According to the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR) at the NYU School of Global Public Health, cannabis use among older adults has reached an all-time high, with more than 7% of adults aged 65 and older reporting past-month use in 2025.  Seniors are exploring these products for several reasons, including wider legal availability, reduced stigma, and interest in plant-based approaches that may support pain relief, sleep, mobility, stress management, and overall vitality. 

Older adults often face multiple chronic health conditions that require ongoing treatment, leading to what is known as polypharmacy. According to MSD Manuals, seniors regularly take at least one prescription medication, and approximately 43% take five or more medications on a regular basis. The number of prescriptions typically increases with age and with the number of chronic conditions, raising the risk of drug interactions, side effects, and reduced quality of life.

For many seniors, the heavy reliance on multiple prescriptions has reduced daily life to the constant ingestion of pills, often without the desired improvement in overall well-being. This routine can feel burdensome and discouraging, leaving older adults with the sense that aging is defined more by managing medications than by enjoying quality of life. In fact, growing old is often viewed by society as a sentence to frequent hospital visits, endless refills, and increasing dependence on pharmaceutical care. Against this backdrop, hemp-derived compounds like CBD and CBDa are emerging as part of a different conversation, one that reframes aging around natural balance, vitality, and holistic wellness rather than a cycle of medications and hospital trips.

What is CBDa (Cannabidiolic acid)?

CBDa, or cannabidiolic acid, is a naturally occurring compound found in raw hemp. It is the biochemical precursor to CBD (cannabidiol). When hemp is heated, during cooking, smoking, or extraction, CBDa undergoes decarboxylation, which converts it into CBD.

Unlike CBD, which is formed after heating, CBDa remains in its raw, unheated form. This distinction matters because CBDa may interact with the body differently than CBD. For seniors, CBDa is especially appealing because it is non-intoxicating, plant-based, and aligns with interest in gentle, natural approaches to wellness. One challenge with CBDa is that it is an unstable compound, meaning it easily breaks down during processing, storage, or exposure to heat. This instability has limited access to CBDa in its natural form. Nesa’s Hemp, however, has developed a unique process that preserves CBDa in its purest state, keeping the hemp plant as close to nature as possible. By avoiding harsh chemicals and heat, this method maintains the plant’s natural structure and safeguards delicate compounds such as raw acidic cannabinoids like CBDa, terpenes, flavonoids and other cannabinoids.

For a long time, CBDA was regarded merely as a precursor compound to CBD, often dismissed and overlooked in scientific discussions due to its high instability. Researchers initially believed that its value lay only in being converted to CBD through heat or processing. However, growing evidence began to shift this view. A 2008 study by Takeda et al. demonstrated CBDA’s selective inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme, revealing potential anti-inflammatory properties that surpassed CBD. Later research, such as Bologni et al. (2012), highlighted CBDA’s ability to reduce nausea and vomiting more effectively than CBD. More recently, studies have suggested that CBDA may interact with serotonin receptors in ways that provide unique therapeutic advantages. These findings have led scientists to recognize that CBDA holds a broader and in some cases more potent therapeutic promise than CBD, changing the trajectory of cannabinoid research and opening new possibilities for senior care. 

What Research Says About CBDa Hemp and Seniors

Over the past decade, scientific research into hemp and its natural compounds has grown significantly, and older adults are often at the center of these studies. Findings suggest that hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBDA and CBD may offer wide-ranging benefits for age-related conditions and overall wellness some of which are discussed below. 

• Neurodegenerative Conditions

Cannabis research in seniors has focused heavily on age-related diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews indicate that cannabinoids may help ease non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and support dementia patients by improving agitation, mood, and daily functioning. Broader evidence mapping in Parkinson’s research shows that while there are consistent signals of benefit in some areas, particularly around mood, sleep, and quality of life, the findings are not uniform across all outcomes. Some studies report improvements, while others show little or no measurable effect, underscoring that cannabinoids may provide targeted relief but are not a cure. 

Additionally, early scientific investigations indicate that both CBD and CBDA exhibit strong antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, which may contribute to protecting neurons from oxidative stress and inflammation. These mechanisms are particularly relevant in aging populations, where such cellular damage plays a key role in cognitive decline. Preliminary findings suggest that these cannabinoids could play a supportive role in maintaining brain health and slowing age-related cognitive impairments.

• Pain, Sleep, and Emotional Wellness

Chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and emotional health challenges are among the most common issues affecting seniors. Research shows that nearly 50% of older adults live with some form of persistent pain, while sleep disorders affect up to 40% of people over 60, often leading to fatigue, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. The National Academies of Sciences has confirmed that cannabis can be an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults, making it especially relevant for seniors who frequently seek alternatives to conventional medications. 

Pain management is one of the most common reasons older adults turn to cannabis and hemp-based therapies. Research highlights this trend clearly. For example, Light et al. (2014) found that 94% of Colorado medical marijuana ID cardholders cited “severe pain” as their qualifying condition. Similarly, Ilgen et al. (2013) reported that 87% of participants sought medical marijuana for pain relief. Beyond preference, evidence suggests cannabis is serving as a substitute for conventional pain medications. A Michigan study reported a 64% reduction in opioid use among pain patients using medical cannabis (Boehnke et al., 2016). Supporting this finding, analyses of Medicare Part D enrollees in states with medical cannabis access revealed a significant reduction in prescriptions for conventional pain medications (Bradford & Bradford, 2016). Collectively, these studies underscore cannabis’ growing role in pain management, especially among seniors seeking alternatives to opioids.

Studies also suggest that cannabinoids such as CBD and CBDA may support deeper, more restorative sleep, while reducing anxiety and stress levels. Furthermore, population-based research has found that older cannabis users report lower levels of fatigue and stress, and even show reduced odds of developing diabetes compared to non-users. 

• Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

Beyond neurological and pain-related benefits, hemp compounds also appear to support cardiovascular and metabolic health. Hemp seeds, which are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been associated with improved blood pressure regulation and enhanced heart function in older adults. These essential fatty acids contribute to better arterial flexibility, reduced inflammation, and healthier cholesterol profiles, all of which are critical for long-term cardiovascular wellness. In addition, emerging research on cannabis use has suggested potential benefits for metabolic health. For example, observational studies indicate that cannabis users tend to have lower fasting insulin levels and smaller waist circumferences compared to non-users, pointing toward improved metabolic balance and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. 

• Cancer related symptoms

Cancer remains one of the leading reasons older adults turn to cannabis-based treatments. In fact, research shows that 60.8% of patients using medical cannabis do so to manage cancer-related symptoms, second only to chronic pain (66.6%). For many seniors, the combination of pain, nausea, fatigue, and reduced appetite associated with cancer or its treatments can severely impact quality of life.

Encouragingly, clinical findings demonstrate meaningful benefits. After six months of cannabis therapy, 93.7% of patients reported improvement in their overall condition, with median pain scores falling from 8 to 4 on a 0–10 scale. This suggests cannabis may serve as an important complementary option for addressing persistent symptoms that are often resistant to conventional treatments.

Beyond pain control, cannabinoids like CBD and CBDA are being investigated for their potential anti-nausea, appetite-stimulating, and anti-inflammatory properties, all of which may enhance the daily well-being of seniors navigating cancer care. While more long-term, large-scale trials are needed, current evidence underscores hemp-derived compounds as a supportive tool in improving comfort and resilience during cancer treatment.

• Bone and Joint Health

Age-related bone and joint deterioration, such as osteoporosis and arthritis, remains a significant health concern among seniors. These conditions often lead to pain, limited mobility, and increased fracture risk. Emerging evidence suggests that hemp compounds may play a role in supporting musculoskeletal health. Cannabinoids like CBD and CBDa interact with CB2 receptors found in bone and immune tissue, which are believed to influence bone remodeling and reduce inflammation in affected joints.

A growing body of research highlights hemp’s potential in bone density preservation. Preclinical studies indicate that CBD may enhance fracture healing and stimulate osteoblast activity, the cells responsible for bone formation. In one of such studies, scientists found that cannabinoids did not show major effects on bone health unless there was already a fracture or damage. This suggests that they may work more effectively when the body is in a healing phase. Because of this, experts believe that after procedures like dental or bone implants, a carefully guided use of cannabinoids, along with natural compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids, might help speed up recovery and improve how well the bone bonds with the implant. Early lab studies strongly support these benefits for easing pain, reducing swelling, and helping bone repair. For arthritis, hemp’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties may reduce stiffness, swelling, and pain, thereby improving mobility and overall quality of life in older adults.

Beyond cannabinoids, hemp seeds contribute essential nutrients that directly support skeletal health. Rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and plant-based protein, hemp seed intake provides structural support for bones while maintaining muscle strength, an important factor in fall prevention. Additionally, the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in hemp promote joint lubrication and may lower chronic inflammation, which is often a driver of age-related joint degeneration.

CBDa vs CBD: What Seniors Should Know

CBDa is the raw, unheated form of CBD, found in the hemp plant exactly as nature designed it. Unlike regular CBD, which is created when heat is applied, CBDa remains in its pure, natural state. Research suggests that CBDa may be more potent in smaller amounts compared to CBD, particularly when it comes to easing inflammation and supporting balance in the body.

Why CBDa May Offer Unique Advantages than CBD

Because CBDa is closer to the plant’s natural blueprint, it may interact more effectively with the body. Some studies indicate that CBDa can be stronger than CBD in calming inflammation and promoting overall wellness. This makes it especially interesting for seniors who may be looking for gentle but effective support.

At Nesa’s Hemp, this natural power of CBDa is preserved by never exposing the plant to harsh processing or heat. Our Full-Spectrum CBDa Hemp Oil is crafted to keep the hemp plant as close to its original form as possible, allowing seniors to experience hemp’s full potential the way nature intended.

How Seniors Can Safely Use CBDa

• Start Low and Go Slow

For seniors new to hemp-based wellness, it is recommended to begin with a low serving size of full-spectrum CBDa and gradually increase as needed. This approach allows the body to adjust while helping individuals observe how they respond.

• Choose Third-Party Tested Products

Product quality is essential. Seniors should look for CBDa oils and supplements that are independently verified by accredited third-party laboratories. Transparent lab reports confirm purity, potency, and the absence of harmful contaminants. Nesa’s Hemp emphasize this step, ensuring our full-spectrum CBDa oil meets the highest safety standards.

• Consult with a Healthcare Provider/hemp expert

Before adding CBDa to a wellness routine, seniors should consult with a trusted healthcare provider. This is especially important for those taking prescription medications or managing chronic conditions. A healthcare professional can help determine the best approach, ensuring CBDa use is both safe and beneficial. Cannabinoids like CBD and CBDa interact with CB2 receptors found in bone and immune tissue, which are believed to influence bone remodeling and reduce inflammation in affected joints.

FAQ

References 

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