Dipo Olowookere
We all have heard of CBD’s medicinal properties. Strangely, elderly people, a group that would benefit the most from the cannabinoid, is the least likely segment of the population to use CBD.
Because of the stigma associated with marijuana, legally a grey area, the pharmaceutical industry, and advertising regulations, CBD has not yet reached the senior market.
Who Uses CBD
According to a Gallup Poll done in 2019, CBD’s popularity decreases with age. Not only with regular users but also with people who have tried it. The most common user is a young person in the Western United States. Only 15% of people 60 and older have tried CBD and only 8% of people age 65 or older use it regularly.
What is suppressing CBD from reaching the population that would benefit from an all-natural potential solution to inflammation, sore muscles and joints, anxiety, and appetite control? CBD consumption seems to be upside down demographically.
Why Seniors Aren’t Taking CBD
Cannabis has been hindered worldwide due to THC and the high created after consumption. Many seniors aren’t excited about CBD because it’s a cannabis product. They are a product of years of propaganda supporting abolition and don’t want anything to do with cannabis culture.
There is certainly a lot of misinformation that is to be blamed for this. There is no reason why seniors should not feel happy, relieved and comfortable at an advanced age. The best delta-8 thc cartridges are not dangerous and give a pleasant feeling that does not get overwhelming at any point of time. This is a great way to relieve stresses, tensions and anxieties for senior citizens.
Stats on Seniors
-Of people aged 65 years or older, almost 50% reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis (CDC)
-80% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition (CDC)
-One in four older adults report anxiety or depression amid the Covid-19 pandemic (KFF)
-Adults over age 60 have obesity rates exceeding 37.5% in males and 39.4% in females (NIH)
-25% of new cancer patients are aged 65-74 (NIH)
Why Seniors Need CBD
Elder people can get over the stigma associated with marijuana because CBD could improve so many more people’s lives. The most concerning statistic from above is the rise in depression and anxiety amid the lockdowns.
Studies before COVID suggest that this isn’t a common issue in the senior community. Now that elderly people are isolated and live in fear of contracting the virus, these mental health conditions are on the rise.
The benefits of CBD are well known and not only for humans but for pets as well. Companies claim CBD is the solution for everything from inflammation to hair loss. We do not have enough data to make claims other than as a treatment for epilepsy. However, the research looks promising in the areas that seniors would disproportionately benefit from.
How Elderly People Should Take CBD
Our preferred method of CBD delivery is by oil. Everyone is different and we suggest doing the research before trying CBD for the first time. Sublingual CBD oil is our favourite because it has a relatively high bioavailability, little to zero side effects, and quick delivery time.
For elderly people, CBD oil is the best option for these same reasons, however, a first-time user may want to try a familiar food. They are not doing anything they aren’t comfortable with and the effects will be minimal. Eating sweet edible gummies or swallowing capsules could be a great way to introduce a senior to CBD if they are not accustomed to count drops of any liquid forms.
If a senior is struggling with arthritis, joint, or muscle pain, administering CBD topically, as well as sublingually (absorbed under tongue), could be the best first-time experience. The user will feel the results of the topical on the affected area as soon as it is applied.
Reaching seniors has been a challenge for the CBD industry for years. Due to the stigma around marijuana, many seniors are still hesitant to try a cannabis product. Hopefully, CBD will become more accessible to the elderly because they are the group that can benefit the most from this incredible plant extract.
