There’s absolutely no doubt that CBD is one of the biggest industries in the natural wellness market today. Worth billions of dollars, its high profitability is indicative of a market that can meet the needs of a diverse range of consumers. When we think of the key market for CBD, many people automatically think of the younger generation, who is more likely to be comfortable with cannabis in general. However, there’s an enormous demand for hemp among seniors too, and if you understand its unique properties, you’ll see why.
So, not only will we be talking about the unique applications of CBD for senior citizens, but we ‘ll also cover the best ways for them to start a CBD regimen/routine.
Can Seniors Safely Take CBD?
One of the most common questions we get about seniors taking CBD is whether or not it’s safe to do so. CBD is a pretty new industry, and if you’re not always keeping up with it, it can be easy to fall for misconceptions about its safety. However, CBD has largely been deemed safe by medical experts and researchers, and that’s because of the way in which the body utilizes and processes it. CBD is considered nontoxic to the human body, as the body’s endocannabinoid system efficiently stores excess levels of CBD for later use. This is why there are no known instances of overdose.
One thing that all seniors should know, however, is that there are limited studies regarding the risk of CBD interacting with prescription medications. Seniors are more likely to be on meds compared to younger generations, so this is of special importance. That’s why seniors who wish to begin a CBD regimen should speak with their doctor and indicate the medications that they are currently taking, if they are on any.
The New Popular Choice Amongst the Senior Community
One reason why CBD is becoming such a popular choice among seniors is because of the way in which the compounds absorb into the body, which is totally unique to cannabis. CBD is a cannabinoid, and there are many other cannabinoids found within the hemp plant. Cannabinoids are a class of compounds that directly support the endocannabinoid system in the body. This system’s role is the regulation of bodily processes that determine our physical and mental well-being. Cannabinoid receptors are found in every bodily system, and the endocannabinoid system, upon receiving cannabinoids, sends them to these receptors as needed. This allows regulatory actions to take place that improve the overall function of our bodily systems.
Now, we can begin to examine specific applications for CBD that can benefit seniors, based on the wealth of research that we have access to.
Cognitive Decline
We know that one of the most common signs of aging is cognitive decline, which refers to a decline in cognitive function. Cognitive function is a group of mental functions including alertness, memory, concentration, and motivation. These functions are powered by neurons in the brain. But, as we get older, our neurons slowly stop regenerating themselves.
Right now, there are several studies suggesting a strong potential for CBD to restore neurons in the brain that are lost due to age or brain injury.
Stress and Poor Mood
One underestimated ailment that can affect seniors is psychological stress. This can be caused by a combination of factors including loneliness and the loss of one’s ability to take care of themselves on the level that they once did. This stress can lead to serious mood disorders like clinical anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, CBD’s calming properties have been studied intensively by scientists, and it’s believed that CBD is capable of this thanks to its effects on cortisol production.
Insomnia
A common complaint among seniors is disrupted or poor sleep, and that has a lot to do with the natural hormonal changes that take place once we approach a certain age. CBD’s calming properties discussed above can also apply to those who are struggling to sleep each night.
Arthritis
An alarming percentage of seniors suffer from arthritis that can dramatically affect quality of life by causing chronic pain and a loss of mobility. Interestingly, research shows that CBD may have a positive effect on arthritis sufferers by regulating inflammation levels within the body while simultaneously offering analgesic effects.
Taking CBD if You’re a Senior
Below, you’ll discover the steps to take if you are a senior who is ready to give CBD a try.
Step #1: Tell Your Doctor
It’s very important that you talk to your doctor prior to starting a hemp regimen, because your doctor will be able to tell you how to do so in a way that’s ideal for your unique circumstances and body. Make sure to mention any medications that you are on, as this is especially important.
Step #2: Seek Out the Highest-Quality Products
Not all CBD products are created equally in terms of quality. Search for a company that is trusted within the industry by seeking out reviews. Also, look for third-party lab reports provided by the company, as these come from an unbiased testing facility.
Step #3: Go with the Best Milligram Strength for Your Needs
CBD products come in a variety of milligram strengths, and it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you based on your current condition. You can go with high-potency options without worrying about overdosing on CBD.
Step #4: Take CBD Daily
CBD experts largely agree that taking CBD daily will yield the best potential results. CBD supports the body’s endocannabinoid system, and so daily use ensures that the endocannabinoid system consistently receives what it needs to do its job properly. It’s also believed that taking CBD around the same time each day makes a difference.
Step #5: Adjust Your Routine as Needed
Also, perfectly fine to make adjustments to your routine as you see fit. This could mean trying out a different type of product, adding a second product to your routine, increasing, or decreasing your milligram strength and changing the number of doses that you take daily. A successful CBD experience comes from the willingness to experiment with what’s available.
CBD Offers Several Potential Properties that Can Directly Benefit Seniors
Therefore, if you’re a senior, you should speak to your doctor about incorporating CBD into your daily routine. Use the information above to understand more about how hemp may become an important part of your daily life as a senior citizen.
