Forbes, May 4, 2020 by Abbie Rosner [FTA] "There are myriad reasons why the vast majority of physicians in the United States will not recommend cannabis in general, and for treating dementia in particular. These include a lack of solid research regarding its safety and efficacy, its Schedule-1 classification, and fear of endangering federal funding to their institutions, among others.
This leaves many families, desperate to alleviate their loved-one’s suffering, to simply offer cannabis to them under the radar.
Such was the experience of Chela and Dave Coennen. After Chela’s mother developed Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and could no longer live alone, she moved into the couple’s home. Already a demanding personality, dementia exacerbated her aggressive behavior. But one evening when Chela shared a joint with her mother, she immediately became communicative, sociable and cooperative.
Ultimately, Chela’s mother lived out her days in skilled-care facilities. But the family’s experience with cannabis left a lasting impression, and Chela and Dave decided to become advocates to support others in similar situations.
On May 1, they launched the “Cannabis Helps Dementia” podcast, to share their experience and “connect with experts in the medical field and with other caregivers exploring the science and telling the stories of how cannabis can be the most effective and safest of any medicine being used for people living with dementia today.” " READ MORE