CBD for Seniors: How It Can Support Aging

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a chemical that is found in marijuana. Its benefits range from treating chronic pain to treating anxiety. Now, there is growing interest in the potential benefits of CBD for seniors, especially seniors seeking relief from common aging-related issues such as back pain and depression. Read on to discover the potential benefits of CBD for seniors and the best CBD for elderly people.

What is CBD and how does it work?

Cannabidiol (CBD) comes from the Cannabis sativa plant species, and it is the second most common cannabinoid in the plant. Typically, “cannabis” is used to describe the plant and the products that are obtained from it. It contains different levels of chemical compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD. CBD is available in different forms, including oils, gummies, creams, and tablets.

Hemp and marijuana are the two main varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant, with hemp having lower THC levels than marijuana. 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps control body functions like immune response through its complex cell-signaling system. This system contains CBD receptors that are activated when CBD is present in the body, causing cannabinoids to interact with the receptors, thus helping the body maintain balance.

Is CBD safe for seniors?

CBD has been suggested to have a suitable safety profile in animals and humans. The most commonly reported side effects of CBD include changes in appetite and diarrhea. There is growing evidence that CBD may be beneficial for health longevity in the aging population. 

A 2021 retrospective study involving 9,766 older adults reported that CBD improved pain, sleep, and mood. Dry mouth was the most common side effect.

Common age-related issues CBD may help with

Common age-related issues include chronic pain, sleep issues, anxiety, etc, and CBS may help with them.

·       Chronic pain and inflammation. Some users of CBD, who may have had arthritis, chronic pain, and lower back pain, have reported improved pain.

·       Sleep issues. An online survey consisting of 2,409 individuals concluded that people use CBD for sleep disorders.

·       Anxiety and stress management. CBD has been shown to promote relaxation by decreasing anxiety. In the aging population, CBD is associated with reducing anxiety.

·       Cognitive health and memory. In rodent samples, the use of CBD improves memory and cognitive health, including in rat models of Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is a lack of research on the association between CBD and cognitive health in humans.

Benefits of CBD for the elderly

CBD could provide different benefits for the elderly by potentially supporting physical and mental well-being in different ways.

·       Enhanced quality of life. CBD may target issues like pain and stress, which may help to improve overall quality of life.

·       Non-psychoactive, which means no “high” feeling. Because CBD does not contain THC, which provides the “high” feeling, it may be considered for daily use.

·       May reduce dependency on certain medications like painkillers or sleep aids. CBD could provide pain relief and decrease anxiety, potentially reducing dependence on medications used to treat these issues.

·       Natural remedy with anti-inflammatory properties. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it potentially useful in treating inflammatory conditions like arthritis. However, its anti-inflammatory effects have only been studied in animals.

·       May improve digestive health. Digestive issues are quite common as people age. The use of CBD has been associated with decreased symptoms of inflammatory bowel syndrome.

Choosing the right CBD dosage for seniors

To make sure you are buying the best CBD for seniors, talk to your healthcare provider regarding the right dosage for you and any potential risks relating to you. This is because CBD could potentially worsen your symptoms or interact with other medications you may be taking.

There are no set guidelines and not much research on the right CBD dosage for seniors. However, a 2019 review of different studies reported that 23 of the studies, which showed improvements in conditions like anxiety, the CBD doses ranged between <1 and 50 mg/kg/day.

So, you should start with a small dosage (for example, 0.5 mg). Then, after a week, you could consider slowly increasing this amount under medical supervision. 

Is there a limit on the amount of CBD you should take? One 2011 review indicated that CBD dosages of up to 1,500 mg per day are well tolerated in humans. However, we need more studies to solidify this suggestion. 

Potential side effects and risks of CBS in seniors

Now, although CBD is generally well-tolerated in some seniors, it does not mean it does not have any side effects. Some common side effects of CBD reported by older adults include:

·       Dry mouth

·       Drowsiness

·       Dizziness

·       Nausea

A 2019 study gave mice different doses of a CBD medication to match the doses for humans. They reported side effects of liver damage and a high chance of interactions with other medications.

Considering these, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting CBD. 

What to consider when purchasing CBD for aging adults

If you want to buy the best CBD for aging adults, there are different things you should consider to make sure you are selecting a safe and effective option:

1.       Third-party lab testing. Always look for CBD products with certificates that prove they have been tested by third-party laboratories. These tests validate the purity and potency of the CBD product and the lack of contaminants.

2.       The type of CBD. There are three forms of CBD:

a.       Full spectrum, which contains all compounds in the cannabis plant and small amounts of THC. The inclusion of all the natural compounds of the cannabis plant could enhance CBD's therapeutic effects.

b.       Broad-spectrum, which is similar to the full-spectrum CBD, but it does not contain THC. This could be a better option for aging adults who do not want THC.

c.       CBD isolate, which is pure CBD with no additional cannabinoids or terpenes. This may be a better option for aging adults who may be sensitive to THC or other types of cannabinoids.

3.       Organic and non-GMO CBD options. These options mean the product may not contain pesticides or extra additives, ensuring optimal health benefits.

FAQs about CBD for seniors

·       Can CBD help with dementia or Alzheimer’s?

o   Currently, there is not enough research on CBD’s effect on dementia or Alzheimer’s. However, in rat models of Alzheimer’s disease, CBD has been shown to improve memory and cognitive health.

·       How long does it take for CBD to work in the elderly?

o   The time can be different for each person, depending on the form of CBD (e.g., whether it is taken as a pill or as an oil) and on individual metabolism. The time could vary from a few minutes to a few hours.

·       Can CBD replace prescription medication for seniors?

o   Because of the limited research to confirm the safety and effectiveness of CBD in seniors, it may not be safe to use CBD to replace prescription medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting CBD.

·       Are there any risks associated with long-term use in seniors?

o   There is no research into the long-term use of CBD in seniors. However, a study of 9,766 older adults reported side effects of dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness after 90.6 days of follow-up.

·       Is it legal for seniors to use CBD?

o   CBD is legal in most states throughout the United States. It is generally legal for seniors to use CBD in the United States.

Conclusion

CBD’s properties could be potentially beneficial in treating certain conditions like chronic pain and inflammation, sleep issues, anxiety, and stress management. Research reputable CBD brands and start with low doses. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting CBD as it has different potential side effects like dizziness and dry mouth.