CBD FOR SENIORS

TAKING CARE OF AN AGING BODY

BY BEN OWENS

Cannabis plants and their derivative products are more accessible than ever before. But for many consumers, including seniors, cannabis products that offer healing benefits are often also high in THC concentrations, which can produce overwhelming psychoactive effects that detract from the benefits. CBD, cannabis’ other well-known cannabinoid, is offering hope. 5

Nearly 51% of seniors who have tried CBD report an improved quality of life, and anecdotal evidence suggests CBD could help with a variety of issues impacting quality of life. 6,7 Due to the quasi-legal status of this cannabinoid in the U.S., much of what we know about CBD is limited to anecdotal report, but studies are beginning to catch up.

HOW CBD CAN HELP SENIORS CBD has been shown to help relieve aches and pains as an effective anti-inflammatory and has also been shown to help with anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression, cases that increase in prevalence with age. 3,4 Conditions such as depression and other mood disorders can negatively impact quality of life, often leading to physical and cognitive issues, frailty, and even low self-esteem. 1 CBD has been shown to be helpful with psychosisaswell, offering somerelieftothosewhomayalreadybein cognitivedecline.

NEARLY 51% OF SENIORS WHO HAVE TRIED CBD REPORT AN IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE.

3 CBD OPTIONS FOR NON-PSYCHOTROPIC CANNABIS RELIEF

1. TOPICAL CBD - Topical products such as skin creams and massage oils take advantage of the body’s largest organ (the skin) to offer targeted relief. For many who do not wish to eat, inhale, or ingest a productwhich could affecttheirentirebody, topical productsallowfor relief where and when you need it. Apply infused products directly to the areas that are aching or in pain, as well as for certain skin conditions such as dryness or sunburn. Make sure to read the ingredients before applying to irritated skin.

2. EDIBLE CBD & TINCTURES - Edible CBD options and tinctures offer a discrete form of CBD administration that allows for gradual delivery throughout the body as needed. Edible offerings have a longer onset (duetodigestion)andcanoffersustainedbenefitsoveralongerperiod of time. Many consume a regimented amount of CBD using edibles and tinctures in the same way that they consume their daily vitamins.

3. CONCENTRATED CBD (FOR INHALATION) & CBD VAPES - CBD is also available in concentrated forms such as waxes, distillates, and isolates, many of which are designed to be vaporized using a water pipe or handheld vaporizer. These products are designed for rapid relief, as inhaled cannabinoids enter the bloodstream much quicker through the lungs and respiratory system.

CURRENT LIMITATIONS OF CBD AND SUPPORTING RESEARCH ItisimportanttonotethatwhileavarietyofCBDproductsexistonthemarket,thereisstillasignificantlackof regulationandclinicalevidenceofefficacy.Alackoffederallegalityhaspreventedmostresearchtodate,and resulted in a lack of consistency on the market. Most of what we know is purely based on anecdotal evidence and animal trials, since human trials have been limited to extremely small sample sizes, if conducted at all. 2

If you’ve been considering CBD as an option for improving your quality of life, make sure to talk with your physician orcare providerforspecific recommendations unique to yoursituation. Each ECS is unique, and yourneedsmaynotbefulfilledinthesamewayasyourneighbors.FormoreinformationonCBD,itsbenefits, and the science supporting its applications, make sure to follow this column each month.

Citations: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1516-44462005000400003 1 ANTUNES, Hanna Karen Moreira et al . Depression, anxiety and quality of life scores in seniors after an endurance exercise program. Rev. Bras. Psiquiatr., São Paulo , v. 27, n. 4, p. 266-271, Dec. 2005 . https://www.nationalelfservice.net/treatment/antipsychotics/cannabidiol-cbd-an-effective-antipsychotic/2 Rains, Luke. “IsCannabidiol (CBD) an effectiveantipsychotic?.” TheMental Elf. August24, 2018. https://www.rxleaf.com/cbd-as-an-antibiotic-against-drug-resistant-bacteria/ 3 Hayes, Sarah. “CBD as an antibiotic kills strep, MRSA, and more.” RXLeaf. June 27, 2019. https://seniordirectory.com/articles/info/benefits-of-cbd-for-senior-citizens4 Duke, Andrew. “8 BenefitsofCBD forSeniorCitizens.” SeniorDirectory. https://www.forbes.com/sites/abbierosner/2019/08/26/cbd-safety-for-seniors/#17cd908846ba 5 Rosner, Abbie. “CBD Safety For Seniors.” Forbes. August 26, 2019. https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilyprice/2019/02/24/51-of-seniors-that-have-tried-cbd-report-an-improved-quality-of-life/#38ad8c5d6b7f 6 Price, Emily. “51% Of Seniors That Have Tried CBD Report An Improved Quality Of Life.” Forbes. February 24, 2019. https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2018/cbd-oil-marijuana-health-benefits.html 7 Schaffel, Garrett. “BoomersFuel Boom in PopularityofCBD.” AARP. June7, 2018.