You might not have heard much about CBD yet - it's only recently gone mainstream, and you might be wondering what it even is. Well, CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a compound derived from the cannabis plant - but unlike THC, which is the part many recreational users of marijuana seek out for its high-inducing effects, CBD contains no psychoactive properties whatsoever. It's become especially popular among seniors who have found relief from joint pain, anxiety, and more through topical and oral applications. If you're looking for a safe, holistic alternative to traditional, prescription painkillers or just want to find out more about CBD products for seniors, read on.
What is CBD?
CBD is a compound derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, which is what most people are looking for when they smoke or ingest marijuana, CBD contains no psychoactive properties at all. In fact, it's non-psychoactive on its own - but when eaten, applied topically, or taken internally in products such as tinctures, it interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to unlock its benefits, which it can provide in a far less risky way than marijuana.
What are CBD products?
CBD products are made from industrial hemp instead of medical cannabis, so although the two sound similar and both deliver THC-free relief for joint pain, anxiety, depression, and more, CBD products won't get you high and won't make you fail a drug test. While medical cannabis requires a prescription, CBD is available at health stores and pharmacies nationwide without one. CBD can be taken orally in forms ranging from capsules and gummies to oils, which you can add to food or drink, inhale through a vape pen, or apply topically with creams and lotions.
What Are the Benefits of CBD for Seniors?
As people age, their bodies change - and so do their needs. Older adults are especially vulnerable to various diseases and disorders, including diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more. CBD is a safe, natural, holistic way to alleviate these symptoms. It's non-addictive and doesn't cause any side effects other than the pleasant relief it provides. CBD can't cure diseases or disorders - but for senior citizens struggling with chronic conditions, it can provide much-needed relief that makes living life more manageable.
For older generations who might be experiencing side effects from arthritis medications, CBD can be an excellent alternative treatment. For one thing, it's not addictive like so many over-the-counter and prescription drugs can be. Rather than slowly increasing the dosage as needed, CBD is a one-and-done option that can continue to produce results with daily use. Additionally, it doesn't cause the digestive issues so many seniors experience related to treatment for chronic pain - so those who might have grown accustomed to taking an anti-inflammatory with food or waiting until later in the day are no longer bound by that restriction.
CBD also provides therapeutic qualities beyond pain relief, which many seniors may find beneficial. Many people have had success using CBD topically for skincare, using creams and balms to alleviate dryness or irritation. It's also commonly used to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes due to stress or fatigue, which can become especially pronounced as we age.
There are several options for consuming CBD, but the most popular is to consume it orally via tinctures or edibles. Tinctures are applied under the tongue for immediate relief, so they're ideal for seniors with mobility issues who want to take them regularly. Alternatively, edibles can be added to your diet even if you have trouble swallowing pills or have other food restrictions.
How Do I Find the Best CBD Products for Senior Citizens?
If you're looking for CBD products for seniors, there are hundreds of products available - but only a handful that fit the needs of older people. You should always do your research to find what works best for you or your loved one, and it's especially true when the user is older than 65.
As with any drug or supplement, consult your doctor before using CBD products. Be sure to ask about dosages, concerns related to drug interactions (if you're on any prescription medications), and how it might affect your overall health. If you haven't had the chance yet, check out this article for more information regarding CBD safety.
CBD products are available in many forms, so you can choose what works best for your lifestyle. Capsules are great for seniors who don't like to take pills or need a higher dosage - simply open the capsule and mix it with your food for an easy dose. CBD is also available in topical creams, balms, oils, and lotions - perfect for those dealing with pain but prefer not to take medication orally. You can even take edibles such as CBD gummies -- the perfect treat for anyone who misses the sugary snacks they enjoyed in their youth.
How Much CBD Should I Take as a Senior Citizen?
There is no set rule for how much CBD you should take as a senior. Instead, you'll want to experiment with various products and find what works best for your symptoms and lifestyle. Taking too little might not be enough to feel any effects, whereas taking too much might cause side effects. Start with a low dose and increase slowly to find the right amount that works for you.
That being said, there are benefits to taking CBD in larger doses. For one thing, it's more cost-effective if you're taking it every day - so if you want to stick with a daily routine, buying in bulk can keep your costs down. Even if you don't need as much CBD as you'd think, it's better to start with a larger dose and decrease as needed than take too little and find yourself increasing the dosage later on down the line.
You may also want to experiment with different forms of CBD, such as oil tinctures vs edibles. Tinctures are absorbed more quickly and tend to have a faster onset - which can be great for new users who need immediate relief. But if you're looking for a longer-lasting effect, you might want to try CBD edibles instead. You'll get a slower uptake, but it will last throughout the day - so it's perfect for seniors who experience aches and pains as the day wears on.
Where Can I Find CBD Products For Senior Citizens?
Fortunately, CBD products are becoming more and more widely available as awareness increases. It's important that you choose a reputable shop so you know exactly what you're getting in each product. Not all companies are transparent about their ingredients, and some use ingredients like propylene glycol (a known skin irritant) in CBD products. Most reputable sellers will post third-party lab results for each product - so you can find out exactly what's in your product before it arrives at your doorstep.
If it's your first time trying out a CBD product, start with something small so you can see how It affects you. For instance, you might want to try a topical cream or edible if you're dealing with joint pain. If you find that it helps your symptoms but isn't very effective for addressing depression, switch over to a tincture or edibles - they typically have higher dosages and are more potent overall.
If you already know which CBD products work well for your specific needs (or if you're a returning user), then you can buy it in bulk and save even more money! As you get older, your body starts to slow down and produce fewer endocannabinoids. This means that the cannabinoids from CBD products will be more effective for pain management, inflammation relief, and other conditions - so getting a high-quality product in larger doses will be even more important as time goes by.
