Are CBD Gummies Safe for the Elderly? A Comprehensive Look

As we age, our joints become achey, it can be more difficult to fall asleep, inflammation can increase and cardiovascular health may wane. As such, it’s critical to visit regularly with your healthcare provider to discuss potential solutions.

Some people may benefit from CBD — more specifically, CBD gummies, which are convenient to carry with you and generally easy to dose. That said, are CBD gummies safe for elderly people?

While more research is needed, CBD is considered to be generally safe and beneficial for the elderly. Find out how and why below.

How Does CBD Work?

Whether you’re six or sixty, CBD interacts with the body in the same way. The cannabinoid, derived from hemp plants, mimics naturally occurring endocannabinoids in the body. These endocannabinoids — anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG) — function within a larger system, called the endocannabinoid system.

This network of chemical signaling spans across the entirety of the central and peripheral nervous systems, playing a critical role in nearly every bodily function. The endocannabinoids, specifically, attach to two types of endocannabinoid receptors:

CB1– Found primarily within the central nervous system (brain and spine), these receptors help to regulate functions associated with cognition, memory, sleep, coordination, appetite, emotions and physical feeling.
CB2– Found within the peripheral nervous system, peripheral tissues (spleen, tonsils and gut) and immune cells, these receptors modulate immune responses, inflammation and physical sensations.

Once the endocannabinoids have bound to the receptors and initiated a certain function, enzymes within the system then break down the endocannabinoids.

While research is ongoing, studies do suggest that cannabinoids, like CBD, may function similarly to endocannabinoids. While it isn’t certain that they bind to the cannabinoid receptors, it is believed that they do interact with them in a similar way, triggering functions that help to maintain homeostasis. The involved processes include:

Appetite and digestion
Metabolism
Physical discomfort
Immune responses
Mood and stress responses
Learning and memory
Motor control
Sleep
Cardiovascular function
Bone remodeling and growth
Liver function
Skin and nerve function

Safety of CBD for the Elderly

CBD use is generally considered to be safe for all ages, particularly compared to opioids and other analgesic agents used for stiffness and/or pain management.. Unlike THC, another cannabinoid derived from the hemp and marijuana plants, CBD does not alter the brain or create psychoactive effects, either.

Taking CBD may benefit the elderly by helping to:

Relievejoint pain and stiffness from working out – As we age, joint stiffness can become a common issue, making simple movements more difficult and uncomfortable. CBD use has shown promise in alleviating joint stiffness by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating perceptions of soreness, as well as inflammation. By reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, CBD may help ease joint pain and stiffness, allowing the elderly to move more freely and comfortably.
Reduce muscle spasms– Muscle spasms can be particularly bothersome for the elderly, affecting mobility and causing discomfort. CBD has been studied for its muscle-relaxing properties, which may help reduce the frequency and intensity of muscle spasms. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD can help regulate muscle contractions, leading to decreased spasms and improved overall comfort.
Reduce inflammation – Inflammation is often associated with various age-related conditions. However, CBD possesses properties that can help mitigate inflammation throughout the body. By reducing inflammation, CBD may provide pain relief and decreased stiffness, allowing the elderly to maintain better mobility and quality of life.
Improve sleep – Many elderly individuals struggle with sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. CBD has been shown to have calming effects on the central nervous system, which can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. By reducing nervousness and promoting a sense of calm, CBD may help elderly individuals achieve more restful and rejuvenating sleep.
Improve memory– Cognitive decline and memory impairment are common concerns among the elderly population. CBD has demonstrated neuroprotective properties, which may help preserve cognitive function and improve memory retention. By protecting brain cells from damage and promoting neurogenesis, CBD could potentially slow down age-related cognitive decline and enhance memory recall in the elderly.
Reduce the growth of harmful cells – Aging is often accompanied by an increased risk of developing certain health conditions. Fortunately, CBD has shown promise in inhibiting the growth and spread of harmful cells. By modulating cellular pathways and promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death), CBD may help prevent the progression of age-related diseases, thus promoting overall health and longevity in the elderly.
Skin health - In addition to its wellness benefits, CBD's properties also extend to dermatological health, making CBD benefits for skin another area of interest for those looking to support skin vitality and reduce inflammation.

That said, there are a few considerations that older adults should take into account before adding a CBD gummy to their daily diets — especially since CBD products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Dosage

Generally, it’s advised to start with a low dosage and build your way up as you learn how your body reacts to CBD. Fortunately, most CBD gummies are pre-dosed, making it easy to ration.

Factors to consider when determining your starting CBD gummy dose include:

Body weight – CBD dosage often correlates with body size because larger individuals may require higher doses to experience the same effects as smaller individuals. As a result, it's important to start with a dose that aligns with your body weight to achieve optimal results without overwhelming or underwhelming your system.
Health status – Factors such as existing medical conditions, medications you may be taking and any ongoing treatments can influence how your body responds to CBD.
Individual body chemistry – Each person's body chemistry is unique, meaning that CBD may affect individuals differently based on factors such as metabolism, tolerance levels and genetic predispositions. Some individuals may be more sensitive to CBD and require lower doses to achieve desired effects, while others may need higher doses to experience the same potential benefits

That said, it’s recommended to start with 20 to 40 milligrams and then increase by 5 milligrams each day.

In addition to dosage, timing for CBD consumption can also be crucial. Understanding the best time of day to take CBD oil or gummies can maximize their benefits, especially for sleep or daytime energy levels.

Potential Interactions

It’s common for older patients to use prescription medications. However, these medications may affect how your body interacts with CBD. To ensure your safety, discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider to confirm that CBD is the right choice for your body and overall health.

For example, taking CBD with over-the-counter and prescription medications that cause sleepiness (opioids, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants and/or antihistamines) may lead to fatigue and possibly accidental falls.

Quality

Since the FDA does not regulate the safety, effectiveness or quality of CBD products, it’s up to consumers to research every product before adding it to their cart. Legally, all CBD products must contain no more than 0.3% THC — if a CBD product contains more, it’s likely unreliable and should be avoided.

Further, you can identify several details about a CBD product through its Certificate of Analysis. These include:

CBD content
Cannabinoid content
Terpene profile
Purity
Potency

A Certificate of Analysis also confirms that the product has undergone third-party testing to validate the authenticity of its label and ingredients list and confirm that it’s free from toxins and contaminants.

Health Status

If someone has a medical condition that may deter their ability to consume CBD gummies, they may benefit from adding CBD topicals or a CBD oil, rather than an edible, to their diet to minimize the risk of any adverse effects.

For example, individuals with cognitive impairment may find it difficult to understand how to chew and swallow gummies properly. Dental issues, such as missing teeth, ill-fitting dentures and tooth aches, may also make chewing gummies more difficult. Others may experience difficulty swallowing, and gummies may put them at risk of choking.

Risks

While CBD is generally safe, some people may react negatively to it. As you add it to your diet, watch out for potential adverse effects, such as:

Dry mouth
Diarrhea
Tiredness
Fatigue
Reduced appetite

Zebra CBD: CBD Gummies You Can Trust

For older adults, it can be difficult to find an overall wellness solution that’s just right. For those looking for a natural supplement, however, CBD may be the answer. It mimics naturally occurring compounds within the body to help you feel better, longer.

Each of Zebra CBD’s soft-chew gummies contains 25 milligrams of CBD in four delicious flavors. Our classic CBD gummies for sale feature a citrus-y taste, as well as natural health-supporting ingredients like turmeric, beet, spirulina and pectin.

We’re also committed to making CBD gummies for everybody and every need. For instance, our Sleep Support + CBN Gummies are crafted with melatonin to support quality sleep in a natural lime flavor that’s void of the earthy essence of hemp. For those seeking mind-body relaxation, we have the Mood + Calm CBD Gummies, made with black raspberry lemonade flavoring, L-theanine and lemon balm. Finally, our Joint + Muscle CBD Gummies help to get you back on your feet with a combination of turmeric, astaxanthin, vitamin D3 and pectin, plus a fruit punch flavor.

At Zebra CBD, we also ensure that all of our CBD products are rigorously tested for purity and potency, providing aging adults with a trustworthy and effective CBD option to support their overall wellness journey. With Zebra CBD gummies, you can enjoy the convenience of a tasty and discreet CBD supplement tailored to your specific needs.

Discover the difference that buying quality CBD online can make in your life with Zebra CBD's premium gummies.

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