Try A Little Cannabis Gardening

Gardening is Good for the Soul, the Spirit and the Mind

By Darrell Griffin

9.21.2021

 

When temperatures rise, the grass grows in deeper shades of green, and nature seems to entice us outside. A great way to spend time in the beauty of nature is to immerse yourself in it with gardening. Gardening is the perfect activity for older adults and offers many benefits. Apart from the health benefits of being outdoors in nature, digging in the dirt has been shown to have great health benefits. You might want to consider kicking it up a notch by planting and cultivating cannabis. I have grown it for years. It has always served as a great conversation starter. Cannabis is always a great social lubricant.  Of course, you will only grow in states where it is legal.     

 

 Darrell Griffin, tending the plants in his office

 Studies have shown that bacteria in garden soil can help strengthen the immune system. These bacteria help reduce symptoms of asthma, allergies and psoriasis.

Gardening can lower cortisol levels, reduce stress and reduce high blood pressure. Exercising in the sun can help boost vitamin D levels, which has numerous benefits, including healthy bones.   

The benefits of daily exercise and exercise are numerous, including reducing the risk of stroke and improving heart health. And let's not forget that gardening involves just as much bending, squatting and other light exercises. All this can be counted towards the recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise.   

Gardening has been shown to alleviate depression and reduce the risk of dementia. A study of more than 2,500 people between the ages of 60 and 16 found that daily gardening led to a 36% lower risk of developing dementia. In addition to lowering stress and cortisol levels, gardening has also been shown to increase well-being. This can evoke feelings of calm and peace, and we can not only benefit from gardening.  

Horticultural therapy has become commonplace in the world of therapy. This practice gained momentum in the 1940s and 1950s and is still practiced today. It is used in physical rehabilitation to improve memory, cognitive skills, language skills and much more. Therapists recognize the positive effects of gardening to help individuals develop new skills and regain lost skills. Critical functions in the garden, such as sensory perception and motor skills, can help keep dementia at bay. 

Although the benefits of gardening are numerous, we should not overlook the risks of gardening for older adults. The use of potted plants and raised beds for an older adult with mobility problems can increase the risk of falling, but the use of raised beds and pots can help the individual to move more easily when the strain becomes too great. Being proactive can reduce risks and allow older adults to benefit from the benefits without fear.    

Use sunscreen - All of us, regardless of our age, should take extra precautions against the strong sun rays. Wear sunscreen, a large hat and an umbrella to protect the skin. Garden during the hottest days to avoid overheating and heat stroke, which can pose a serious risk to older adults.   

Create a secure garden area for dementia sufferers If there are concerns that older adults with dementia may be wandering around, plant a garden in pots or raised beds in a secure place. Make sure there are seating areas with benches or chairs in your gardening area. These chairs not only serve as a resting place for people who may be tired or overheated, but they can also transform a garden into a relaxing and inviting outdoor area.   

In this way, they can take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of the garden and at the same time remain protected and safe in your terraces or courtyards. If you decide to grow cannabis you will need a area for drying it and curing it. There is no better cannabis experience than to grow your own and use it. You don’t have to smoke it. You can eat it, drink it, rub it on. 

Individual decks, balconies and terraces can be dotted with colourful potted plants. A number of independent living facilities have given their residents the freedom to have their own landscape in their yards if they wish.

You can grow all of your cannabis needs in your backyard

Now is the perfect time to play in the dirt. If you are looking for an excuse to spend more time outdoors or want to improve your physical and mental health, you should consider gardening. Fresh air, sunshine, light and the activity of gardening can bring about both physical and mental health for older adults. A good place to meet fellow senior is gardening in the large communal garden. It is typically divided into individual plots where residents who use their love of gardening to grow tomatoes, lettuce, pumpkin and other vegetables. Not only do they enjoy the time they spend digging up dirt, but no vegetable tastes better than the ones you grow on your own.