Medicinal CBD and Senior Citizens: Dos and Don’ts
Medicinal CBD is helping seniors improve their quality of life. Some adults over the age of 65 are using CBD. Its popularity is growing because older people consider it non addictive and safe. Due to their advanced ages, senior citizens are vulnerable to numerous health issues. Some of the diseases and conditions that affect senior citizens include,
- Glaucoma
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- cardiovascular disease
- anxiety
- depression
- arthritis chronic pain
- seizures
- hot flashes
- insomnia
Medical marijuana is not legal everywhere. However CBD oil is fast becoming an alternative treatment for senior citizens. Since CBD does not make you high it is legal in most states. It contains very low amounts of THC. The low THC content ensures that you can reap all its medicinal benefits without having to get high.
Benefits of CBD oil to senior citizens
CBD oil has a lot of benefits especially for senior citizens. Some of the benefits include,
- Improves sleep quality
- Relieves chronic pain
- Reduces muscle spasms
- Reduces inflammation
- Might reduce the growth of cancer cells
- Relieves arthritis pain
- For cancer patients it reduces vomiting and nausea caused by chemotherapy
- Prevents cognitive decline
- Reduces blood pressure
- Reduces anxiety
Risks of CBD Oil on Senior Citizens
Some CBD oil manufactures give incorrect information claiming it can cure cancer or force it into remission. Some claim it can help with heart disease. Such claims have not been verified and are misleading. It is advisable to steer clear of such brands.
Since CBD oil is mostly offered for sale when unregulated, it is difficult to know the correct dosages to administer. It might also be difficult to be certain about what you are using. Consulting a medical professional is advised before using CBD. Some of the risks that can be brought about by CBD oil use include,
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Risky interactions with other drugs
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Liver damage
Variables senior citizens should consider when deciding the amount of CBD to use (dosage)
Before a senior citizen uses CBD products there are some factors that they should keep in mind. CBD like any other medical product should be treated with caution. Starting with small amounts is advised and working their way to more when required is recommended.
Each individual is different and might react differently to different forms of CBD. For instance a person might absorb CBD faster through their skin as opposed to when they ingest a gummy.
The amount they take should be determined by variables such as,
- The concentration of CBD in the products they intend to use.
- The medical condition they need help with
- Their body weight
- Their body chemistry
The dangers of CBD Products to the Elderly
When used in the correct manner CBD is considered safe for the elderly. There has been inadequate research conducted and not enough data that fully supports the use of CBD for the elderly. Some senior citizens have experienced some adverse effects due to CBD use.
The adverse effects have been mostly attributed to wrong dosage. Some of the CBD products on the market currently might have inaccurate information on their labels regarding their concentrations. Some of the more common adverse effects are,
- Decreased appetite
- Somnolence
- orthostatic hypotension
- Lightheadedness
CBDs Negative Interactions With other drugs with the elderly
Older people are at a higher risk of drug interactions because they take multiple medications. They also have age related physiological changes which affect how their bodies process different drugs. When senior citizens are using CBD, it is important to ensure they are also not taking the following,
- Coumadin
- Warfarin (blood thinner)
- Grapefruit juice
- Opioids
- Benzodiazepines
- Antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- alcohol
Taking the named products, drugs and combining them with CBD is not recommended. The combination might lead to accidents, tiredness, and increased sedation in older people. CBD can also interact with prescription drugs, herbal products and over the counter medications.
Older people with underlying conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, epilepsy, weak immune system, and heart issues should mention it to the doctor before using CBD. That information can prevent a possible interaction which can be potentially dangerous.
Questions To Consider Before Recommending CBD Products to the Elderly
- Has the product manufacturer conducted an independent adverse effects trial?
- Has the manufacturer conducted laboratory tests to confirm its HTC levels?
- Does the product meet required quality standards?
- Has the manufacturer tested the products for the presence of heavy metals and pesticides?
- Has the product violated any regulation set by the relevant authorities?
What to consider when buying CBD for the elderly
Before making a CBD purchase for the elderly, there are some factors that should be considered. These factors include,
- The elders preferred means of using it, CBD is available for sale as pills, oil, a lotion or a drop.
- The amount of THC that is present in the CBD.
- Where it was manufactured.
- The additional ingredients used in its manufacture to avoid affecting safety and health.
- The benefits the manufacturer claims the product has.
Conclusion
Even though CBD can help improve the quality of life for the elderly there is still not enough information concerning all its effects on the elderly. There are a lot of studies that are being conducted to find out more about its qualities.
The elderly that suffer from chronic pain are major beneficiaries of its pain relieving qualities. CBD oil is good with supporting endocannabinoid systems and reduces pain as a result. CBD is mostly sold as an unregulated supplement.
One of the challenges the elderly have to deal with when using CBD is its dosage. CBD can interact with other medications the patient might be taking. It is therefore wise for the elderly users to consult a medical practitioner before attempting to use any CBD products.
CBD is a great option for the elderly patients living in areas that have not legalized marijuana prescriptions. It is also good for elderly patients who do not want to get high.
Author Bio
Wordsmith.
Writing about health in general and medicinal cannabis in particular at VIGOR.icu and elsewhere.
Hobbies: swimming, gardening, and binge-watching popular TV shows.