Cannabidiol (CBD) has become pretty sought out thanks to its potential therapeutic properties. And some populations, like seniors, have benefited from many common ailments thanks to this cannabinoid.
CBD can have several benefits, specifically when talking about pain management. However, thanks to the big influx of information around the web, it is sometimes hard to find reliable information on how cannabidiol can help specific ailments.
This is why we decided to bring up an article to help the elderly find reliable information on CBD benefits. Which types of CBD exist, some of its main therapeutic properties, and how to choose the right product.
Types of CBD
Let’s start by reviewing what CBD is. Cannabidiol is one of the major naturally found cannabinoids in the hemp and cannabis plants.
This compound does not have psychoactive effects on its own, but sometimes some formulas might contain THC traces. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another major cannabinoid that does produce psychoactive components, meaning it can get you “high.”
Whether CBD products can get you high depends mainly on the kind of formula a product might have. Some products have THC traces, and others have certain compounds isolated for a THC-free experience.
Here are some of the most important types of CBD you’ll find in hemp-based products.
CBD isolate
If you read this on a label, it means it contains the purest form of cannabidiol. It’s made by eliminating all other naturally occurring compounds except CBD from the cannabis extracts.
CBD isolate is tasteless and odorless, so if the herbal-like aftertaste of CBD is an issue for you, this formula can be better.
Just take into account that CBD isolate can be a little more expensive, as it requires a harder process of cleaning and extracting the cannabinoid.
Broad spectrum CBD
Broad spectrum CBD formulas mean they have all the cannabinoids and compounds in the hemp plant, except THC. These are great if you want extra help with terpenes or other cannabinoids, like CBN, which some users use to get better sleep.
Broad spectrum products are also perfect if you want to experience CBD with other compounds but not THC.
Full spectrum CBD
This kind of formula contains all the available cannabinoids of the hemp plant. So it means it can have CBN, CBG, or other phytocannabinoids that can be helpful all around. However, this can contain small traces of THC.
Most of the time, these kinds of formulas have really small traces even if the label says different, so we recommend checking the third-party lab testing to check if the actual concentration could be an issue for you.
Whole plant CBD
While not as common as full spectrum CBD, this means the product’s formula has all the available compounds in hemp.
The main difference between these is that whole plant CBD extracts are, as the name implies, made using every part of the plant, like leaves and stems. Full spectrum products are mostly made only using flower extracts.
Possible CBD benefits in elderly
Hemp has been used as part of traditional medicine in many cultures throughout the world. However, with newer products and legislation, there’s a need to understand how CBD could support certain ailments and benefit specific populations.
While research is still limited, there is evidence that cannabidiol may be helpful in different areas. And while several groups could benefit from this major cannabinoid, there are specific ailments that elder folk suffer constantly.
Here’s a small list of some of the possible CBD properties that could benefit the elderly.
Brain health
CBD is believed to promote a healthier brain. Scientific research has noted that cannabidiol may help regulate people's serotonin levels.
Specifically, it may give certain antidepressant-like effects thanks to how it can regulate this neurochemical, which could be helpful for elderly folks.
Bone health
While there is limited research on the topic, CBD could support strengthening bone health. This 2012 research suggests that the skeletal endocannabinoid system could play a role in bone mass regulation.
Animal research from 2020 has shown that CBD may boost the healing process of bones through cannabinoid receptors.
Heart health
Cardiovascular problems is one of the leading causes of death for older adults. Cannabidiol has the potential to be an alternative to regulate blood pressure, which could be one of the main causes of cardiovascular issues.
Studies like this one noted how a single dose of CBD could greatly reduce high blood pressure in healthy volunteers.
Of course, clinical research is needed to understand better how it could be helpful, but it gives evidence for overall improvement for this condition.
Dementia symptoms
Dementia can greatly diminish an older person’s quality of life. Although there is not enough evidence for human clinical trials, there are studies that have opened the conversation on CBD potential to help diminish specific symptoms associated with dementia.
This larger study about cannabis and dementia suggested that CBD might help to alleviate some common symptoms that arise with dementia, like racing thoughts or difficulty sleeping. Much research is still needed, but it can give support to certain effects of this disease.
Anxiety disorders
CBD is believed to have a promising role in helping combat anxiety symptoms. According to this study, CBD could help manage separation anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and other anxiety-related stressors.
The study also notes standardized approaches are needed for clinical outcomes and dosing but that it has a promising place as an alternative therapy.
Arthritis
Chronic pain can be a daily problem for elderly folks, and CBD could be a potential alternative to help with pain relief. This 2008 review concluded cannabidiol could reduce pain in general and promote better sleep.
Another study used CBD gel on rats and found that it could reduce joint pain and inflammation, which are important symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Pain
Users have sought CBD mainly thanks to its pain management properties. While most of the research is usually done on animals, this might suggest it can help reduce pain symptoms.
This review suggests that cannabidiol may provide therapeutic benefits in different forms, including analgesic effects, managing general pain, and even regulating chronic pain.
Radiation treatment side effects
Some side effects of radiation treatment include nausea, vomiting, and feeling uncomfortable in general. This 2020 study has shown that CBD has the potential to reduce some of these problems, specifically nausea.
In the study, most people felt an improvement without significant adverse effects from this treatment, helping to reduce these symptoms.
CBD for joint pain in elderly
Sadly, with age, some people might suffer greater pains. Specifically, joint pain problems can be severe and deteriorate people’s lifestyles due to how quickly diagnoses like Rheumatoid Arthritis can develop.
Evidence from a scientific review reported that CBD could help with certain types of chronic pain. This review concluded that cannabidiol has the potential benefits and effectiveness as an alternative treatment to alleviate some of the symptoms of this type of condition.
This could mean that thanks to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, CBD could help promote reduced joint pain as well. Acknowledging that there is a need for more clinical research, we can still infer that some of these symptoms, including inflammation, may be diminished.
Cannabis oil for pain in elderly
Thanks to how CBD has several pathways to help and alleviate pain in general, adding it to your lifestyle could help support these symptoms. And one of the best ways to do this is through what we know as an oil or a tincture.
CBD oils are made using high-quality extracts of CBD and then put in an oil-based solution, often called a carrier oil. These kinds of products are great, as they provide a smokeless and discreet experience while offering versatility in how you consume them.
When it comes to CBD oil, we highly recommend you try our Premium CBD Drops. These, available in broad and full spectrum formulations, combine our premium CBD extract with MCT oil as the carrier oil. They’re available in several potencies and flavors, so you can get the one that suits you best.
CBD for sleep in elderly
Sleep issues can be common in many people, specifically older adults. While external stressors could be the problem for insomnia, changes in sleep patterns as we age could also be the problem.
Some medications, specifically prescription-based products, could be of help. With that said, these medications sometimes have other side effects or altercations, from dependence, addiction, or even interfering with kidney functions.
This is why CBD could be a helpful aid in promoting better sleep. Scientific research has concluded that this cannabinoid could improve their overall sleep, specifically by holding benefits for anxiety-related symptoms like overthinking, which might affect sleep.
Controlled clinical studies are needed to assess a full treatment; however, there is potential for CBD to be an all-natural alternative to prescription medications.
CBD appetite stimulant for elderly
Seniors can sometimes find themselves in health concerns, as sometimes, loss of appetite can be common at an older age. This is important as it can lead to malnutrition, unwanted weight loss, and even losing valuable muscle strength that is important at an elderly age.
The scientific community has largely studied cannabis and its components as appetite stimulators. While not as strong as THC, CBD has also been found to help with this by promoting better appetite.
Research has also concluded cannabinoids may have the potential to help deal with certain conditions that reduce appetite and weight loss. So, in general, these compounds can affect eating motivation thanks to their action in our endocannabinoid system.
Best CBD for elderly
Now that you know all the ways CBD could be of help, you might be wondering what’s the best CBD for older adults. Well, this depends on how you want to take cannabidiol, so you’ll have to choose the method and dosage according to their needs.
If insomnia tends to be an issue, you might find relief to some of the stressors and symptoms through a tincture. Our Sleep Drops are a great way to do this, thanks to their high-quality all-natural formula. With all-organic ingredients, the CBD + CBN combo, lavender, and premium MCT oil, this tincture can greatly help recover sleep time.
For something a little more discreet and that can be used practically anywhere, our go-to would be our Premium CBD Gummies. Besides the incredible flavor, these treats are packed with 25mg of premium CBD in broad or full spectrum formulation.
These might help to support focus and relieve everyday stress, besides having the potential of helping with pain relief.
For topical treatment, the FOCL Relief Cream could be a great supplement to quickly eliminate aches and pain topically. With 500mg of our high-quality CBD formula, menthol, and soothing botanicals, this cream can cool and soothe aching places in a flash.
This carefully formulated and third-party tested cream is perfect for those achy muscles or even neck pain that can be a hassle in the long term.
Lastly, for overall wellness and balance, we’d go for our FOCL Bundle. This one comes with two bottles with 60 supplement capsules. The first one is our FOCL Day supplement, with energizing adaptogens and premium CBD that may give you the energy to stay productive and focused.
The second supplement included in the bundle is the capsule version of our FOCL Night. This one is better if you want to relax, recover, and get overall better rest.
This formula has the ancient herbal remedies of ashwagandha, valerian root, hops flower, and purple passion flower. All of these come together to potentially ease your mind at night and restore your sleep quality.
And together, they can amplify each other effects and potentially get a better result. With both having about 5mg of CBD plus the adaptogen formula, this bundle can help you restore balance and stay on track with your wellness goals.
If you wish to learn more about CBD and seniors, watch the following video:
