How does CBD help seniors?

Author: Lucie Garabasova

As we age, various health challenges often arise, such as memory loss, reduced vitality, insomnia, pain, anxiety, and more. A natural and effective alternative to address these issues is CBD. CBD products are non-psychoactive, available in various forms (such as dietary supplements and cosmetics), and can significantly improve the quality of life, especially for seniors.

Why do seniors use CBD?

One of the main reasons seniors turn to CBD is for pain and inflammation relief. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and similar ailments often cause discomfort. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

Another common reason for CBD use among seniors is sleep issues. Insomnia and other sleep disorders are prevalent in older adults, often stemming from stress, anxiety, pain, or other factors. CBD can help calm the mind and relax the body, promoting better sleep quality.

Discover how CBD can improve seniors' well-being and help tackle these common challenges naturally.

In addition to addressing pain and sleep issues, CBD can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders in seniors. By reducing anxiety and stress, CBD contributes to better mental well-being.

Moreover, CBD has been found to lower blood pressure, alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, improve digestion, and provide other health benefits.

Best ways for seniors to use CBD

CBD can be consumed in several forms. Let’s start with the most popular options among seniors:

• CBD oil (Drops): CBD oil is one of the most popular ways to use CBD. The oil is applied sublingually, under the tongue, where it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and provides rapid effects. This method is ideal for seniors who have difficulty chewing or swallowing pills. If seniors are dealing only with insomnia, CBD sleep drops are particularly suitable.
• CBD capsules: CBD capsules are a simple way for seniors to take CBD, especially if they prefer taking tablets. Capsules typically contain a precisely measured amount of CBD (10 mg per capsule) and are easy to swallow with water.
• Hemp oil in fish oil with CBD: Especially suitable for seniors to support the central nervous system. This comprehensive product contains not only CBD and hemp oil but also fish oil.
• CBD creams and balms: CBD creams can be applied topically to the skin to help with muscle and joint pain. These products are perfect for seniors suffering from arthritis or other painful conditions.
• CBD patches: Highly popular and effective, CBD patches are frequently used by seniors for pain in the musculoskeletal system.
• Hemp tea: Hemp tea can be a good way to incorporate CBD into seniors’ daily routines. It can be calming and help with insomnia and anxiety.

CBG oil:
This product is also available on the Zelená Země website, and you might wonder which one to choose. If you're curious about the difference between CBD and CBG oil, check out this article. In general, depending on the symptoms, CBG oil or a combination of CBD + CBG oil may be recommended instead of CBD. If you're unsure which product to choose, consult the hemp advisory service.

In addition to CBD products, seniors are also encouraged to use hemp oil, seeds, or even hemp protein to supplement essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. 

What is the best CBD dosage for seniors?

The best CBD dosage for seniors depends on various factors such as weight, metabolism, health condition, and sensitivity to CBD, which differs for each individual. In general, when using CBD, you should start with a lower dose and gradually increase it until the desired effects are achieved.

For seniors, it is generally recommended to start with a dose of 5–10 mg of CBD and gradually increase it.

If we translate this into specific products, start as follows:

• 5 drops of 5% CBD drops daily
• 2 drops of 10% CBD drops daily
• 1 CBD capsule daily
• 1 patch once a day
• CBD gel 1–2 times a day
• Hemp tea once a day

Can products be combined?

Yes, they can. As shown in the table below, products can be freely combined. In fact, we recommend combining them to achieve maximum effect!

How long does it take for seniors to feel the effects of CBD?

For some individuals, the effects may be noticeable immediately, while for others, it could take several weeks before the effects manifest.

It always depends on the specific health condition and the individual’s ability to process CBD. Unfortunately, these are factors beyond our control, and there is no universal guide that applies to everyone.

What are the most common side effects of CBD in seniors?

Side effects of CBD use in seniors are usually very mild and temporary. The most common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. These effects are typically caused by CBD's action on the central nervous system.

Can CBD interfere with medications taken by seniors?

Yes, CBD can interact with medications that seniors take. CBD may affect the function of certain liver enzymes responsible for metabolizing medications. This could result in some drugs being metabolized more slowly or quickly, potentially leading to side effects or reduced efficacy.

From experience, when a gap is maintained between medication and CBD consumption (we recommend at least 30 minutes), there have been no reported negative interactions. The one medication to approach with extra caution is Warfarin or any other blood-thinning drug. For blood thinners, CBD should be introduced very gradually and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

In general, we recommend informing your doctor about your CBD use before combining it with medications and discussing it with them in detail.

What are the best brands and types of CBD for seniors?

There are many CBD brands and products on the market, but not all are high-quality or suitable for seniors. Choosing the best brand and type of CBD depends on the individual needs and preferences of each senior.