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CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike its more famous relative THC, CBD does not produce a high. Instead, it is often touted for its potential health benefits, which include relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and improving sleep.
The elderly are the fastest-growing group of cannabis users in the United States. This is likely due to the fact that older adults are more likely to suffer from conditions that could potentially benefit from CBD, such as chronic pain and anxiety.
So, how exactly does CBD help the elderly? Let’s take a closer look.

How Does CBD Work?

CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating a variety of functions, including pain, appetite, mood, and memory.
When CBD enters the body, it binds to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which in turn helps to modulate these functions. This is why CBD is thought to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia.

What Are the Benefits of CBD for the Elderly?

There are a number of potential benefits of CBD for the elderly. Here are just a few:

Chronic Pain Relief

CBD is thought to be an effective treatment for chronic pain. This is because it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating pain.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD was effective in reducing chronic inflammation and pain in rats. The study’s authors suggest that CBD could be a promising treatment for conditions like arthritis and other types of chronic pain.

Anxiety Relief

CBD is also thought to be an effective treatment for anxiety. This is because it binds to receptors in the brain that are responsible for regulating mood.
A study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology found that CBD reduced anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. The study’s authors suggest that CBD could be a promising treatment for other types of anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Improved Sleep

CBD is also thought to be effective in treating insomnia. This is because it interacts with receptors in the brain that are responsible for regulating sleep.
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience found that CBD improved sleep quality in people with chronic pain. The study’s authors suggest that CBD could be a promising treatment for other conditions that cause insomnia, such as anxiety and depression.

What Are the Risks of CBD for the Elderly?

While CBD is generally considered to be safe, there are some risks associated with its use. These risks are generally mild and include dry mouth, diarrhea, and fatigue.
CBD can also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and antidepressants. If you take any medication, it’s important to speak to your doctor before taking CBD.
It’s also important to note that CBD is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that there is no guarantee of its safety or efficacy. As such, it’s important to purchase CBD from a reputable source.

How Can the Elderly Take CDB?

CBD is available in a variety of forms, including oils, capsules, and edibles. It’s important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed.
CBD capsules and edibles are a good option for the elderly, as they offer a consistent dose of CBD. Oils, on the other hand, can be difficult to measure and may cause stomach upset.

The Bottom Line

CBD is thought to offer a number of potential benefits for the elderly, including chronic pain relief, anxiety relief, improved sleep, and more. However, it’s important to note that CBD is not regulated by the FDA and there is no guarantee of its safety or efficacy. As such, it’s important to speak to your doctor before taking CBD.