Watching an older loved one struggle with discomfort, sleep, or anything in between can be heartbreaking. Physical therapy and medication may not be enough to help preserve their quality of life in their golden years. Trying the best CBD for the elderly can make a world of difference.
There’s a reason you’re seeing more and more discussion on CBD for the elderly. It works! Dr. Peter Grinspoon, primary care physician and cannabis specialist, says so himself. “For a lot of maladies of aging, cannabis can offer older people safer, more natural, more effective alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals.”1
But with this surge in popularity comes more and more brands trying to make a quick buck selling cheap, underformulated CBD products. We’re going to help you support the elderly person in your life with the best CBD for seniors. Browse our online CBD store for the full range of gummies, oils, and topicals backed by third-party lab testing and a satisfaction guarantee!
Key Takeaways
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CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that can help with sleep, discomfort, stress, and cognition.
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There are no adverse side effects of CBD when used as directed, and it doesn’t have the dependency risks of many pharmaceuticals.
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The best CBD for the elderly is available at Medterra.
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Start with the lowest possible dose and titrate as needed to find “the sweet spot.”
5 Benefits of CBD For Seniors
You’ve probably heard all about the benefits of CBD in general, but how can it support seniors specifically? There are five concrete reasons we advocate for elderly people incorporating CBD into their wellness routines.
Non-Intoxicating
Most people - elderly or not - know that cannabis can get you high. But that’s not CBD. That’s THC, the other well-known cannabinoid found in hemp and marijuana. You never have to worry about CBD getting you high if you use a broad-spectrum or isolate formula.
CBD doesn’t produce euphoric effects, alter one’s perception of time, or impair coordination. It won’t make you feel weird at all. It’s a very subtle experience.
In fact, there are really no downsides to CBD for seniors. Kevin Boehnke with the University of Michigan’s Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center says, “When you look at the side effect profile compared to Tylenol or ibuprofen, it's remarkably safe.”2
That alone is reason to try it if the senior in your life is already juggling multiple prescriptions!
Sleep Support
One of the most common complaints adults over 60 have is sleep problems. The consequences of poor sleep are all too clear: poor immune function, slower recovery, irritability, trouble concentrating, and a higher risk of falling. So how does CBD help?
Specially formulated CBD products for sleep contain not just CBD but complementary cannabinoids like CBN, which has a well-documented sedative-like effect. Some products even have helpful botanical ingredients like L-theanine or melatonin.
You can learn more about the best CBD gummies for sleep at Medterra, where you’ll find a myriad of formulas so you can tailor the support to what you need.
Relief From Discomfort
Everything starts to hurt a little more with each passing year. Whether it’s sore joints or recovery from a procedure, pharmaceuticals can be difficult to commit to. They come with quite a bit of baggage. A lot of seniors prefer a more natural approach.
So, can CBD be that natural approach? According to Pal Pacher, pharmacologist and cardiologist at the National Institutes of Health, it’s possible. Pacher says CBD “clearly has some anti-inflammatory effects, but the exact mechanism is still not known.”3
There are a handful of ways you can tap into the benefits of relief CBD - gummies, oil, and capsules. But typically, the best way to relieve aches and pains in a very specific area is with topical CBD, such as the best CBD roll-on. You apply the product right where it hurts.
Easing Stress
Retirement transitions, health concerns, loss of independence, grieving friends and partners - there’s a lot going on, even as things are supposed to be slowing down for you. Having something that helps you calm down and feel more in control can be a powerful thing.
This is one of the best uses for CBD for seniors: easing stress. CBD interacts with serotonin receptors and helps modulate the stress response. But it doesn’t sedate you or dull your thinking. It just takes the edge off. Super subtle. You (or your elderly loved one) can still get stuff done and go about your day.
Supporting Cognition
Now, we want to be very clear in saying the research on CBD and cognition is still pretty young. But the trajectory is very encouraging. A study published very recently showed that CBD brought down inflammation within the brain and improved memory in aging mice.4
Does that mean CBD is going to reverse dementia or prevent Alzheimer’s on its own? No. But it appears to have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, and given the high safety profile, why wouldn’t you try everything you have at your disposal?
Finding the Best CBD For the Elderly
You can see why more and more people are encouraging their older loved ones to try CBD. But despite the best of intentions, it’s common to end up getting low-quality CBD. It’s not going to be much use if the CBD is under-dosed or, worse, contains harmful additives.
That’s why the first step in getting the best CBD for the elderly is looking into lab testing.
Third-Party Lab Testing
Third-party lab testing is non-negotiable for any CBD product, let alone those for seniors. You should be able to easily retrieve a certificate of analysis (COA) from an independent lab showing the product has exactly what the label says it does, and it’s free from pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents.
In essence, third-party lab testing gives you peace of mind. It’s the bare minimum. A brand that tests its own products in-house or makes you jump through hoops to find COAs is probably not worth shopping with.
For example, Medterra sends every batch to an ISO 17025-compliant lab, and COAs are accessible right from the packaging via QR code. Transparency is something we’re very passionate about.
Isolate, Broad-Spectrum, Full-Spectrum
There are three main types of CBD you’ll come across, and the right one for you or the senior in your life all depends on whether you want pure CBD or some THC in the mix. There are pros and cons to each one. They all have their place:
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CBD Isolate: Pure CBD with literally nothing else in it. No THC or any other complementary cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, CBC). The most accessible starting point.
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Broad Spectrum: CBD with complementary cannabinoids - but still not THC. A good middle ground because the other cannabinoids bring their own specific support, be it something uplifting or relaxing.
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Full Spectrum: Everything the hemp plant has to offer. That includes THC. This is where something called the entourage effect comes into play. All the different parts of cannabis work in synergy to amplify one another, leading to more well-rounded benefits.
We’ll talk a little more about THC later on, but it’s something a lot of elders will not want to try. Our advice is to start with CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD, and after your loved one has seen what that can do, have a conversation about them trying THC.
Different Forms of CBD You’ll Find
Now that you’ve narrowed it down to a type of CBD and hopefully a brand that you can trust, it’s time to find the best CBD for the elderly as far as formats go. There are two main types: topical and oral. Then you can branch down lower from there.
CBD Capsules
The most familiar format if your senior already takes vitamins or medications. Super easy to incorporate into an existing supplement regimen. The dosing is precise, and there’s no taste or anything to make the ritual easier to commit to.
Medterra’s Daily Relief Isolate Capsules start at 25mg CBD. The Good Night Capsules feature 50mg of CBD with CBN, magnesium, and ashwagandha. Both are a great starting point. Something for the daytime, something for bedtime.
CBD Gummies
This is the best CBD for the elderly if your loved one doesn’t want another pill in their routine. They want something they can actually look forward to taking every day - perhaps even multiple times a day. Gummies are tasty, easy to split in half for a more specific dosage, and the effects can last between 4-8 hours!
Our Calm Gummies are a great entry point with 25mg broad-spectrum CBD and 125mg L-theanine. We have a few great options for sleep, but one of our personal favorites is the Sleep Tight Gummies. You get 25mg of CBD with melatonin, L-theanine, and an herbal sleep blend.
CBD Tinctures
Nothing gives you more control over dosage than CBD oil, AKA tincture. This is a unique form of CBD. You take a dropper, place the oil under your tongue, and hold it there for 30-60 seconds. Then you swallow. The CBD gets into your system faster by penetrating through the oral tissue. You may feel effects within 15-30 minutes (edibles take 45-90 minutes).
Our Daily Relief Isolate Oil comes in a 500mg bottle to start and is available up to 3000mg for experienced users. Another cool thing about tincture is you can mix it into a tea or coffee if you’d rather not hold it under your tongue.
CBD Topicals
This is the form you want if you have aches and pains somewhere specific. Knees, elbows, wrists, shoulders, neck. Whatever it may be, you can apply a cream, balm, or roll-on product directly where it hurts.
Our Pain Relief Cream contains 1000mg CBD with menthol and arnica. We also have a Rapid Recovery Roll-On for mess-free application. It contains 1200mg CBD with the Relief5 Complex for deeper penetration into sore joints and muscles.
Getting the Elderly Person in Your Life to Try CBD
You already know that suggesting CBD might not land well if you’re reading this on behalf of a parent, grandparent, or older relative. The way you bring this up can make or break how the rest of the conversation goes.
Explaining the Benefits
YOU know about the benefits of CBD in elderly care at this point. Leading with these - and more specifically, the research on them - is your best starting point. But you have to get more specific about what’s in it for THEM.
Are they struggling with sleep? Talk about how CBD can help them get the rest they so desperately need, and the benefits that will have on the rest of their life. Maybe it’s discomfort. Explain how CBD can help provide much-needed relief without having to feel like they’re taking drugs that they become dependent on.
Starting Strength
The last thing you want is your elder to have a bad first experience with CBD. Fortunately, that is very rare. It’s not like they’re going to get “too high” from CBD alone. Even still, it’s worth starting low and slow. That means 10-25mg of CBD per day.
The Calm Gummies are a great starting point with 25mg of CBD. You can start with half a gummy if you want. This is also the appeal of CBD tincture. You get to decide down to the mL how much you’re going to use.
You may be the caregiver, and if that’s the case, the onus is on you to make sure you’re giving your loved one the right amount of CBD. Finding the best CBD for the elderly only does so much - how you use it matters!
What to Expect (Onset and Duration)
How quickly CBD for seniors works (and how long it lasts) depends on the format. Here’s what to expect:
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Gummies and capsules: These take between 45-90 minutes to start working, depending on metabolism and what’s in the stomach. They can last 4-8 hours, though, which is why they’re so great.
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Tinctures: 15-30 minutes since the oil works into the system through the oral lining. Can last 2-4 hours.
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Topicals: 15-30 minutes for localized relief.
Be aware that some seniors may not feel the effects of CBD from the very first use. It can take a few weeks for the benefits to really start to show up. Encourage them to be patient!
Is CBD Safe For Seniors?
Safety is the first and last question in any conversation about the use of CBD oil in elderly care. The good news is that you have little to worry about. CBD is fairly safe for most adults, including older adults.
Potential Side Effects
There are a few side effects that you may experience with CBD for seniors:
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Dry mouth
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Drowsiness (more likely with sleep-focused formulas)
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Mild digestive changes
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Slight drops in blood pressure
These are temporary, and they usually go away as the body adjusts. They’re also considerably less severe than the side effects associated with a lot of prescription pain medications, sleep aids, and anti-anxiety drugs.
Medication Interactions
This is one of the most important things to take away from our guide to the best CBD for the elderly. Your loved one is probably taking other medications, and some of those may interact with CBD. CBD gets metabolized by the same liver enzyme system that processes drugs like:
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Blood thinners (warfarin)
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Heart rhythm medications
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Certain anti-seizure drugs
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Some statins
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Immunosuppressants
Dr. Grinspoon says, “Using cannabis may help you get off some medications, but at the same time, older adults are often on a lot of prescriptions and want to be careful to avoid a medication reaction.”1
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBD good for seniors?
Yes. There are many benefits of CBD for seniors, ranging from sleep to joint discomfort, stress management, and maybe even cognitive function. It’s non-intoxicating and generally well-tolerated.
What are the potential side effects of using CBD oil on seniors?
Dry mouth, mild drowsiness, and minor digestive changes. Usually temporary and dose-dependent. Using CBD oil in elderly care is simple - start at the lowest possible dose and only work your way up if needed.
Does CBD interact with any medications?
Yes. CBD is processed by the same liver enzymes as blood thinners, heart medications, and certain statins. Talk to a doctor before adding CBD to any prescription regimen.
What is the best CBD for seniors?
All depends on the need. The best CBD for the elderly who are struggling to sleep is Medterra’s Sleep Tight Gummies or Good Night Capsules. Try the Medterra Pain Relief Cream for targeted relief. The Medterra Calm Gummies are a great option for day-to-day wellness.
What are the signs CBD is working?
It won’t be like a light switch flipping on. It tends to be a more gradual improvement. Better sleep, less discomfort, and feeling more grounded throughout the day.
What else should I do for my loved one besides getting them CBD?
Movement (even short daily walks), consistent sleep schedules, hydration, social engagement, balanced nutrition. All the stuff you probably know you should be doing!
Final Words on CBD For Seniors
Get the best CBD for the elderly today at Medterra and see for yourself what a difference it can make. Identify your loved one’s needs and find the formula that fits. Our customer service team can help you narrow it down if you don’t know where to start.
References
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Grinspoon, P. "Relief or Risk: Using Cannabis As We Age." Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Health
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Boehnke, K. Quoted in "CBD Oil for Pain." AARP. AARP
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Pacher, P. Quoted in "Seniors Turn to CBD From Marijuana for Pain Management." AARP. AARP
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University of Lethbridge and McGill University. "Effects of cannabidiol (CBD) treatment on age-related cognitive decline in C57 mice." Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. PubMed
