CBD for Anxiety & Aging

By Billee Sharp

When we start to notice gray hairs in the mirror we get a visual reminder that time is moving on for us. Aging is inevitable, that we all know, but the natural progression from middle to old age is not something that we spend a lot of time contemplating in our youth. As I approach my sixtieth birthday the reality of the aging process is on my mind!

The aging process that we all live through is often accompanied by fears and anxiety, the possibility or the actuality of declining physical health can lead us to unhappiness and even depression.

Luckily for us in California, we have access to CBD medication that is recognised for its powerful anti-anxiety effect; from full blown panic attacks to generalized anxiety symptoms CBD, taken at the correct dosage will relieve the troubled mind. However, relieving anxiety is just one of the conditions that CBD can address. Here are some of the other ways that CBD can improve our health through the aging process, in effect, making CBD an anti-aging supplement.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is a common issue in aging and can contribute to various age-related diseases such as arthritis and cardiovascular disease, in a recent study CBD was shown to reduce high blood pressure after a single dose.

Antioxidant Properties

CBD acts as an antioxidant, helping to combat oxidative stress that contributes to the aging process. This can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially slowing down signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin. Our skin is our largest organ and has cannabinoid receptors at every level. CBD helps our skin retain moisture and protect us from UV damage while also supporting the skin’s ability to repel environmental toxics.

Neuroprotection

CBD has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, preventing and ameliorating symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies show CBD, CBN, CBC and THCV supporting brain health by promoting neurogenesis and reducing neuroinflammation. Recent studies in THCV are very encouraging for neurological health, Synergy Wellness’ Cleopatra Blend #135 combines CBD, THC and THCV in a 5:3:1 ratio and #220 CBD:CBN in a 3:1 ratio is popular as a neuro supportive supplement and aid to sleeplessness.

Pain Relief

Chronic pain is a common issue among older adults. CBD alleviates pain by activating the endocannabinoid system which plays a substantial role in reducing painful inflammation.While CBD’s role is that of a healer, THC can produce more immediate and pronounced results , as it is truly analgesic and has a long history as a pain reliever. The two together are ideal, especially for those who desire CBD’s tempering effects of the high associated with THC. Synergy offers many blended tincture options and we are happy to advise you based on the personal details that you share with us.

Bone Health

CBD contributes to healthy bones by supporting bone density, which can be beneficial in preventing conditions like osteoporosis. We recommend all our CBD products for bone health , Our raw CBD capsules #653, are a popular choice as a daily CBD supplement.

Skin Health

Cannabis CBD-infused skincare products help in managing skin conditions common in aging, such as irritation, eczema, skin growths, warts and neglected feet & nails. Its anti-inflammatory, anti microbial and moisturizing properties make it useful for maintaining healthy skin, reducing swelling and promoting healing. Synergy 1:1 CBD:THC Salve is a go-to remedy for skin conditions including sun damage and equally useful for pain relief from muscle and joint pain.

Improvement in Sleep

Insomnia is a common complaint in older people, anxiety can also disrupt healthy sleeping patterns. CBD helps improve sleep quality by addressing the underlying anxiety and promoting relaxation, leading to better overall rest. CBD/CBN combination have a great anecdotal reputation for dispelling sleeplessness (#220). For those with pain related sleep issues or who need more sedation verses relaxation, the addition of THC to CBD or alone can provide an answer to chronic insomnia (#210, 4:1, Indy Moon, & full strength Indica’s)

Non-Addictive Alternative

Unlike some traditional anxiety medications, CBD is non-addictive and has a proven safety profile. This makes it an appealing alternative for individuals seeking relief from anxiety without the risk of dependency or severe side effects. THC, despite its reputation, is not physically addictive. For some, it is not necessarily inebriating either and, if it is, it can always be balanced out with proper dosage or by combining with CBD.

Benefits of Broad Spectrum Cannabis CBD

CBD is not the only cannabinoid that has a direct link to helping the aging body. Research from the Salk Institute in San Diego found that CBN has neuroprotective qualities and was able to reverse damage to neural cells. CBC plays an important role in regulating neural stem cells for brain health and THCV is indicated in treating neurodegenerative conditions. THC, though not affiliated with longevity, is a healthy alternative to opioid pain medications ( no constipation, non addictive and does not require a formal prescription).Using a broad spectrum Cannabis CBD product gives the synergistic advantage of all the cannabinoids present in the plant, think of it as a cannabinoid multi-vitamin!

When our Endocannabinoidal System (ECS) is fully functioning the body is feeding back crucial information that it needs to self-correct! When the mind and the body are at ease and out of pain and sleeping properly, healing and healthy aging are far likelier. As the body ages the benefits of cannabinoid therapy can’t be underestimated. Living in a healthy body is the ultimate goal and by maintaining a healthy ECS and addressing the challenges of aging in the healthiest ways we can find, we give ourselves the best chance to stay strong and active and able to enjoy life to fullest!

We have found that the Valentine X strain is particularly helpful for anxiety and is noted for mental acuity. Similarly Synergy 4:1 CBD:THC Sativa works well for improving mood and energizing mind and body!

Accordingly we’re running 25% l price reductions on both #110 Valentine X tincture and #116 4:1 Sativa tinctures through the end of July, 2024.

Sources:

1. Philpott, H.T., O'Brien, M., & McDougall, J.J. (2017). Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis. Pain, 158(12), 2442-2451.

2. Burstein, S. (2015). Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 23(7), 1377-1385.

3. Hampson, A.J., Grimaldi, M., Lolic, M., Wink, D., Rosenthal, R., & Axelrod, J. (1998). Neuroprotective antioxidants from marijuana. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 854, 734-740.

4. Fernández-Ruiz, J., Sagredo, O., Pazos, M.R., García, C., Pertwee, R., Mechoulam, R., & Martínez-Orgado, J. (2013). Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders: important new clinical applications for this phytocannabinoid? British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 75(2), 323-333.

5. Vuckovic, S., Srebro, D., Vujovic, K.S., Vucetic, C., & Prostran, M. (2018). Cannabinoids and pain: new insights from old molecules. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, 1259.

6. Kogan, N.M., & Mechoulam, R. (2007). Cannabinoids in health and disease. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 9(4), 413-430.