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According to some surveys, senior citizens may be the age demographic that has a higher risk for developing an addiction to prescription drugs. This is because at least 30% of people belonging to this group take at least 5 different prescription drugs. But you must know that there are a wide variety of alternative medicines. For example, cannabidiol (CBD) derived from the hemp plant can be good for relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Some healthcare experts consider it a safer option than opioid painkillers. Read on to know whether CBD is safer than prescription drugs for seniors.

CBD Is Not Addictive

Cannabidiol (CBD) derived from the hemp plant is non-psychotropic, and it has many potential therapeutic effects. It can be used in different ways, i.e., ingest orally, inhale it, or apply it topically.

CBD does not pose the risk of developing an addiction to long-term usage. This is the major reason that many health care experts consider it safe. You must know that long-term usage of prescription drugs like opioid painkillers can develop an addiction.

CBD Uses

CBD may be useful for providing relief from certain ailments like cardiovascular diseases, glaucoma, epilepsy, arthritis, joint pain, anxiety, and slowing down the progress of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. You must know that cannabinoids like CBD can produce their therapeutic effects because they are like the endogenous cannabinoids produced by our bodies.

Different Methods To Use CBD

One of the main reasons why seniors can use cannabidiol (CBD) is because it can be consumed in different ways with minimal or no side effects.

Listed below are the popular methods for taking CBD:

  • Ingestion: You can consume CBD orally in the form of oils, tinctures, capsules, and edibles. It will take at least 45 to 60 minutes to feel the complete effects because it should pass through the digestive system so that cannabidiol is absorbed into the bloodstream.
  • Smoking: Inhaling vapors of CBD give the quickest effect because it directly enters the bloodstream through the lungs. This is usually done using a vape pen or an inhaler.
  • Topically: When you apply CBD topical products on the skin you get quick localized relief from pain and inflammation. Here, CBD interacts with the receptors of the ECS concentrated on the skin surface to provide CBD health benefits.

Related: Could CBD help to reduce the pain of anxiety? Click here to find out more.

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