Medical cannabis for Alzheimer's and dementia — patient guide in Puerto Rico
If you live with Alzheimer's and dementia, this guide explains what patients explore, what the evidence says, and how to start at Punto Verde.
Reserve online · pick up in Fajardo · patients 21+ with a card
What the science says
Emerging evidence- Why it may help
- The body has an endocannabinoid system — a network of CB1 and CB2 receptors and natural messengers like anandamide that help regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and inflammation in the brain and nervous system. CB1 receptors are concentrated in brain regions tied to memory and behavior, while CB2 receptors appear on the immune cells (microglia) that drive neuroinflammation, which is one of many processes studied in Alzheimer's and other dementias. Researchers are exploring whether plant cannabinoids such as THC and CBD interact with these receptors to calm overactive neuroinflammatory signaling and modulate the neurotransmitters involved in agitation and sleep, though how this translates to people with dementia is still being studied.
- How patients use it
- Most people who explore medical cannabis for Alzheimer's or dementia are not seeking to reverse the disease, but to ease the distressing symptoms that come with it — agitation, restlessness, disrupted sleep, and loss of appetite. Research suggests that, by acting on the endocannabinoid system, certain cannabinoids may help quiet agitation and support more restful sleep and a steadier appetite in some patients. Any use should be carefully dosed and monitored by a physician, since older adults and people with cognitive impairment can be more sensitive to side effects.
- Strength of the evidence
- The scientific evidence for cannabis in Alzheimer's and dementia is limited and still emerging — early and small studies have explored relief of symptoms like agitation, but it is far weaker than the well-established evidence for chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, or MS spasticity.
Sources
Educational information grounded in established pharmacology and public sources. Not medical advice or a guarantee of results — treatment decisions are made with a licensed physician.
From the shelf
Where to start on the menu
Caregivers exploring calmer evenings often start with our Relax and Deep Sleep shelves.
Terpenes to look for
These are navigational suggestions by effect, not medical directions. What you feel depends on a product's chemistry and your body — talk with your physician and our staff.
Is Alzheimer's and dementia on Puerto Rico's qualifying list?
Yes. Alzheimer's and dementia is among the conditions recognized under Puerto Rico's medical cannabis program (Law 42-2017 / Regulation 9038). Whether medical cannabis is right for you is a decision for a licensed physician — this page is educational, not medical advice.
What patients typically explore
People living with Alzheimer's and dementia most often look into medical cannabis for relief from agitation, restlessness, and disrupted sleep. How much it helps varies from person to person, and the strength of the science differs by condition — we grade that honestly in the evidence section above rather than making promises.
How patients choose a product
What best predicts the experience is a product's chemistry — its cannabinoid content (THC/CBD) and terpene profile — more than the strain name. Our full menu shows THC, terpene, and ratio detail for every flower, and the shelf suggestions above are a starting point organized by the effect people commonly explore. Talk with your physician and our staff about what fits you.
Shopping at Punto Verde in Fajardo
Punto Verde is a licensed dispensary on the Fajardo coast. Registered patients 21+ (or emancipated minors 18+) can browse the priced menu, reserve online, and pick up in-store — present a valid ID and current medical card at the counter. Don't have a card yet? An authorized physician can evaluate you, and MedCardPR handles most applications online.