According to the results of a 2019 Gallup poll, 11% of survey participants aged 50-64 admitted to using some type of CBD product. The same is true of 8% of those surveyed who were aged 65 and older.
The results also showed that survey participants are using CBD for a variety of conditions, most commonly: nonspecific pain (40%), anxiety (20%), sleep or insomnia (11%) and arthritis (11%). Many were surprised by the widespread use of CBD, with approximately 14% of all Americans saying they use CBD products.
CBD usage has increased thanks to the passing of the December 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, which federally legalized CBD with less than 0.3% THC.
How the Elderly Can Benefit from CBD
CBD oil works naturally with the body’s ECS (Endocannabinoid System) to help keep the inner workings of the body in perfect balance, or equilibrium. The ECS helps to regulate:
- Temperature
- Appetite
- Mood
- Stress/anxiety and depression
- Inflammation
- Pain/pleasure responses
- Hormonal balance and reproductive systems
When the ECS is not fully functioning properly, CBD oil can help put things back into balance. Unlike its cannabis counterpart marijuana, CBD is non-intoxicating and is not a Schedule I drug. Therefore, CBD is more readily available, more accessible to everyone including the elderly, and is legal for use without a prescription in nearly all 50 states.
Medical professionals and scientists continue to study CBD oil for its healing capacity, and to better understand how and why CBD works, as well as what other applications may exist for this supplement. Elderly individuals enjoy benefits of using CBD for:
- Arthritis
- Chronic pain
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety and depression
- Relaxation and rest
- Inflammation
- Digestive issues, including nausea
- Seizures
- Skin care
- And more.
Many individuals find CBD to be a viable alternative to opioid use for pain, with fewer side effects. While CBD is not proven to be a cure for cancer, it can provide relief from many of the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, lack of appetite, vomiting, and pain, according to the National Cancer Institute. Because CBD is considered generally safe for use by the WHO (World Health Organization), many seniors feel comfortable using CBD to feel better.
How to Take CBD Oil
Seniors can take CBD oil in one of three ways:
- Sublingually (under the tongue). This is generally considered to be the method that features the fastest absorption rate.
- CBD can be taken orally, as a tincture, added to food or beverages, or in capsule or softgel form.
- CBD oil can be rubbed directly into affected areas for pain relief, such as sore muscles or stiff joints. This can be done as a straight tincture or added to a favorite lotion or salve.
