CBD for seniors is somewhat controversial, but many are discovering its effectiveness in managing pain. While some seniors may be reluctant to try CBD because of its association with marijuana and lack of FDA approval, others are reaping the benefits while the healthcare industry slowly tries to catch up with the science.

Truth is, not only is CBD an alternative to dangerous medications, but it also helps with many associated chronic issues. While studies have shown how well it can work, issues surrounding legalization have kept it from becoming something commonly prescribed by doctors. 

The good news is that CBD is easy to acquire. While the bureaucracy continues its slow progression, many small businesses have begun to sell CBD all over the world. If you’re considering giving CBD a try or are curious if it can work for your pain management, you’ve come to the right place. 

Let’s take a look at how CBD treats pain and some reasons CBD for seniors has become a hot topic. We’ll start with the science, and then offer some reasons you or a loved one might want to try CBD. Let’s do it!

How CBD Treats Pain

CBD works by directly affecting the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. The ECS regulates several functions in the body by manipulating receptors, enzymes, and cannabinoids. These processes include mood, sleep, inflammation, memory, appetite, and pain. 

The ECS has a direct effect on the nervous system, immune system, and brain. It works by creating an endocannabinoid and sending it to receptors throughout the body. From there, the chemical interacts with the receptors to initiate a particular function in the body.

CBD has a powerful effect on the endocannabinoid system. CBD binds to receptors and interacts with several functions in the body. It affects serotonin, vanilloid, and GRP55 that each plays a part in mood, pain, memory, and inflammation. 

CBD alleviates the body’s sensitivity to triggers from the endocannabinoid system. In this way, it helps with inflammation and pain. It also influences serotonin receptors that play a part in mood and the perception of pain. 

5 Reasons for Seniors to Use CBD for Pain Management

According to the CDC, over half of all seniors suffer from some type of pain, either from arthritis or some other chronic source. CBD alleviates pain by interacting with various receptors, particularly pain due to inflammation and swelling. It’s a natural alternative to prescription medication.

1. CBD Doesn’t Get You High

For starters, CBD has zero psychoactive effects. In other words, even though it is derived from the same plant as marijuana, it will not get you high. The chemical compound in marijuana that gets you high is THC and while naturally-derived CBD oil can have trace amounts of it, this is natural and is not nearly the amount required to have intoxicating effects.

CBD offers the benefits of marijuana without psychoactive effects. It can relieve pain and balance your endocannabinoid system. In this way, it’s excellent for pain management but won’t adversely affect you mentally and psychologically.

2. CBD Is an Alternative to Dangerous Pain Management Prescriptions

One of the biggest issues with pain management is a dependence on dangerous prescription drugs with a number of negative side effects. Unfortunately, most pain regiments use opioid drugs to control discomfort and inflammation. They often offer temporary relief in exchange for lifelong addiction.

These drugs are also controlled by large pharmaceutical companies that will make you jump through hoops to get them and can be expensive. CBD manages pain without adverse side effects and can be purchased online. There’s even some evidence that it combats addiction.

3. CBD Can Be Consumed In a Variety of Ways

CBD is simple and easy to use. It comes in tinctures you can measure by drops, and in salves and creams. One of the most effective methods of CBD use for arthritis, particularly in finger and hand joints, is to rub a CBD palm into your skin.

CBD can also be consumed orally or through vaping. When using capsules, edibles, or liquids orally, the CBD is absorbed by the digestive tract and can take between one and two hours for the onset of effects. 

4. CBD Fights Many Chronic Issues Associated with Pain

Chronic pain can be exacerbated by other issues such as poor sleep quality and can be related to other conditions. CBD has shown to have many positive effects. In addition to alleviating pain, it also helps with bone health, diabetic complications, and cardiovascular disorders. CBD not only aids in diminishing inflammation, it also helps with cell repair and deters cell death.

On top of that, CBD improves sleep quality. Oftentimes, pain can make it hard to sleep, leading to insomnia and miserable days. CBD helps with stress, anxiety, and restlessness, which can help you get to sleep and stay asleep longer. 

5. CBD is Effective for Pain Management

Lastly, perhaps the most important reason to use CBD for pain management is that it works. CBD is a natural alternative to medications and other costly treatments. It interacts with various receptors to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Seniors with chronic pain are often desperate for a solution. CBD can help you to manage your pain and improve your quality of life. It’s not marijuana, it won’t get you high, and it’s worth trying for any senior experiencing pain on a regular basis.

Final Thoughts

CBD is an effective treatment for pain. As more and more discover it, expect CBD for seniors to continue to grow in popularity. It is particularly effective for chronic pain due to inflammation caused by arthritis or a number of other conditions. What’s more, it’s naturally safe and can improve your health.

If you’re considering CBD to treat your pain, look for oils and tinctures produced in small batches from safe and organic sources. High-quality full-spectrum CBD oil should become a part of every seniors’ health routine.