If you landed here, you may have made the decision to join the growing number of seniors turning to CBD. Welcome to the club! Whether you are seeking pain management, stress relief, sleep improvement, weight loss, or aid for another health ailment, cannabidiol is thought to have therapeutic properties offering a variety of benefits that could suit you.
But now the truly tricky questions come in: how to take your CBD most effectively? With all the options available today, from gummies to oils to topicals and more, how do you choose which method is best for you?
If you are stumped by the amount of CBD options available, you are far from alone. Each method of CBD consumption (or application) delivers cannabidiol’s therapeutic properties in a different way. Choosing how you consume may be determined by the issue you are looking to treat. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to CBD, so CBD Seniors compiled a quick and comprehensive guide to help you determine how to consume your CBD most effectively for whatever it is you may be seeking to treat.
What Is Cannabidiol?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one of many naturally occurring compounds in hemp and cannabis sativa plants. CBD is extracted from the cannabis and hemp plant’s flowers, stems, and seeds; which can then be isolated, combined, or crafted into a variety of CBD products.
CBD works directly with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. By interacting with receptors responsible for regulating many bodily functions – like appetite, pain, mood, sleep cycles and more – CBD can have a positive effect on serotonin levels in the body, while concurrently blocking receptors responsible for pain transmission and decreasing inflammation. CBD works with the body by entering the bloodstream and similarly the endocannabinoid system to deliver its therapeutic properties. Some forms of CBD may be more effective for you, depending on your goals. Let’s take a look:
Popular Forms of CBD: What’s Best For You?
CBD Topicals – CBD topicals are an effective method of delivering targeted relief. Topicals are applied directly to the skin, allowing for specific areas and ailments to be focused on. CBD topicals are most commonly used for pain relief and inflammation regulation. CBD topicals come in a variety of forms, from creams to salves to balms. When it comes to CBD topicals, the milligram amount of active CBD has an impact on its effectiveness. The higher the milligrams, the more effective. CBD topicals can be used by just about anyone, from athletes aiding a recovery routine to seniors citizens like you suffering from arthritis, chronic pain, or joint stiffness. When applying a CBD topical, simply rub it into the affected area like any other topical is applied, repeating as necessary.
Related: Are you suffering from arthritic pain? Click here to see how CBD could help. Are you prone to chronic pain or achy joints? Click here for a comprehensive guide on how CBD could help.
CBD Oil & Tincture – CBD oil is one of the most popular and reliable methods of consumption. Taking CBD sublingually allows it to enter the bloodstream quickly, delivering relief fast. CBD tinctures and oils can be consumed by placing a dropper full of oil beneath the tongue, allowing it to “absorb” for a minute before swallowing. CBD oils and tinctures are an effective method of delivery for CBD, with a variety of benefits. Consuming CBD orally can aid in pain relief, stress management, insomnia, etc. by quickly delivering cannabidiol’s therapeutic properties to interact with the ECS (endocannabinoids system). CBD oils and tinctures can typically be dosed simply by using the dropper bottle, and more can be consumed as necessary.
CBD Edibles and Gummies – When it comes to CBD edibles, there are countless options available. One of the most popular being CBD gummies. CBD edibles deliver the active ingredients somewhat indirectly to the bloodstream. The CBD edible must be broken down by the body to absorb the therapeutic properties, meaning edibles may not deliver immediate relief. CBD edibles are ideal for those who are concerned with the “hempy” taste that can sometimes accompany oils and tinctures. CBD edibles come in a multitude of forms, from CBD gummies to drinks to oral strips and more, a great option for anyone new to the world of CBD.
CBD Capsules –Another popular method of CBD consumption is CBD capsules. By using a CBD capsule, the consumption is just as easy as taking your daily vitamin. Soft-gel capsules are a popular option, broken down by the body’s digestive system quickly and enter the bloodstream rapidly. CBD capsules can be a simple way to deliver a specific dose and are a subtle and discrete method of consumption. Taking a CBD capsule can be useful for stress management, pain relief, sleep cycles, and more. A CBD capsule is also an ideal choice for anyone who doesn’t like the flavor of a CBD edible or the “hempy” aftertaste of some CBD oils.
CBD Smokables & Vaporizers –For those who are new to CBD, there is always the question of THC being involved, especially when it comes to anything inhaled. Most are used to smokable or vaporized products containing THC, but that isn’t necessarily the case when it comes to CBD. Though both THC and CBD interact with the ECS, the interaction of CBD specifically with the CB1 receptors is the opposite of that of THC. CBD can deliver a non-intoxicating relief while THC produces the “high” feelings commonly associated with cannabis. CBD can come in the form of a hemp strain, a pre-rolled joint, or a vape pen. Smoking or inhaling CBD can be an effective method of delivery because the body can absorb it rapidly. When CBD is smoked or vaped, active cannabinoids are sent to the lungs directly and are in turn absorbed by the bloodstream quickly. Smoking and vaping CBD is still fairly new, so there is more scientific research needed to solidify health benefits versus potential side effects.
CBD For Pets – CBD is great for not only senior citizens but also their pets. From CBD oils for pets to CBD treats, this natural compound can aid aging animals in very similar ways as it may their owners. CBD for your aging animal could help alleviate anxiety or stress from their life, which can help with appetite or sleep, as well as aiding in pain and inflammation. We all want to give our furry friends the best in life, and adding CBD to their daily routine could be the missing link.
Choosing Wisely
When it comes to finding the best CBD product for you, the first thing to consider is what you are trying to treat. Different methods of consumption and or application can be more effective for different issues. If pain management is your goal, a topical may be your best bet. If you are looking for sleep improvement, a fast-acting CBD oil could be your ideal choice.
The next most important factor to consider is the quality of your CBD product. Not all CBD is created equal. It’s important to find high-quality CBD products that are verified by independent lab test results. CBD is still in the early stages of research, meaning a reliable source is a key to its effectiveness.
Turn to companies like Blue Ribbon Hemp, who have quality products crafted with senior citizens in mind. Blue Ribbon Hemp was created in-part by Dr. Igor Bussel, delivering high-quality and completely THC-free CBD products. When it comes to a reliable source for CBD, trusting companies that are fully transparent and crafted with care is the best way to find an effective CBD product regardless of your consumption method choice. To check out all of Blue Ribbon Hemp’s products, click here.
