CBD Oil Offers Relief for Pain and Stress for Some Seniors, but It’s Not Yet Mainstream

Pain is one of the most persistent and disabling issues older adults face. According to the CDC, nearly half of adults over 65 report regular pain, often from arthritis, neuropathy, or musculoskeletal conditions. As pain worsens, it interferes with walking, sleep, mood, and everyday tasks like dressing or preparing meals.

Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk, a geriatrician with ElderConsult Geriatric Medicine, emphasizes that unmanaged chronic pain significantly dims independence in older adults—physically and emotionally—and is a primary factor in families seeking long-term care placement.

Experts say that when chronic pain isn’t managed, you begin to lose independence—physically and emotionally. It’s one of the top reasons families consider placing a loved one in a long-term care facility like assisted living.

Older adults often hesitate to use prescription pain medications due to side effects like drowsiness, constipation, or increased fall risk. That’s one reason interest in alternatives like CBD oil has surged in recent years.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound found in hemp, a cousin of the marijuana plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a "high." Instead, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain, sleep, appetite, and stress responses.

CBD drug effects are different from THC and do not seem to produce intoxicating effects where performance or cognition is impaired. — Ryan Vandrey, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Under federal law, CBD products derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC are legal in the U.S. as of 2025, though state laws can vary. Most over-the-counter products are sold as supplements and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration for safety or effectiveness.

Why Seniors Are Exploring CBD

A 2020 Consumer Reports survey found CBD use among people 65 and older rose to 20%, up from 14% the year prior. The main reasons cited include pain relief, improved sleep, and reduced anxiety—three issues that often accompany aging.

Living With Pain: A Common Threat to Independence

Living with chronic pain is more than a physical burden—it’s a major threat to independence for older adults. Persistent pain from arthritis, neuropathy, or past injuries can make everyday tasks like walking, dressing, or sleeping difficult. Over time, this discomfort often leads to reduced mobility, social withdrawal, and emotional distress. Without proper pain management, many older adults face a faster path toward needing long-term care or assisted living.

Without Long-Term Care Insurance the extended care required because of pain and lack of mobility can be very costly.

CBD may help manage chronic pain and reduce inflammation. A study in the European Journal of Pain found that topical CBD reduced joint swelling and discomfort in animal models. While human studies are still limited, anecdotal reports from older adults suggest similar benefits for conditions like arthritis or back pain.

Sleep Problems

Sleep difficulties are common with age, especially when pain or stress is involved. Some studies suggest CBD may help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal found that 66% of participants reported improved sleep after a month of using CBD.

Anxiety and Mood

The Journal of Psychopharmacology has reported that CBD may reduce symptoms of social anxiety and stress-related conditions. While most studies have focused on younger adults, the results are encouraging.

Some seniors say they feel calmer and more emotionally balanced after starting CBD. However, a Cleveland Clinic expert says this doesn't seem to be true.

CBD probably doesn’t help curb anxiety the way advertisements or anecdotal evidence claim. The science isn’t there yet. — Cleveland Clinic psychiatrist David Streem, MD.

Choosing the Right CBD Format

CBD is available in several forms: tinctures, capsules, edibles, creams, lotions, and transdermal patches. The best option depends on the person’s symptoms, comfort level, and overall health.

Tinctures for Flexibility

CBD oil tincture are taken sublingually—under the tongue—and absorbed into the bloodstream. This method allows for faster effects than edibles or capsules and makes it easier to adjust dosing.

Some seniors choose tinctures formulated with:

• Melatonin for sleep support
• Turmeric for inflammation
• L-theanine or chamomile to promote calm

Topicals for Targeted Relief

CBD creams or lotions, especially those with lidocaine, can provide localized relief for arthritis or joint pain without entering the bloodstream.

Capsules and Gummies for Convenience

These offer consistent dosing and may be easier for those who prefer to avoid the taste or complexity of tinctures. However, the effects may take longer to set in.

Transdermal Patches for Steady Absorption

Patches deliver CBD over several hours and may be ideal for people needing consistent relief, though they tend to cost more.

What About Side Effects and Safety?

While CBD is generally considered safe, it’s not without risks.

Possible side effects include:

• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Stomach upset or diarrhea
• Changes in appetite
• Altered liver enzyme levels (especially concerning if you’re on certain medications)

CBD can affect how the body metabolizes many common medications, including:

• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
• Heart medications
• Seizure or psychiatric drugs

Because of these risks, always consult a healthcare provider before using CBD, especially if you take multiple prescriptions. Seniors are often advised to start with 5 to 10 milligrams per day and increase only if needed—and only under supervision.

The Role of Product Quality

CBD products are not regulated like prescription drugs, so it’s essential to choose wisely. Look for:

• Third-party lab test results confirming CBD levels and lack of contaminants
• Clear labeling of THC content
• Company transparency about sourcing and manufacturing practices

Avoid products that promise to “cure” serious diseases or that don’t provide lab test data.

Could CBD Help Delay the Need for Long-Term Care?

Pain, anxiety, and poor sleep are leading contributors to frailty and loss of independence among older adults. While CBD is not a cure or a substitute for medical care, some experts believe it may have a role in helping seniors remain active and engaged longer.

If using CBD means you or a loved one moves more, sleeps better, or avoids another prescription drug, that’s meaningful. It may reduce the cascade of decline we often see with unmanaged pain in older adults.

Still, most geriatricians stress that CBD should be viewed as part of a broader care strategy, not a stand-alone solution.

CBD in Long-Term Care Facilities

Long-term care facilities in both the United States and Canada are increasingly exploring CBD oil for residents suffering from chronic pain and other issues; however, its use remains limited, inconsistent, and heavily regulated depending on the jurisdiction, facility policies, and clinical oversight.

In the United States

CBD oil is used in some long-term care settings, but with key restrictions:

Where It’s Allowed

• Privately owned facilities may allow residents to self-administer hemp-derived CBD (≤0.3% THC) if the family provides it.
• Hospice programs are more likely to permit CBD or even medical cannabis in states where it’s legal.
• Some assisted living communities in states like California, Oregon, Colorado, and Florida report staff informally accommodating residents who use CBD for arthritis or neuropathy.

Barriers to Widespread Use

• Federal prohibition: Long-term care facilities receiving Medicare/Medicaid funding often ban CBD to avoid violating federal law, especially if staff are involved in administering it.
• Lack of FDA regulation: The absence of approved dosages, safety standards, and therapeutic claims creates liability risks.
• Staff training: Nurses may be unsure how to monitor or document CBD use.
• Policy gaps: Most facilities don’t have formal policies and often defer to the resident’s doctor or family.

Some of our residents have family members bring CBD products, and if the doctor approves and it's self-administered, we allow it. But it's not part of the care plan. — Assisted Living Administrator, Florida, speaking to LTC News on the condition of anonymity.

In Canada

CBD use in long-term care settings is more structured—but still not mainstream.

Where It’s Being Tried

• Medical cannabis, including CBD, has been legal nationally since 2001 (broader legalization came in 2018).
• Some long-term care homes in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta allow CBD or cannabis oil use as part of a medical authorization, under guidance from a physician or nurse practitioner.
• Formal clinical trials have studied CBD for dementia-related agitation and chronic pain in Canadian long-term care residents (UHN Toronto, 2021).

Barriers

• Lack of physician authorization: Even though legal, few doctors in LTC prescribe it consistently.
• Administrative caution: Many facilities fear liability, medication interactions, or regulatory red tape.
• Nursing concerns: Staff may be unsure how to manage dosage, monitor effects, or integrate it into existing treatments.

Final Thoughts

CBD oil may offer real benefits for some older adults—especially those looking to manage chronic pain, stress, or sleep problems. However, it’s not for everyone, and it comes with risks. Careful selection, medical guidance, and ongoing monitoring are key to safe and effective use.

If you're considering CBD, talk with your doctor, start low, and use only trusted, lab-tested products. Done responsibly, CBD may help support quality of life and independence—two things that become more important with age.

Resources

• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – CBD Overview
• American Geriatrics Society Clinical Guidelines
• Mayo Clinic on CBD Products and Interactions
• LTC News Caregiver Directory

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before beginning any supplement or treatment, especially if you have chronic health conditions or take prescription medications.