CBD for Seniors and Elderly

There’s generally no reason seniors should not take CBD. However, you should consult with your doctor before using CBD products if:

• You’re currently using other medications
• You have a history of cannabis plant allergy
• You’re concerned about ingredients in a CBD product
• You need help developing a daily CBD plan

CBD is generally considered to be remarkably safe, and this applies just as much to seniors as it does to other age groups. Just remember to start with a small dose and increase it as needed, giving your body time to adjust to the effects of CBD.

CBD gummies can certainly be beneficial to elderly individuals, but there are some factors you should consider before proceeding:

• CBD dose: 10-15mg per gummy is generally best for CBD beginners
• Other ingredients: Choose high-quality CBD gummies with natural ingredients like raw sugar and tapioca syrup
• Third-party lab testing: A full slate of tests should be available for each product batch
• Company reputation: Read customer reviews, especially on third-party sites like Trustpilot

Countless senior citizens have reported experiencing relief from anxiety, arthritis pain, insomnia, and other conditions after taking CBD gummies. CBD is also almost always free of side effects, but check with your doctor before using if you’re currently on any other medications.

Yes, CBD gummies are almost always safe for seniors, but you might want to consult with your doctor before use, and it’s important to keep a few critical factors in mind:

• CBD dose: Seniors can be extra-sensitive to CBD, so it’s important to start with a small dose and move up gradually if needed
• Additional ingredients: Even if CBD is no issue, CBD gummies can contain other ingredients that might be unsafe for certain seniors
• Other medications: CBD can interact with other medications, so consult with your doctor before use
• Blood pressure: If you already have low blood pressure, CBD can lower it even further

With CBD, it’s always a good idea to check for lab reports and consult with your doctor before use. Since older bodies can be more sensitive to both CBD and other ingredients, taking these precautions is even more important.

The best CBD products for elderly individuals contain simple ingredients, are fully lab tested, and keep the THC optional. As a senior citizen, you might prefer broad-spectrum CBD since it doesn’t contain any THC at all, but the <0.3% THC in full-spectrum CBD may contribute to stronger effects even though it isn’t enough to be intoxicating.

• Product quality: Check the additional ingredients in any CBD product you’re using, and always demand proper third-party lab tests.
• CBD type: Consider the pros and cons of full-spectrum CBD (up to 0.3% THC), broad-spectrum CBD (no THC but contains minor cannabinoids), and isolate CBD (only contains CBD).
• Product type: Explore the differences between CBD topicals (area-specific effects), CBD gummies (tasty & easy to take), and CBD oil (fine-tuned dose control).

If you aren’t sure where to start with CBD, ask your doctor. Also, remember to start with a low dose,  and only increase it if you don’t experience the desired effects.

Yes, many seniors have experienced relief from insomnia and other sleep-related conditions after using CBD. Offering a natural and low-risk approach to addressing sleep issues, CBD treatment has become increasingly popular among individuals of all age groups. If you’re an elder considering using CBD for sleep, keep the following factors in mind:

• How CBD helps with sleep quality: CBD helps you relax naturally by interacting with your endogenous cannabinoid system, which impacts a variety of sleep-related processes.
• When to take CBD before bed: Take CBD 30-60 minutes before bed to give it plenty of time to activate.
• Age-specific CBD effects: Seniors can be more sensitive to CBD. Otherwise, though, CBD affects you the same at any age.
• CBD product quality: Additional ingredients in CBD products can complicate the equation. Make sure to research each ingredient carefully before use.
• Consulting with a doctor: Ask a healthcare professional if you’re already using other medications or you aren't sure how much CBD to use.
  
  

There’s generally no issue with taking CBD if you’re 80 years or older, but the importance of consulting with your doctor before using CBD increases as you age. CBD has the potential to help with age-related conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and trouble sleeping, but older individuals are more susceptible to CBD’s mild side effects and might need help finding the right dosage.

• CBD sensitivity: As an octogenarian, your CBD experience will be stronger — both its primary effects and any side effects that may occur.
• Other medications: CBD can interact with some medications — medications you’re more likely to be taking past 80.
• CBD type: If you’re sensitive to THC, avoid full-spectrum CBD (<0.3% THC), and choose broad-spectrum CBD instead (no THC, still contains minor cannabinoids).
• Product type: Consider the difference between CBD oil (easy dosing, fast effects), CBD gummies (tasty, easy to take), and CBD topicals (local effects that kick in instantly).
• Proper dosage: Start with a low dosage (10mg CBD or less) and move up from there.

There’s no specific age when you can’t use CBD extract anymore. This cannabinoid is non-intoxicating and usually only has mild effects. Proceed with caution, and ask a medical professional if you have any concerns.

Yes, there’s promising evidence that CBD might help seniors with chronic pain, especially arthritis and other inflammation-related conditions. More research needs to be done, but you can consider these factors as you determine whether CBD is the right pain relief treatment for you:

• Product type: Use CBD topicals (local effects) for conditions like arthritis that occur in specific areas. Choose CBD oil or CBD gummies for body-wide pain management.
• CBD dose: Less is often more with CBD. Start with a low dose, and go from there.
• Consult a doctor: Ask a healthcare professional before using CBD if you’re currently taking other medications or need help with dosage.

Countless seniors have experienced profound relief after using CBD for inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Do your research and ask for a doctor’s help as you explore what CBD can do.

No, CBD is not a Medicare-approved medical expense because the FDA has not yet ruled on its classification. Exceptions may be made for Epidiolex, the only approved CBD prescription drug. However, Epidiolex consists of CBD isolate, which is less effective than full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD.

• CBD is a non-prescription drug: Except in the case of Epidiolex, CBD is considered a non-prescription drug.
• Only for prescribed purposes: Even when Epidiolex is available, you can only use it for prescribed purposes.
• It doesn’t fall under Medicare guidelines: CBD generally does not fall under guidelines for Medicare funding.
• Medical cannabis laws: CBD products may be available with a doctor’s recommendation in states where medical cannabis is legal, but this doesn’t count as a prescription.
• Ask your doctor: Consult a healthcare professional for help finding an appropriate prescription or non-prescription CBD product.

Your doctor cannot write you a prescription for most CBD products since all CBD products aside from Epidiolex are non-prescription. Also, Epidiolex is only approved for certain conditions, significantly limiting the purposes for which it can be prescribed.

Instead of seeking a prescription for CBD, it’s best to simply buy the type of CBD product you’re seeking online or from a CBD specialty store. Cannabidiol extracts sold online are accompanied by helpful information, such as third-party lab reports, and they’re available without a prescription.

No, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) generally does not cover CBD oil purchases. That’s because most CBD products are non-prescription — the only exception is Epidiolex, a prescription CBD product that can only be prescribed for certain purposes.

• FDA regulations: The FDA’s categorization of CBD remains vague, preventing coverage by medical insurers.
• Alternative options: Over-the-counter CBD products are affordable, and you can use them for any purpose you like.
• Ask a medical professional: Consult with your doctor regarding potential BCBS coverage and alternative CBD options.

Seniors should generally start with a low dose of CBD (10-15mg) and increase as necessary. Elderly individuals can be more sensitive to CBD, and it’s always best to proceed with caution no matter your age.

• CBD sensitivity in seniors: As it ages, the human body metabolizes substances differently. Starting with a low dose is best to avoid sensitivity issues.
• Metabolism and weight: Your weight and metabolic rate can change the effects and intensity of CBD.
• Interactions with medications: CBD can interact with other medications, a risk that’s mitigated by using a smaller dose.
• Additional ingredients: Check the other ingredients in CBD products to make sure they’re safe for seniors.
• Ask a doctor: Ask your doctor if you have any concerns about CBD safety or dosing.

Yes, it’s generally fine for seniors to take CBD gummies. CBD usually does not have any side effects, and it’s well-tolerated even at high doses. However, there are some additional considerations to keep in mind:

• Senior sensitivity to CBD: Due to age-related metabolic changes, seniors can be more sensitive to CBD than other age groups, making it better to take smaller doses.
• CBD benefits for seniors: CBD can be highly beneficial for seniors with issues with pain, anxiety, or sleep.
• Additional ingredients: Some CBD products, such as CBD gummies, contain numerous non-CBD ingredients that could cause issues.
• CBD product quality: Research CBD brands before trying their products. Check third-party lab reports to establish safety.
• Drug interactions: CBD can interact negatively with some drugs, especially if they come with "grapefruit warnings.”

Ask your doctor if you’re unsure whether CBD is right for you. A healthcare professional can help you establish an effective dosing plan for CBD and recommend appropriate product types.

CBD can interact negatively with any medications that use the CYP-3A4 enzyme for metabolism. These medications are often accompanied by a “grapefruit warning” since they can also interact with a substance found in grapefruits. Examples of drug types that become dangerous when used with CBD include:

• Heart medications: CBD use can enhance the effects of various cardiac medications, potentially exceeding the effects expected for daily dosage.
• Blood thinners: CBD can make blood thinners more effective, potentially thinning blood excessively.
• Blood pressure medications: CBD may reduce blood pressure on its own and also enhance the effects of blood pressure medications.
• Antidepressants: CBD can enhance the effects of antidepressants, potentially leading to drowsiness or disorientation.
• Seizure medications: Combining CBD with anti-seizure medications can cause drowsiness and issues with coordination.
• Muscle relaxers: These drugs and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants can make you excessively drowsy when used with CBD.