CBD Oil for Seniors

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Content creation sample: SEO topical article/social media post for seniorcarenetworks.com, March 2019.

Content brief keyword: Why older adults are using CBD oil

Audience: Baby boomers and seniors interested in health and wellness

Meta description: The health benefits of CBD oil for seniors are only now being studied. With growing legalization, learn what to watch out for before trying CBD oil. 

Social Media 1 (Facebook): Cannabis is big news these days, and — as any original hippie can tell you — it’s not just for young people. With an increasing interest in the health benefits of cannabis, CBD oil use among older adults is growing. But it’s a Wild West of unregulated products out there, so understand what to buy and what to avoid before trying legal CBD oil. 

Social Media 2 (Twitter): First know what you’re buying to discover the benefits of CBD oil for seniors.  

CBD and Me! Why Older Adults Are Trying CBD Oil

There’s a wave of cannabis legalization across the country occurring with the changing tide of public opinion. Older Americans are turning to CBD products for a variety of touted benefits. But just because CBD oil is labeled and sold in a shop doesn’t make it harmless. There are important warnings to heed and information to know before jumping at the potential CBD oil benefits for seniors.

What Is CBD Oil and Why for Seniors? 

Cannabidiol, usually called CBD, is found in the protective resins of the cannabis plant. 

  • CBD oil comes from extracting cannabinoids from cannabis flowers, so we can use CBD oil for its benefits without harmful smoke.  
  • CBD oil can either be extracted alone — CBD isolate — or extracted from a low-THC cannabis strain to keep the positive “entourage effect” of using the entire flower. 
  • CBD oil may be mixed into topical creams, made into food and beverages, or added into a carrier oil like hemp seed oil in tinctures, gel caps, and vaping cartridges.

CBD vs THC

CBD is the second most prominent cannabinoid after THC (and there are a lot of cannabinoids). While CBD doesn’t produce the high of THC it still has notable effects on the brain. 

All cannabinoids work together and against each other to bind or block receptors that are part of our endocannabinoid system, which regulates appetite, memory, mood, and pain among other things.

CBD Oil vs Hemp Oil vs Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil and Hemp oil are distinct products. Hemp oil is extracted from cannabis plants with little resin. It is inefficient for medicinal extracts and can result in contaminants. Therefore, hemp oil for elderly health and wellness needs is not optimal.  

As well, while CBD oil is often carried in hemp seed oil, products that claim to be extracted from hemp seeds are lying. There are no cannabinoids in hemp seeds. These oils often contain inferior CBD isolate instead. If they’re lying about that what else is in the product?  

How Can CBD Oil Help Seniors?

Cannabinoids are not a cure for anything or a replacement for necessary medications overseen by your doctor. Because there are a lot of possible CBD benefits, proper medical research is still needed for reliable evidence. That said, there is good reason to believe we know how CBD can help seniors with many common concerns. 

CBD Oil for Appetite

Older adults are turning to CBD oil to stimulate appetite that decreases naturally with age. Also, cancer treatments often cause nausea and vomiting; CBD oil may help patients that don’t respond to antiemetic drugs. 

CBD Oil for Mood

Seniors are at risk of mood disorders like anxiety and depression. The endocannabinoid system, and by extension CBD oil, plays a role in serotonin regulation to boost mood and even alleviate mild symptoms.

CBD for Memory

Initial studies indicate there is potential for CBD to help Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. CBD aids in better sleep patterns and in reducing inflammation through its known antioxidant properties.

CBD Oil for Pain

Many conditions have pain as a symptom, including arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, and cancers. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil can help a great deal, topically or ingested. 

Because CBD oil can help with pain, it can also help reduce painkiller use. There is some evidence CBD oil can help some people struggling with addiction. 

CBD Oil for Geriatric Complaints

The benefits of CBD oil for seniors with specific needs may also be excellent in general. The effects on sleep, appetite, and inflammation have a cascading effect on wellbeing. They also may lead to reduction in stress, blood pressure, heart disease, and other health issues. 

Is CBD Oil Safe for Elderly Consumers?

Whether CBD oil is safe for you depends on where you live and how your legal state is regulating cannabis and its extracts. 

  • Because there is no federal regulation, it’s up to individual consumers to find companies and products they can trust. 
  • Because of the various ways CBD oil is extracted and processed, there is a lot of difference between products that have the same claims on their labels. 
    • Some “CBD only” products will have THC in them. 
    • Some CBD products have too little CBD in them to have an effect.
    • Some CBD products have too much CBD in them and may cause side effects.

Side Effects of CBD Oil

Everything that has an effect on your body or mind can have side effects. The most reported while taking CBD oil are: 

  • unwanted change in appetite, or dry mouth
  • diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
  • unwanted mood changes, including anxiety
  • dizziness, drowsiness, or fatigue.

However, these effects are often due to too-high concentrations of CBD or from other cannabis chemicals extracted alongside the CBD. 

The side effects of CBD in elderly people especially to be concerned about are interactions with current medications, and a possible increase in liver enzymes indicating damage or inflammation.

Talk to Your Doctor About Trying CBD Oil

There are a lot of reasons seniors are turning to CBD products for their health. But there is no such thing as a harmless drug. Before you search out a legal CBD oil in your area, discuss the possible benefits and side effects, and your hopes, concerns, and worries with your trusted medical team. 

While some uses for CBD may be medically beneficial, it is not a miracle drug and cannot take the place of other prescribed medications.