CBD for the over 50s is a growing trend - what do you need to know?

Collaborative Post | As the UK's population of over 50s is steadily growing, more people are seeking out natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals to treat age related health issues. Although further clinical studies are needed, Cannabidiol - or CBD - has proven one of the more popular supplements of recent years. Both scientific study on its effects and mass market adoption are on the rise. 

So, what do you need to know if you're considering exploring CBD for your age-related condition? This article will discuss what CBD is and the science behind its possible therapeutic affects, the current state of the laws and UK market, and how you can make the right choice with a lot of options available. 

Source: Bazoom

What is CBD and why is it good for you?

CBD is one of the active ingredients in the cannabis or marijuana plant. Which is one of the planet's most widely consumed recreational and (more recently) medical drugs. However, unlike its cannabinoid cousin THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. Meaning people taking it don't feel a high. 

For more information, there are many great guides to CBD oil available online. They will cover all of the science, potential uses and routes of administration in more detail than this article.
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In summary, the research suggests isolated CBD may be useful for treating a range of conditions. Many of which are common ailments for older Brits. 

Just some of the conditions research has shown CBD has promise as a treatment for include:
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• Severe forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
• Parkinson's disease symptoms including tremors and hallucinations
• Some kinds of chronic pain including neuropathy (nerve pain)
• Topical application for treating arthritis and other joint inflammatory conditions
• Anxiety and insomnia 

However, research varies. Their are some conditions you may hear CBD is good for, that it has not been proven to be. In fact, for some kinds of pain relief CBD has been shown by studies to be no better than a placebo. But in others it has conclusively looked useful. So, its up to you to read into it before making an informed choice. ​

CBD in the UK - laws and options explained

Before CBD containing products are sold in the UK, they must be certified by the Food Standards Agency and its Certificate of Analysis programme. 
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The exceptions are CBD-containing hemp, and cannabis flowers that look the same as a normal cannabis plant but are bred to contain no THC. These can be legally sold anywhere - but cannot contain more than 1mg of illegal psychoactive THC, alongside the legal CBD.

Licensed CBD-containing products on the market in the UK today include: 
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• Oils and tinctures, taken under the tongue
• Capsules and edibles
• Topical creams, ointments and balms
• Shower gels and bath bombs
• Drinks including teas and soft drinks 

To find the very best products available, consider consulting online CBD Oil reviews. Getting advice from people who have successfully used CBD oils in the past is paramount. To this end you'll find helpful databases of product reviews online that will steer you in the right direction. ​

Expert advice is crucial for safety and quality

Once you've found a CBD product, whether you're considering using it for arthritic joint pain or other mobility issues, or its potentially anti insomnia effects, there are a few final key things to consider.

Firstly, it may be a good idea to consult your GP or get other professional medical advice before beginning taking CBD. Especially if you are taking other medications, in which case it becomes very important. 

For example, CBD has been shown - in some people - to inhibit certain enzymes in the liver over long term use. This could lead to complications or interactions with other common medicines, especially blood thinners like paracetamol. ​

Making the right choice is paramount

The UK market is very busy at the moment, and there is a quite frankly bewildering array of bits and bobs available all promising they contain CBD. 

However, it is important only use recommended products. FSA research in 2024 showed that only 57 out of 100 tested CBD claiming products contained exactly or very near the level of CBD as claimed on the packed.

That means 43% of products contained less CBD than advertized, and some had almost no CBD at all. 

Using trusted brands that you have researched into yourself, as well as reading the opinions of others, will help you avoid disingenuous products. 

While very unlikely to be dangerous, who wants to pay for a product that doesn't deliver? Careful consideration of your choices, and not just picking up any CBD chocolate bar at the petrol station, is important.

Because, if used properly, CBD's potential therapeutic effects on a variety of conditions are increasingly well documented. And it is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Could you be among the next older Brits to give it a try? 


Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post.