With the growing number of countries that have embraced legislation legalising the use of cannabis, it is becoming increasingly important to marijuanaBoth medically and recreationally, new products are being created that are specifically tailored to the older population. One such product, which comes in many forms, is Cannabidiol or CBD. CBD, which can be delivered in multiple forms, such as oil vapour, topical cream, edible or ingestible tinctures, is the non-psychoactive part found in marijuana. In simple terms, the CBD provides all the benefits of marijuana without getting the user high. The positive effects of CBD use can be especially welcoming for the elderly.

Many older people are unaware of how medical cannabis can improve their quality of life and how the stereotype of marijuana use and consumption has changed. Given that the CBD is extracted from the marijuana plant, the mayores can take advantage of the medical benefits the extract offers without the head or body high that is often associated with marijuana. In addition, older people have the option of delivering CBD to their bodies in more familiar forms, rather than inhaling smoke. CBD is an oil extract and can therefore be added to things like topical gels, CBD oils and edibles.

In many cases, these cannabis derivatives can reduce or even replace the use of harmful and addictive prescription drugs. Although this information is only now making its way into the mainstream, the natural consequence is that older people are putting aside their prejudices, facing reality and turning to cannabis for treatment of their minor and major age-related illnesses.

Here are 8 reasons why CBD should become a regular part of every senior's health routine as they age.

1. Pain relief

It has long been known that cannabis is a analgesic to the same extent as prescription drugs, perhaps even better. For example, clinical studies have shown marijuana to be very effective in reducing arthritis and nerve pain. Handmade, medical and boutique-style creams are effective cures for various muscle and joint pains.

2. Bone health

CBD oil could provide a great need for older people when it comes to brittle bones. According to a study, CBD consumption can help heal fractures and promote bone health. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cannabis can be very useful for patients with multiple sclerosis.

3. Calming effects

Although CBD is known for its calming effects on older users, it promotes a feeling of energy and acts against inertia. This is because CBD strengthens the cells of the human body and contributes to their complete regeneration.

In addition, CBD is an antioxidant that promotes a sense of alertness that can be altered by the presence of free radicals. One study shows that cannabidiol has stronger antioxidant properties than vitamin C and vitamin E.

4. Fights glaucoma

A growing body of research supports a link between CBD and the treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma, which is a neurodegenerative disease (the breakdown of neurons in the brain's communication process with the body), affects people's eyesight through increased pressure in the eye known as intraocular pressure (IOP). For decades, there has been evidence that cannabinoids can reduce intraocular pressure by up to 25%; however, the required dose of inhaled cannabis with full THC has posed a risk to some patients. However, due to the symptoms that accompany glaucoma, CBD as a pain management product works well, and may have the added benefit of helping to reduce pressure.

5. Insomnia and sleep problems

The older we get, the more difficult it is to achieve sustained periods of deep sleep. During deep sleep phases, our brains regenerate and are freed from toxic substances produced by the body itself. Therefore, the quality of sleep is also of immense importance in preventing age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or glaucoma. Older people are often prescribed sleeping pills, which have a high dependency potential and a wide range of unpleasant side effects. CBD can help in prolonging the deep sleep phase and reducing the lighter sleep phases.

6. Alternative to prescription drugs

The number of elderly people using prescription drugs on a daily basis is growing unnecessarily and continuously every year. Pharmaceutical companies present our government with one of the largest lobbies in the country to promote the efficacy and stability that their products provide. However, prescription drugs can be extremely dangerous to their users, and can be responsible for organ and tissue damage, drug addiction and even death.

7. Stimulates appetite

A widespread and dangerous health hazard for senior citizens is loss of appetite, leading to weight loss, tissue weakness and mental problems. While marijuana has been extensively researched, and has been shown to improve the appetite of users, CBD has also been shown to be a good appetite stimulant and therefore useful for older people.

8. Alzheimer's and dementia

An emerging trend being investigated is whether marijuana could prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease. According to multiple studies, cannabinoids, and by extension CBD, may contribute to the elimination of a toxic protein linked to Alzheimer's disease.