CBD & seniors: benefits and recommendations for older people

Since 2018 and its free marketing, CBD has been gaining new followers every day, attracted by the potential benefits of this molecule derived from hemp.

 

Easy to use, available in several forms (oil, herbal tea, capsule…), and known for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and neuroprotective properties, CBD can be very beneficial, particularly for seniors.

 

We will look at the effects that may be of interest to the elderly, supported by studies, then we will talk about its dangers, the various forms of CBD and the dosage of oils.

 

CBD: What are its beneficial properties for seniors?

CBD is an active molecule that acts on the endocannabinoid system. This system, composed of a multitude of receptors scattered throughout the body, influences many biological responses, and some of these can be particularly beneficial for seniors:

 

Reducing anxiety and stress:

Anxiety in older adults has a specific name: geriatric anxiety. It is a widespread problem, but generally underestimated and rarely highlighted. With age, health and mobility complications, life changes, and even managing everyday tasks (getting around, shopping, cooking, etc.) can generate excessive stress for many older adults.

 

The impact of CBD on anxiety and stress is one of the most studied properties of CBD, as it shows very good results.

 

Indeed, among the many studies conducted on this subject, there is one carried out in 2022 by the renowned medical information website Medscape. For this analysis, 2,704 people over the age of 21 suffering from anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain took CBD for 4 weeks1]

 

At the end of this period, participants completed a test which revealed that they had experienced an average improvement of 70% in their quality of life. [1]

 

This means that CBD can help many people manage their stress and live their lives better.

 

Better sleep onset: less insomnia

CBD has an anxiolytic effect : it helps your muscles and mind relax. And while this property is used to combat stress, it can also be used to combat certain sleep discheckouts.

 

Indeed, stress, anxiety, and pain are factors that greatly impact falling asleep and sleep quality. CBD has shown in preliminary studies that it could have a positive effect on: [2]

 

• Insomnia
• Sleep apnea
• Restless legs syndrome
• REM sleep discheckouts
• Circadian rhythm discheckouts

 

And although these results still need to be confirmed in humans, they remain encouraging, and given that more than 70% [3] of older people report suffering from sleep discheckouts, CBD intake could lead to an improvement in the quality of life for many of them.

Potential relief from osteoarthritis

According to INSERM, 65% of people over 65 and 80% of people over 80 suffer from problems related to osteoarthritis. [4]

 

Studies on this subject are still in their preliminary stage. They have been able to demonstrate a clear improvement in animals (rats and dogs), but although these studies need to be further developed before medicine recognizes this effect, a survey carried out in 2019 by the Osteoarthritis Foundation suggests the real usefulness of CBD in relieving osteoarthritis.

 

This survey interviewed over 2,600 people with arthritis. Among this group, 29% reported significant relief using CBD, while 55% reported moderate improvement5]

 

An improvement in bone health

This is one of the effects that is still being studied, but which, due to its good results, is being studied more and more: the impact of CBD on bone metabolism.

 

Two studies published in 2015 [6] and 2020 [7] respectively demonstrated that CBD and its action on CB1 and CB2 receptors could play a role in bone formation. Indeed, its action appears to enhance the healing process and improve the quality of repaired bones. It could also slow bone loss associated with osteoporosis, which is common in older adults.

 

A neuroprotective effect

Like most other effects, the neuroprotective effect of CBD has not yet been studied in humans, but rather in cells or rats. Nevertheless, several of these studies [8][9] have demonstrated that CBD has a positive impact on certain mechanisms (the gliosis reaction, the neuroinflammatory response, oxidative stress, and neurogenesis) responsible for the degradation and creation of neurons.

 

In particular, depending on the case, it could delay and alleviate the symptoms of:

 

• Alzheimer's
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Charcot's Disease — ALS
• Huntington's Disease

Reducing hypertension:

Blood pressure is another age-related problem. As we age, our arteries stiffen, which increases blood pressure and, consequently, the risk of cardiovascular events.

 

CBD may also help reduce this problem. Indeed, a 2017 study examined the effects of a single dose of CBD on blood pressure compared to a placebo. [10] It concluded that this single dose significantly reduced resting blood pressure in all participants. However, it had no effect on blood pressure during stressful situations.

 

 

How to take CBD

 

CBD comes in a multitude of forms, and there are many ways to consume it; we have chosen to present some of the most suitable for seniors.

 

As an Infusion: CBD is most commonly consumed as an infusion, along with CBD oil. Simple and delicious, a CBD infusion is the perfect way to promote sleep. Simply infuse your CBD in water containing honey, milk, or cream. This last detail is important because the CBD molecule is fat-soluble; it dissolves in fat, not water. You can also add mint, rosemary, thyme, verbena, or any other herbal tea leaves to make it even more appealing.

 

Inhalation or vaporization: For this method of consumption, you will need a vaporizer. It heats your CBD flower or resins and allows you to inhale its active ingredients without the harmful fumes produced by combustion.

 

In oil form: Using CBD oil is certainly the preferred method for users seeking its beneficial effects. To use it, simply use the dropper to place the desired number of drops directly under the tongue or add them to your tea.

 

In capsule form: CBD capsules may be less widely available than CBD oil, but they are just as convenient. Containing other active ingredients in addition to CBD, the capsules are formulated to address specific issues: sleep, digestion, joint pain, stress, well-being, etc.

 

Contraindications and dangers of CBD consumption

As stated by the ANSM (National Agency for Health and Medicines) and the WHO (World Health Organization), or even Amelie, the website of the French health insurance [11], CBD is not dangerous and does not cause any addictive effects.

 

However, it can have side effects related to its properties :

 

• Drowsiness
• Weight loss
• Digestive problems

 

Furthermore, because CBD is an active molecule, it can interact with other medications. We therefore advise you to speak with your doctor before using CBD, especially if you are taking any medication.

 

CBD & dosage: what dosage to take per day

 

The dosage depends on your weight, the % of CBD present in the oil and the intensity you need.

 

To find the precise oil dosage for your weight, see our daily CBD oil dosage chart

Discover our CBD oils
 

If you are unsure of the dosage strength that would be best for you, we recommend starting with a low dose and increasing it if needed. The CBD oil dosage indicated in our table is for daily use; doses should be spread throughout the day, with each dose spaced 6 hours apart.

 

In conclusion

Although most of the positive effects of CBD still need some time to be recognized by medicine, they offer promising prospects and are already helping many people.

 

The main problem in recognizing these characteristics stems from the fact that researchers are still struggling to identify the precise mechanisms of action of CBD. The effects of CBD can vary greatly from person to person, and the reasons for this are not yet known.

 

Nevertheless, these potential benefits exist, and CBD is recognized by the ANSM and the WHO as a safe and relatively harmless molecule.

 

If you are affected by any of the problems listed above, regardless of your age, we highly recommend trying CBD. You might be one of the people for whom CBD has a truly beneficial impact.

 

If you enjoyed this article and found it helpful, feel free to check out our blog for more studies on CBD and to stay up-to-date on all the latest news.