Posted by Marijuana Doctors on 02/12/2018 in Elderly Resources
This century has brought plenty of developments in the world of medical marijuana. More states are legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational use as time goes on. Negative attitudes and misconceptions about marijuana are also being countered with more research and advocacy.
As cannabis medicine grows on a macro level, it also expands on a micro level, sometimes in unexpected ways. Phenomena like marijuana kiosks, cannabis aromatherapy and marijuana conferences are popping up all around us. But what if we told you that seniors are getting in on the marijuana boom by throwing “pot parties?”
Since the 1950s, many folks have hosted merchandise parties as a secondary source of income. It started with Tupperware parties. Then, it expanded to brands like Mary Kay, and, as of late, LulaRoe. The host teaches partygoers about the products they sell and lets them browse through the brand’s products — all from the comfort of their own home.
Pot parties work in a similar way, but they take place among a niche population that benefits greatly from them. Seniors who live in retirement communities serve as the main audience for the pot party trend — they get to learn about a holistic health solution while socializing with other folks their age.
At the typical pot party, the host provides an audiovisual presentation with educational information on medical marijuana. Guests will get an overview of cannabis and how older folks use it for their health. The video may also include testimonials from people their age disproving common myths about marijuana. After the presentation, guests can sign up for an individual consultation.
Considering older populations tend to have more conservative views about drugs, you may wonder why these parties target seniors in the first place. After all, won’t most of them refuse to even go to a party about marijuana? Think again.
Adults over 50 actually have one of the largest subgroups of cannabis users than any other generation. Between 2006 and 2013, marijuana use among folks over 50 increased by 71%. Many older people who use marijuana also used it before they turned 18, making them long-term users — and these statistics only refer to recreational use!
When it comes to medical marijuana use, older folks have obvious reasons. As you get older, you become more susceptible to major health conditions like cancer or arthritis. With traditional medical options lacking, seniors often turn to cannabis medicine as alternative.
Medical marijuana programs and cannabis dispensaries are wonderful resources for patients in need. But, not everyone has an easy time accessing them. People with disabilities that prevent them from obtaining recommendations and medicine don’t always have a caregiver to turn to. Plus, state marijuana laws and regulations can intimidate prospective patients.
Reaching out to people in their homes bridges the gap between senior patients and medical marijuana. Instead of going out into the community, guests can simply attend the party as if it were any other event in their building. The companies that bring pot parties to retirement communities often gear their products and marketing toward seniors, too. So, guests can get information relevant to their generation’s needs and desires.
While some parties don’t have any in-person products, you can still get medicine during your post-party appointment. Patients can typically get the following kinds of medication from pot party companies:
You can essentially find any kind of cannabis medication when you order from a pot party company. Having access to such a wide variety of products can encourage you to try out different treatments and discover what works best for you.
The company at the forefront of the pot party phenomenon is Octavia Wellness. Based in San Francisco, Octavia’s team of 50 visits senior communities all over California to host events and educate residents. While they primarily market to seniors, they aim to serve patients of all ages.
Octavia Wellness grew out of Carrie Tice’s desire to help her mother relieve her Alzheimer’s disease-related anxiety. After seeing how cannabis medicine let her mother function again, she looked into alternatives to the standard dispensary experience. As a newbie to medical marijuana, it was just too difficult to figure out what would work best for her mom. So, she created a network of patients and caregivers trying to educate each other about medical marijuana, thus forming Octavia Wellness.
Just like any other at-home sales position, Octavia Wellness consultants can work independently from home — and you can be one of them! Wellness consultants schedule one-on-one appointments with party guests. When they meet up with the interested guest, they provide advice on Octavia’s products, how to purchase medicine and how to get a recommendation. Many consultants are 60 or older, and some of them even live in the communities served by the company.
Due to the differences among state marijuana laws, Octavia Wellness employees can only live and work in California. Fortunately, thanks to the recent legalization of recreational marijuana, the company has more opportunities than ever. If you want to work for Octavia, simply fill out an online application and buy a starter kit. Employees earn commissions based on their sales.
If you live outside California, don’t despair. Octavia’s popularity could spark the opening of similar businesses in your area — or, maybe you want to start a pot party business of your own!
As financial opportunities arise in the world of medicinal cannabis, so do prospects for patients in need of relief. Our blog provides up-to-date content on everything medical marijuana, including news, lifestyle tips, healthy living advice and more. When in doubt, search our database to consult with a cannabis-trained physician near you.
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