CBD oil for seniors and the elderly: Options, safety and more

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Some CBD products may be more suitable for older adults. However, it can cause side effects like fatigue and appetite changes.
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Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound in the cannabis plant. It may have several potential health benefits, but research is still in its early stages.
This article describes what CBD is, the difference between CBD oil and other forms, how it can help older adults, and some frequently asked questions. It also looks at a few different products a person can choose from.
CBD oil
Best CBD oil for those new to CBD: Lazarus Naturals Standard Potency Full Spectrum CBD Tincture
Lazarus Naturals Standard Potency Full Spectrum CBD Tincture
Best CBD oil tincture: CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
Best low dose CBD isolate drops: Social CBD Natural Isolate Drops
Social CBD Natural Isolate Drops
Best broad-spectrum CBD tincture: Receptra Naturals Serious Relief + Turmeric 0% THC Tincture
Receptra Naturals Serious Relief + Turmeric 0% THC Tincture
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
state laws
What is CBD?
CBD is one of over 100 chemical compounds in the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another popular cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, CBD does not cause the “high” feeling that many people associate with cannabis use.
CBD
100
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
“high” feeling
Learn more about the differences between CBD and THC.
Learn more about the differences between CBD and THC.
There have been many studies into the potentially beneficial properties of CBD.
studies
Research from 2018 suggests that CBD could positively affect a range of medical conditions, including pain, inflammation, epilepsy, sleep disorders, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, anorexia, schizophrenia, and other conditions.
Research from 2018
pain
inflammation
epilepsy
multiple sclerosis
schizophrenia

Learn more about the potential benefits of CBD.
Learn more about the potential benefits of CBD.
A 2016 study in rats suggests that topical applications of CBD could help manage the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
2016 study in rats
associated
arthritis
Learn more about using CBD to treat arthritis symptoms.
Learn more about using CBD to treat arthritis symptoms.
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
CBD
Choosing a CBD product for the elderly
Unlike other medications, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or quality of over-the-counter CBD products.
There are also not enough studies on CBD’s efficacy and side effects. This means a person needs to be careful when choosing and using them.
Read our buyer’s guide to CBD.
Read our buyer’s guide to CBD.
This is especially the case with seniors and older adults. The risk of health and medical conditions is typically higher than in the younger population due to increased age.
As such, CBD could bring certain benefits to older adults that younger people may not feel as much. However, these products could pose a health risk, for example, if they have negative interactions with prescription medications.
CBD products come in a variety of forms. One of the first things a person should do is decide which form is the best option for them.
Some common forms of CBD products include:
oils and tinctures
oils and tinctures
creams and lotions
creams
lotions
massage oils and salves
massage oils
salves
capsules and pills
capsules and pills
gummies
gummies
bath products
bath products
Each form of CBD product has its own benefits and drawbacks, and what is right for one person may not be right for another.
For example, older adults with arthritis may prefer oils, creams, or lotions. They can apply them directly on their legs or areas of the body where arthritis affects them the most to help ease the pain.
help ease
Furthermore, a 2021 study points out that older adults absorb drugs, such as CBD, more slowly than other individuals. The research suggests that people should either opt for other forms, including oils, or if they want to take CBD orally, they can do it with a meal.
2021 study
Learn more about different CBD forms.
Learn more about different CBD forms.
The FDA does not regulate CBD products the same way it does other medications. Some manufacturers may therefore make bold claims about the safety or effectiveness of their products that have no factual basis.
However, to protect public health, the FDA can take action against CBD companies that make unfounded health claims.
This is why it is important to look for companies that say that their products have undergone testing by a third-party company. This means that an independent laboratory has verified the product’s purity and potency.
The amount of CBD a person should take will depend on a range of variables, including:
their body weight
body weight
the condition they want to help with
their body chemistry
the concentration of CBD in the product
As with any medicinal product, it is important for a person to begin with a low amount of CBD and gradually work their way up to higher amounts if they desire.
It might also be useful for people to make notes on any side effects they experience and any benefits they notice.
Different forms of the same strength of a CBD product might also affect a person differently. For example, eating a gummy and applying a topical cream may have very different effects on an individual — even if those products contain the same strength and concentration of CBD.
Factors, such as how quickly a person digests and metabolizes versus how effectively their skin absorbs substances, can play a part in the effects of CBD.
Older adults, especially those already taking prescription medications or who have health conditions they know about, should speak to a physician or their specialist before using CBD.
A doctor can advise whether CBD will interact with their conditions or medications and provide recommendations on which forms to buy and how to use them.
Learn more about CBD dosage and safety.
Learn more about CBD dosage and safety.
People should also be aware of the different types of CBD. Most CBD products contain one of the following types of CBD:
Full-spectrum CBD: This contains all cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, including CBD and THC.
Full-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD: This contains a mix of cannabinoids, usually without THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD
CBD isolate: This is pure isolated CBD, without other cannabinoids or THC.
CBD isolate
Senior athletes and those who get regular blood tests should avoid full-spectrum and other forms of CBD that contain THC, as this can show up in their blood results.
How we chose
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
Ingredients: Products contain safe, high quality ingredients and state all ingredients clearly. They are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the certificate of analysis.
Dosage: Products contain or recommend a serving size of a safe CBD dosage. They also state the dosage clearly.
Third-party laboratories: Products undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
Laboratory results: Products are from brands that make their testing results publicly available.
Top CBD oils for seniors and elderly people
Below are four options people can consider and order online.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here
Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Tincture
Price: between $34 and $60
Type: full spectrum
Dosage: 20 milligrams (mg) per milliliter (mL)
THC content: less than 0.3%
Lazarus Naturals states that this tincture contains 20 mg of CBD per ml.
It contains full-spectrum CBD and both hemp and coconut oils. According to the ingredients label, it is suitable for vegans and is gluten-free. It also holds USDA organic certification.
vegans
gluten-free
The manufacturer recommends this product as a suitable place to start for those new to CBD. It comes in a variety of flavors.
Lazarus Naturals also offers a financial assistance program for veterans, people with long-term disabilities, and those from low income households.
financial assistance program
Other positives include third-party testing, interest-free payment options, free shipping over $50, and 0.25 mL markings on the dropper for a more accurate measurement.
However, the company has very few reviews with the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot.
Better Business Bureau
Trustpilot
Positive comments mention its good customer service, while other customers appreciate the company’s discount programs. However, critical reviews mention problems canceling orders and misleading product information.
A person may wish to consider the following advantages and disadvantages:
USDA organic
third-party tested
suitable for people new to CBD
easy to measure doses with a dropper
offers discounts to veterans and those on a low income
unsuitable for people with nut allergies
nut allergies
unsuitable for athletes or those who have regular blood tests
reports of misleading product information
A person can order a bottle of Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Tincture online for between $34 and $60.
Learn more about CBD tinctures.
Learn more about CBD tinctures.
SHOP NOW
CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
Price: between $45 and $240
Type: full spectrum
Dosage: 17–167 mg per 1 mL
THC content: less than 0.3%
This full-spectrum CBD tincture contains 17 mg of CBD per 1 mL serving in its lowest strength and 167 mg of CBD per 1 mL in its most potent form.
Due to the fact that it only contains two ingredients — fractionated coconut oil and full-spectrum CBD hemp extract — it is unflavored.
coconut oil
CBDistillery offers a 60-day, risk-free satisfaction guarantee. One-time purchase orders include free shipping when spending over $75.
Other positives include subscription options with discounts and free shipping, no genetically modified organisms, and the United States Hemp Authority Certification.
Learn more about CBD tinctures.
Learn more about CBD tinctures.
Positive customer reviews state the oil helped them to sleep and that it had a pleasant flavor.
However, some customers write they found the gummies more convenient to take.
A person may wish to consider the following advantages and disadvantages:
comes in a wide range of strengths
contains non-GMO hemp
third-party tested
60-day trial
unsuitable for people with nut allergies
nut allergies
may be more difficult to get an accurate dosage compared with gummies
higher strengths are very expensive
A person can order the CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture online for between $45 and $240.
Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.
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Social CBD Natural Isolate Drops
Price: between $21.99 and $71.99
Type: isolate
Dosage: 16.7 to 66.6 mg per mL
THC content: 0%
This two-ingredient CBD oil is reportedly suitable for vegans and free from gluten, dairy, soy, and sugar. People can choose from lemon ginger, lavender, and peppermint flavors. A flavorless version is also available.
Social CBD sells broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products, but it makes this particular oil using CBD isolate.
Depending on the size, each serving provides between 16.7 mg and 66.6 mg of CBD.
Other positives include a 30-day money-back guarantee, free shipping on orders over $49, and a subscription option that provides a 30% discount and free shipping on renewals.
The company also claims its products go through third-party testing and are cruelty-free.
Learn more about CBD isolate.
Learn more about CBD isolate.
There are a limited amount of online reviews for this product. However, positive reviews mention that this isolate is suitable for adding to drinks and calming people for sleep.
However, negative reviews raise concerns about the product potentially causing skin irritation.
A person may wish to consider the following advantages and disadvantages:
does not contain THC
third-party tested
comes in low doses
comes in multiple flavors
less expensive than many other brands
a low number of online reviews
unsuitable for those with nut allergies
A person can order the Social CBD Natural Isolate Drops online for between $21.99 and $71.99.
30% off purchases with code HEALTH30.
SHOP NOW
Receptra Naturals Serious Relief + Turmeric 0% THC Tincture
Price: between $44.99 and $84.99
Type: Broad spectrum
Dosage: 33 mg per mL
THC content: 0%
According to Receptra Naturals, this broad-spectrum CBD tincture contains 0% THC, making it suitable for those wanting to avoid any form of THC.
It comes in a 1-ounce bottle with a graduated dropper, making it easy to measure out the exact dose a person wants to take. The company writes that each standard dose contains 33 mg of CBD.
Ingredients include medium-chain triglyceride oil, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and turmeric, which the company claims may help with inflammation.
medium-chain triglyceride oil
omega-3
omega-6 fatty acids
turmeric
Receptra states its products go through third-party testing. Customers can access the results by scanning the QR code on the bottle.
Buyers also get free shipping on all orders and 30-day free returns.
There are very few online reviews for this product. Positive comments mention that it helps with inflammation and relieving pain. There are no critical reviews for this product on the company website.
A person may wish to consider the following advantages and disadvantages:
does not contain THC
third-party tested
easy to measure doses with a dropper
added ingredients may help with inflammation
contains sunflower oil, which can be an allergen
very limited number of online reviews
A person can order the Receptra Naturals Serious Relief + Turmeric Tincture online for between $44.99 and $84.99.
SHOP NOW
Comparison
The table below compares each product in this article for price, dosage, and more.
Lazarus Naturals
CBDistillery
Social CBD
Receptra Naturals
How to choose
A person should consider the following factors before buying a CBD oil:
Hemp source: People may wish to consider where a company sources its hemp. Some manufacturers grow theirs in the United States, while others grow it in other countries. A person can look for manufacturers that use sustainable and responsible farming processes.
THC content: Federally, hemp products with less than 0.3% THC are legal. However, the substance may still show up on blood tests. A person should always check the THC content of their chosen CBD product before making a purchase and choose 0% THC products if they wish.
Dose: A person should consider the dose they will get per serving. Lower doses are more suitable for people who have not tried CBD products before, as CBD can affect everyone differently. A person should avoid products that do not suggest a dosage and do not disclose the amount of CBD a person will get per serving.
Unsupported medical claims: There is only one FDA-approved CBD drug, which doctors prescribe for certain seizures. A person should not use products that claim to treat or cure conditions such as cancer, mental health conditions, diabetes, or Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, CBD products should not replace the care of healthcare professionals.
FDA-approved
cancer
mental health
diabetes
Alzheimer’s disease
COA: Many brands publish a certificate of analysis (COA) for their products online. These documents detail the results of third-party lab testing. If a person cannot find a company’s COAs online, they should contact the brand for more information before making a purchase.
Risks and side effects
CBD can cause side effects. The most common side effects that studies show include:
side effects
fatigue
fatigue
changes to appetite and weight
diarrhea
diarrhea
It is also important for a person to know whether or not they are taking any medications that come with a “grapefruit warning.”
This is because CBD can interact with the same enzyme as grapefruit, which research indicates can affect certain medications.
grapefruit
affect
According to the FDA, the types of drugs that grapefruit — and therefore CBD — may affect include those for:
include those for
cholesterol
cholesterol
high blood pressure
blood pressure
organ transplant rejection
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease
heart rhythm irregularities
anxiety
anxiety
Frequently asked questions about CBD for elderly people
Below, we answer some common questions about CBD for older adults.
Various studies indicate that CBD may have some pain relief benefits for different ailments, including managing symptoms of age-related conditions, such as arthritis.
studies
managing symptoms
Learn more about using CBD products for pain management.
Learn more about using CBD products for pain management.
People should not use CBD as a replacement for medical treatment, such as prescription drugs or physical therapy.
physical therapy
An individual should also consult a doctor before using CBD to treat a health condition or symptom.
Research into the potential health benefits and uses of CBD is ongoing. No study has shown that CBD cures any condition or symptom. While CBD is safe to use as a complementary therapy, it should not replace prescribed treatments.
People should start using CBD products at a low dose and gradually build up until they get the desired effect. Some brands offer doses as low as 16 mg per serving, which typically contains 1 mL of CBD. However, individuals may wish to halve their initial dose until they know they tolerate CBD products well.
Users should follow manufacturer instructions carefully and adhere to any dosage and serving advice to ensure they are getting a safe amount of CBD.
If a person experiences side effects or adverse reactions, they should stop using CBD immediately and speak with a doctor.
There is very limited research on whether CBD is good for older people.
However, CBD may help with pain due to arthritis, which is more common in older populations.
may help
common
It is possible that CBD oil interacts with blood pressure medications. A 2020 study points out that CBD intake reduced blood pressure at rest in male participants for 7 days. However, after this period, this effect stopped, and blood pressure only remained lowered during periods of activity.
2020 study
More research is necessary on this topic to ensure that CBD is safe to take for people who take blood pressure medication.
As such, it is best to speak to a doctor before taking CBD oil together with any medications.
Summary
Some evidence suggests that CBD can help with conditions such as pain, arthritis, inflammation, and sleep disorders. Some of these conditions are more prevalent among older populations. For older adults who experience a condition such as this, CBD may help.
However, it is important to carry out research into any product an individual is considering trying. People should seek guidance from a doctor before starting to use CBD. They should also avoid taking CBD alongside any medication with a “grapefruit warning.”