Why Some Seniors are Turning to CBD

There are approximately 46 million adults age 65 and over in the United States today. That number is projected to almost double by 2050. As the population ages, the number of options available for medical interventions for seniors needs to grow. Increasing the number of treatments available to our seniors means taking a look at some treatments that previously may have been considered "alternative." In 2018 a federal bill was passed legalizing the growth and sale of hemp products. This bill made CBD and other hemp products more widely available for both medical and recreational use. In three states, CBD products are still entirely illegal, but it is legal in at least some form in all other states. The accessibility of these products to the populous, seniors especially, is good news. CBD is effective for many of the ailments experienced by older adults, and the variety of ways to use it makes it an ideal option. 

Types of CBD

There are many ways to use CBD, and it is up to the user to decide which route would work best for them. One of the most common ways people take CBD is by ingesting it orally. Oral consumption of CBD provides a whole-body effect, which can help for things like arthritis, sleep issues, and anxiety. If you want to try this method, there are three options. These include gelcaps, tinctures, and gummies. If trying for your first time, gelcap may be a good option, as the dose is measured. Tinctures are more potent and dropped under the tongue for the best effect while gummies are eaten. For more localized pain like a sore back or knee, topical CBD may work well. There are several creams or salves that people find effective for specific pain points. Vaping is another way to ingest CBD, but the lack of regulation of vape "juices" makes some people wary.

Another thing to consider when thinking about adding CBD to your self-care routine is how CBD and THC interact. Some studies show that when used in tandem, they are absorbed more efficiently into the body. If you're not so sure about actually walking into a store that sells CBD products, look into something like weed delivery Fresno in your area so you can try it out without even having to leave the house. Make sure to read the label of the product you purchase, follow the instructions and do plenty of research around the specific product you're interested in. Patients should also consider a consultation with a physician. 

Health Concerns Specific to Seniors

As people age, the type of care they need changes drastically, and they become susceptible to specific outcomes that others may not. Polypharmacy is one common issue seniors face. Polypharmacy is a phenomenon that occurs when a patient is prescribed a medication for a particular ailment. They react poorly to the medicine, and that reaction is interpreted as a new ailment, so they are prescribed another drug to treat the new "ailment." This creates what is known as the prescribing cascade that results in the patient having a dangerously long list of medications they are prescribed. By trying other natural, over-the-counter, "alternative" treatments first, seniors may be able to avoid this dangerous series of events. 

Conditions like arthritis, cancer, anxiety, inability to sleep, and inflammation are common among seniors. These conditions are often treated with some pretty heavy-hitting medications that can cause side effects or have interactions with other medicines. Indeed, CBD can also have side effects and interactions, but a slow, methodical induction will significantly reduce the likelihood of that happening. 

CBD effectively reduces inflammation, decreases anxiety, and slows the growth of cancer cells in the body. It is a naturally derived substance that can offer a gentler approach to treating common ailments seniors experience. Plenty of research, consultation with a physician, and caution when using CBD will ensure a safe experience.