CBD Oil for Seniors: Usage and Dosage Guide

As more states legalize marijuana usage, cannabis products have become increasingly common. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one such product. CBD is a chemical compound of the cannabis plant that offers therapeutic properties without the psychoactive “high” typically associated with cannabis use. CBD products come in many different forms, including oral tinctures, gummies, and topical creams.

CBD use has exploded across the nation, and the 50+ group is no exception. According to one study, cannabis use among adults aged 50 and over increased by 250 percent between 2006 and 2013. According to a recent Gallup poll, nearly one in five Americans over the age of 50 has used a CBD product. 

More than a third of Americans are age 50 or older, and they are predicted to outnumber the youth for the first time in U.S. history. Seniors (age 65 and above) are among the most medicated population group in the U.S. They represent 12 percent of the total population but account for more than a third of the country’s prescription drug use. As our bodies naturally age, older people are more likely to suffer from serious health conditions. Therefore, this group could see the greatest benefit from CBD products, including CBD oil for elderly individuals.

States that have legalized cannabis, including CBD, reliably prescribe fewer opioids, have fewer deaths caused by prescription opioids, and fewer people in treatment for opioid addiction. In these states, older adults no longer have to rely on dangerously addictive opioids for pain management. Seniors can now utilize CBD products to treat a multitude of ailments. It is also important to remember there are certain CBD oil dosages for adults that should be adhered to.

Unfortunately, even though many older adults are taking advantage of the benefits CBD has to offer, not everyone is on board. Many seniors may still hold onto outdated stereotypes of cannabis use, not realizing that CBD could significantly improve their quality of life. In many cases, CBD oil for elderly individuals may reduce or even replace pharmaceutical drugs. Here are a few reasons why seniors should consider adding CBD to their wellness routine.

Seniors’ Guide to CBD

What is CBD?

As mentioned above, CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of more than 100 chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. These chemical compounds are called cannabinoids and share a similar molecular structure to our bodies’ endocannabinoid hormones. CBD can bind to the human endocannabinoid system, helping regulate biological functions such as 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 oil for elderly individuals are being discovered all the time. CBD has therapeutic properties for all age groups. Here are a few of the most commonly treated benefits among seniors:

• Pain management: CBD has been shown to be effective for chronic pain, including arthritis and sciatica, by reducing inflammation.
• Sleep problems: CBD can help insomniacs sleep better; alternately, it can be microdosed during the day to promote alertness.
• Anxiety and depression: Studies show that CBD has mood-regulating effects that can safely and effectively treat depression. There’s evidence to believe that CBD can help treat other mood disorders such as PTSD and OCD.
• Chemotherapy side effects: Cancer patients were among the first group to experiment with medical marijuana to treat symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. More recent studies show that CBD can be equally effective for these symptoms.
• Dementia: Several studies have indicated that CBD treatment, such as CBD oil for elderly patients, may slow cognitive decline in dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.

Is CBD oil safe? 

Research has shown that CBD is a safe and effective treatment for many people. Of course, anyone interested in using CBD should speak with their doctor first and never stop taking medication without a doctor’s guidance. Like any other substance, there are some known interactions between CBD and certain medicines or supplements, so be sure to have a candid discussion with your primary care provider. They should be able to advise you as to the correct CBD oil dosage for adults.

Tips on CBD Safety for the Elderly

With your doctor’s approval, here are some helpful steps to take. First, be sure to research the brand or company you’re interested in. CBD products can be bought pretty much everywhere, from online stores, farmer’s markets, dispensaries, and even major retailers like Walmart and CVS in some areas. 

However, before buying any CBD products, including CBD oil for elderly individuals, be sure to research the brand and company. A reputable brand will submit each batch to independent third-party testing to verify the contents and be sure there are no contaminants. Also, make certain the plants are hemp and grown in 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. 

Until the FDA steps in to issue guidelines on CBD safety for the elderly, the onus is on the consumer to stay safe, so be sure to closely read the label. We recommend buying from a specialty shop that specializes in hemp oil rather than a big box store or a dispensary with other cannabis products. At ReThink CBD, we pride ourselves on delivering the best quality, natural hemp products. 

How to Use CBD for Seniors

Oral tinctures and edibles tend to be most popular with seniors. When shopping around, keep in mind that different forms of CBD produce different effects, and even the same product can vary from person to person. Keep an open mind that finding the perfect CBD product may be a process of trial and error. Here are a few types of products to consider:

• Oral tinctures: CBD oil or hemp oil usually contains a food-grade oil such as MCT or coconut oil. We prefer broad-spectrum hemp oil that will have the benefits of CBD, plus other valuable nutrients.
• CBD Isolate: These may be clear or light golden, depending on the carrier oil used. These products have isolated and removed the cannabidiol and mixed it with a carrier oil. We prefer broad-spectrum CBD oil for seniors that contains other beneficial cannabinoids and fatty acids instead of stripping them out of the isolate. Isolates are sometimes used in gel capsules for oral administration.
• Edibles: These are food items infused with CBD concentrate, including gummies and syrups. Edibles take longer to ingest because they are absorbed into the digestive system.
• Topicals: CBD-infused lotions, balms, or patches are applied directly to the skin. They can help with surface-level issues such as headaches and arthritis.

Additional Guidance on CBD Usage For Older Adults

Due to the lack of FDA regulation for any CBD products, it is critical to research any company you consider acquiring CBD from thoroughly. CBD oil dosages for adults, as well as other forms of CBD, can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. It can not be stressed enough that consumer education regarding CBD is key to successfully utilizing the product to treat physical or psychological ailments. Here is some additional guidance for older adults thinking about using CBD in their medical treatment regimen:

• If you are considering CBD usage for the treatment of seizures, contact your physician first. They will discuss the appropriate dosage and product with you and professionally guide you to make the right medical decisions.
• CBD oils for elderly individuals typically come in 1 milligram per drop concentration to simplify dosage increases. That said, be sure to thoroughly read the labeling on any CBD oil product to ensure you are fully aware of specific manufacturer concentration levels.
• CBD gummies also come in standardized dosage strengths, often limiting concentrations to 5 milligrams per gummy. Be sure to research any gummy products you may take to make certain of CBD concentration levels.
• Use CBD creams and lotions minimally at first to ascertain the correct amount you will need for treatment.

CBD Oil Dosage for Adults

While a doctor can provide guidance for your specific situation, a general guide to ensure seniors’ safety is to start at 2.5 mg, which is half the recommended dose for other adults. Everyone’s metabolism and experience are different, so it’s important to start slow and gradually increase the dose. Older adults are more likely to be taking other medications and may feel the effects more quickly due to age. Again, it is essential to discuss with your physician the proper CBD oil dosage for older adults.

Over the course of a few days to a week, the dose can be increased in 2.5mg increments. Physical symptoms tend to respond more quickly to treatment than psychological symptoms, so be sure to talk with your doctor about your specific symptoms and a realistic outcome. Never stop taking any medication without a doctor’s supervision.

If you are researching CBD for seniors and would like some professional guidance, contact us today. CBD ReThink’s friendly, knowledgeable customer service team is happy to answer any questions about CBD for seniors. Safety for the elderly using CBD is a paramount concern, and we would be happy to guide you through the process.