you on the best varieties for the ailments of old age and explain how to grow and use cannabis safely.
The first thing everyone who decides to grow cannabis should know is the applicable legislation. In the Czech Republic, anyone over the age of 21 is permitted to grow and harvest up to three cannabis plants containing more than 1% THC. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the plant cannabinoid responsible for cannabis’s intoxicating effects, and a range of medicinal effects has been demonstrated. Another medicinal cannabinoid found in cannabis is CBD (cannabidiol). It does not have psychoactive effects and is not restricted by law. The ratio of these two cannabinoids determines the effects and uses of each cannabis plant. From a legal perspective, it is important to remember that, in addition to the limit of three plants containing more than 1% THC, you may have a maximum of 100 grams of dried cannabis at home and 25 grams outside your home.
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How to choose a cannabis variety
Patients who have been prescribed cannabis can generally choose between three types of cannabis from their doctor.
Cannabis with a high THC content and low CBD content: THC-rich varieties have the most pronounced psychoactive effects and are the most effective for chronic and neuropathic pain, nausea and vomiting, or loss of appetite.
Cannabis with a balanced THC and CBD content: Cannabidiol (CBD) has calming effects and can, to some extent, suppress the psychoactive effects of THC. In varieties with a balanced ratio, CBD can act as an effective “brake” on the unpleasant side effects that some people may experience with varieties containing high levels of THC. These varieties can help with pain, spasticity, loss of appetite and anxiety.
Cannabis with a low THC content and high CBD content: Varieties containing 1% THC or less have only minimal psychoactive effects and are a good choice for anyone new to the world of cannabis. Varieties with a high CBD content usually have calming effects and can be particularly helpful with anxiety, sleep and stress.
Cannabis is neither a cure-all nor risk-free
It would be irresponsible to claim that cannabis is a universal remedy for all ailments and that its use carries no risks. In surveys, most older people with experience of cannabis report that it helps them with various types of pain, arthritis, anxiety, sleep and depression.
On the other hand, using cannabis at an older age can also cause unpleasant side effects, such as confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and balance problems – particularly with products containing high levels of THC. There is also some risk of developing an addiction.
If you or someone close to you decides to try cannabis, always consult your doctor and other professionals first. The substances in cannabis can interact with medicines, and some combinations may be dangerous.
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The best cannabis varieties for older people
Swiss Dream: One of the most sought-after CBD varieties on the market. With an almost negligible THC content (0.2%) and a high CBD content (7%), this is a “safe” variety without intoxicating effects. The plants have a beautiful aroma of pine and red fruit and mature after 9 weeks of flowering or during October when grown outdoors.
Kama Kush CBD: A variety with an unusual THC:CBD ratio of 1:2 (6% THC:12% CBD) that will appeal to growers who are not yet ready for the strongest varieties but want a little more THC in their plants. The plants mature after 8–9 weeks of flowering and are suitable for both outdoor and indoor cultivation. Kama Kush CBD is characterised by an aroma of tropical fruit and wood.
CBD Crack 1:1: A variety with a balanced THC (7%):CBD (7%) ratio, also suitable for beginner growers. The plants reach approximately 110 centimetres in height and mature after 9–10 weeks of flowering. The variety is suitable for growing in beds, pots, on balconies and indoors under artificial lighting. The plants smell of mango and citrus complemented by notes of pepper.
CBD Auto 20:1: An autoflowering variety containing up to 20% CBD and just 1% THC. The specific feature of autoflowering varieties is that, unlike photoperiod varieties, which usually begin flowering in response to shortening days in the second half of summer, they begin flowering independently of the length of day and night. The plants mature after 9–10 weeks from germination and smell of honey, fruit and spices.
Bubba Kush: A classic cannabis variety with a very high THC content, also suitable for experienced cannabis growers. The plants mature very quickly, after 8–9 weeks of flowering, making this variety suitable for growing in beds or on a balcony. Outdoors, the plants can grow to almost two metres and have a pronounced hashish aroma underpinned by notes of coffee and chocolate.
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Growing cannabis may seem challenging at first, but it is no more difficult than planting tomatoes or peppers. Your reward will be fragrant flowers that will enrich both your home medicine cabinet and your life. You can find more advice and guides for beginner growers, as well as interesting facts from the history of this plant, on the HiSeeds blog.