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How can CBD help seniors?


What is CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. This compound has gained popularity mainly due to its therapeutic potential and its ability to relieve various ailments such as anxiety, insomnia, inflammation, chronic pain and skin conditions. 

And on what principle does CBD work? All mammals, including humans, have what is known as an endocannabinoid system, which affects a wide range of functions in the body and the hormonal and nervous systems. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system through CB1 and CB2 receptors located throughout the body, helping to maintain balance in the body. Some cannabinoids bind to the receptors directly, while others, such as CBD, modulate their activity and thus act indirectly.

There are a large number of products on the market today containing cannabidiol, such as CBD oils and drops, CBD capsules, CBD crystals, CBD cosmetics and much more. These products differ in their method of administration, composition, concentration, dosage and speed of action. 


How can CBD help seniors?

Advanced age is associated with a higher incidence of various neurodegenerative diseases and diseases associated with pain and inflammation, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. What can CBD help seniors with?


Pain relief

Research shows that non-psychoactive cannabinoids can relieve pain. Since the early 2000s, clinical studies have shown CBD to be highly effective, or at least comparable to placebo (placebo-equivalent), for chronic pain. The combination of THC and CBD can be an effective therapeutic option for patients with neuropathic pain and other types of chronic pain.

In 2019, the results of a survey involving chronic pain patients were published in The Journal of Pain. It showed that 57.45% had improved health and 61.7% of patients were able to reduce their pain medications, including opioids.


Insomnia

Many people struggle with insomnia in old age, yet quality sleep is essential for a healthy life. CBD can help relieve tension and promote restful sleep. In 2019, a study was conducted on sleep and anxiety. Participants in this study regularly took CBD oil in capsule form, and 66.7% of them experienced an improvement in sleep quality. Anxiety, which also very often leads to or is a consequence of insomnia, was reduced in 79.2% of individuals.


Bone health

Chronic skeletal disease (osteoporosis), characterised by bone loss and bone structure disorders, can affect anyone, but post-menopausal women are particularly at risk. It is reported that at this time in a woman's life, there is an average reduction in bone mass of 10-20%. A study published in 2022 in the scientific journal Frontiers in Pharmacology proves that CBD can improve bone density (bone mass). 


Parkinson's disease

Research suggests that CBD could help with suppressing the symptoms of some neurodegenerative diseases associated with old age, such as Parkinson's disease. 

Some studies have already shown that cannabis, CBD and nabilone (a synthetic form of THC) can improve motor symptoms more than placebo. CBD has the potential to improve psychiatric symptoms, and side effects tend to be rare with CBD.

In 2004, a questionnaire survey of 339 patients with Parkinson's disease was carried out and 85 of them confirmed regular cannabis use. Following cannabis use, 45.9% of patients described a slight or significant reduction in Parkinson's symptoms, with 30.6% reporting an improvement in resting tremor, 44.7% reporting a reduction in bradykinesia and 37.7% reporting a reduction in muscle tension. 


Alzheimer's disease

It appears that the CBD contained in cannabis could also be useful for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is manifested by the death of nerve cells in the brain, and some studies have confirmed that CBD can protect these cells from inflammation and oxidative stress. CBD could therefore slow the development of Alzheimer's disease. 

Although the potential of cannabinoids in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is promising, research is still in its early stages, and further studies in a large enough sample of the population are needed to confirm efficacy and map possible side effects.


Depression, anxiety

Many seniors struggle with anxiety, low mood and depressive symptoms. Studies suggest that CBD may be a potential therapy for the treatment of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. Animal models have shown that CBD administration minimizes anxiety, depression, and stress-related behaviors. 

In 2022, a questionnaire survey was conducted with 90 respondents taking CBD to treat symptoms of depression. 86% of respondents reported that they felt better after taking CBD, with the vast majority (93%) experiencing no negative effects. 

Data on the benefits of CBD in reducing the severity of depressive symptoms and anxiety are still limited but promising.


Is CBD safe for seniors?

CBD itself has no psychoactive effects. The products contain no, or only minimal, legally allowed amounts of THC. Although CBD is considered a safe substance, current research on the effects of this cannabinoid on health problems is not primarily focused on the elderly. Older people often suffer from several conditions at the same time and some take multiple medications. Many of the diseases that run smoothly in the younger population can be fatal for them. As this is a vulnerable group, caution is needed when trying new substances. It is advisable to consult a doctor or other professional about the use of CBD. 

Monitor and record side effects, such as drowsiness or change in appetite, and if they occur, stop taking CBD immediately.


How to take CBD?

CBD oils and drops

Cannabidiol can be taken in various forms, the most popular and well-known being CBD oils and drops. CBD oil is applied through a dropper under the tongue, this way it enters the bloodstream through the mucous membranes and digestive system.

When it comes to determining the right dose of CBD oils and drops, this is an individual matter that is influenced by many factors, including body weight, metabolism, health conditions or genetic disposition. It is recommended to start with a low dose (one drop) and gradually add more as needed. 

CBD oils and drops are divided into the following groups:

Full-spectrum oils and drops  - contain all the natural compounds from the cannabis plant, including the legal amount of THC
Broad spectrum oils and drops - contain most of the other compounds from the cannabis plant in addition to CBD, but do not contain THC
(CBD isolate - a pure form of CBD; a white powder that is mixed with carrier plant oils and sold as a tincture or added to topicals and cosmetics)

The advantage of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum preparations is that all the compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids) work together and can enhance or complement the effects of the individual ingredients. This is known as the entourage effect. Oils and drops are available on the market in different concentrations, i.e. with different amounts of the active ingredient (CBD). If you are not yet experienced with CBD, choose 5% or 10% CBD oils and drops.


CBD capsules

Another option is CBD capsules, these are particularly suitable for people who don't like the specific hemp taste of CBD oils and don't want to think too much about dosage. The capsules contain varying amounts of CBD, stated in milligrams (mg).


Topicals, cosmetics with CBD

CBD ointments and hemp balms help with muscle and joint pain. CBD also has a beneficial effect on some skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis. CBD can help relieve inflammation, itching, redness and dryness of the skin.

Cosmetics and creams with CBD can reduce the visible signs of aging by helping to reduce or soften wrinkles and restore elasticity and firmness to the skin. 

Before applying any ointment, it is important to test for tolerance by rubbing a small amount on the wrist, for example. 


Hemp and herbal teas

Cannabis teas and herbal blends help with sleep, relaxation and can also support the immune system or digestion of seniors. Cannabis contains cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, minerals and other beneficial substances that have a positive effect on the nervous system. Hemp tea is not psychoactive, yet, due to its higher content of CBD, CBG and other cannabinoids, it can calm the mind and relieve tension. Keep in mind, however, that not all herbs are suitable for everyone; some may interfere with medications or interact with them in undesirable ways, raising or lowering blood levels or causing nausea. 


Vaporization

Another option for taking cannabinoids is vaporizing dry mixes or liquids with CBD. This uses a vaporizer that heats CBD oils, extracts, or flowers. This produces a vapour containing the active ingredients, which is then inhaled. In this way, cannabinoids can be delivered quickly into the bloodstream and achieve an almost immediate effect.


Side effects and risks 

As with other substances, whether natural or synthetic, CBD can cause side effects. Some of the possible (although rare) side effects of taking CBD include:

  • dry mouth
  • diarrhoea
  • reduced appetite
  • drowsiness and fatigue

Be especially careful if the senior is taking any medications. Read about CBD interactions and specific types of medications in our article. If you or your loved ones are taking prescription medications, talk to your doctor about taking CBD. 


What to watch out for?

When buying CBD, price should never trump quality. Quality CBD extracts are obtained from organically grown hemp (no pesticides or herbicides). Most manufacturers include information on the packaging about which hemp the extract comes from. 

Product packaging should state the exact amount of CBD. Avoid products that are mislabeled or do not contain this information. 

Responsible manufacturers have their products tested by an independent third party (laboratory) and provide the results of these tests (certificates of authenticity) on their website, product packaging or upon request. With certification, customers can verify that the content and purity of the product is as advertised.

Avoid shopping at vending machines and instead turn to specialist brick-and-mortar stores or e-shops for advice on the right products for your needs. 

Conclusion

CBD is a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant that interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the human body and may have a beneficial effect on some of the ailments experienced by the elderly population such as pain, insomnia, thinning bones, neurodegenerative diseases or depression. 

It is used in the form of oils and drops, capsules, and for external use in topical preparations, patches, cosmetics. Vaporisation is also effective.

CBD can promote mental health and improve quality of life, but in the case of seniors, it is important to first consider several factors, such as medical conditions and medication use, and to consult with a physician about their difficulties and possible use of CBD products. 

Whether you are choosing CBD for yourself, friends, parents or grandparents, always focus on quality products that have undergone laboratory analysis.


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Author: Canatura

Photo: Shutterstock

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