As more states legalize marijuana usage, cannabis products become increasingly common. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one such product. CBD may be a compound of the cannabis plant that gives therapeutic properties without the psychoactive “high” typically related to cannabis use. CBD products are available in many various forms, including oral tinctures, gummies, and topical creams.
Most of the States that have legalized the cultivation of cannabis seeds, and consumption of marijuana for medicinal purposes including CBD. Moreover, CBD was reliably prescribed fewer opioids, have fewer deaths caused by prescription opioids, and fewer people in treatment for opioid addiction.
CBD use has exploded across the state, and therefore the “seniors” group is not any exception. Consistent with one study, cannabis use among adults aged 50 and over increased by 250 percent between 2006 and 2013. Nearly one in five Americans over the age of fifty have used a CBD product, consistent with a recent Gallup poll.
More than a 3rd of USA citizens is age 50 or older, and that they are predicted to outnumber the youth for the first time in U.S. history. Seniors (age 65 and above) are among the first medicated population groups within the U.S. They represent 12 percent of the entire population but account for quite a 3rd of the country’s prescription use. As our bodies naturally age, older people are more likely to suffer from severe health conditions. Therefore, this group could possibly see the best way to enjoy CBD products.
What is CBD?
As mentioned above, CBD is brief for cannabidiol, one among quite 100 chemical compounds found within the cannabis plant in both Indica or Sativa strain. These chemical compounds are called cannabinoids and share an identical molecular structure to the endocannabinoid hormones our bodies produce. CBD can bind to the human endocannabinoid system, helping regulate biological functions like appetite, sleep, pain responses, inflammation, and mood.
What can CBD oil help seniors with?
As more research is conducted, new benefits and uses of CBD are being discovered all the time. CBD has therapeutic properties for all age groups. Here are a couple of the foremost commonly treated benefits among seniors:
- Pain management: CBD is useful for chronic pain, including arthritis and sciatica by reducing inflammation
- Sleep problems: CBD can help insomniacs sleep better; alternately, they are often micro-dosed during the day to market alertness.
- Anxiety and depression: Studies show that CBD has mood-regulating effects that will safely and effectively treat depression. There is evidence to believe that CBD can help treat other mood disorders like PTSD and OCD.
- Chemotherapy side effects: Cancer patients were among the primary group to experiment with medical marijuana to treat symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Newer studies show that CBD is often equally effective for these symptoms.
- Dementia: Several studies have indicated that CBD treatment may slow cognitive decline in dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.
Is CBD oil safe?
Research has shown that CBD may be a safe and effective treatment for several people. Of course, anyone curious about using CBD should speak with their doctor first, and never stop taking the medication without a doctor’s guidance. Like all other substances, there are some known interactions between CBD and certain medicines or supplements, so make sure to possess a candid discussion together with your medical care provider.
Tips on CBD Safety For Seniors
With your doctor’s approval, here are some helpful steps to require. First, make sure to research the brand or company you are curious about. CBD products are often bought just about everywhere, from online stores, farmer’s markets, dispensaries, and even major retailers in some areas.
However, before buying any CBD products, make sure to research the brand and company. A reputable brand will submit each batch to independent third-party testing to verify the contents and make sure there are not any contaminants. Also, confirm the plants are hemp and grown within the USA. While there is currently no federal regulation for CBD products, the U.S. does have specific farming practices the industry must adhere to.
How to use CBD for seniors
Oral tinctures, vape pens, and edibles tend to be hottest with seniors. When shopping around, confine mind that different sorts of CBD produce different effects, and even an equivalent product can vary from person to person. Keep an open mind that finding the right CBD product could also be a process of trial and error. Here are a couple of sorts of products to consider:
- Oral tinctures: CBD oil or hemp oil usually contains a food-grade oil like MCT or copra oil. We prefer full-spectrum hemp oil, which will have the advantages of CBD, plus other valuable nutrients.
- CBD Isolate: These could also be clear or light golden, counting on the carrier oil used. These products have isolated and removed the cannabidiol and mixed it with carrier oil. We prefer full-spectrum oil that contains other beneficial cannabinoids and fatty acids rather than stripping them out of the isolate.
- Edibles: These are food items infused with CBD concentrate, including gummies and syrups. Edibles take longer to ingest because they are absorbed into the gastrointestinal system.
- Topicals: CBD-infused lotions, balms, or patches are applied on to the skin. They will help with surface-level issues like headaches and arthritis.
CBD Oil Dosage for Seniors
While a doctor can guide your specific situation, a general guide to make sure seniors’ safety is to start at 2.5 mg, which is half the recommended dose for other adults. Everyone’s metabolism and knowledge are different, so it is essential to start slow and gradually increase the dose. Older adults are more likely to be taking other medications and should feel the consequences more quickly, thanks to age.
Throughout a couple of days to every week, the dose is often increased in 2.5mg increments. Physical symptoms tend to reply more quickly to treatment than psychological symptoms, so make sure to speak together with your doctor about your specific symptoms and a sensible outcome. Never stop taking any medication without a doctor’s supervision.
Bottom Line
Unfortunately, albeit many older adults are taking advantage of the advantages CBD has got to offer, not most are on board. Many seniors should hold onto outdated stereotypes of cannabis use, not realizing that CBD could significantly improve their quality of life. In many cases, CBD may reduce or maybe replace pharmaceutical drugs. The above mentioned are reasons why seniors should consider adding CBD to their everyday living.
