What a time to be alive! For many boomers, it’s a full circle moment – the marijuana of their heyday has made a comeback, and this time as a modality in wellness and healthcare. The New Yorker tells us that “seniors” are America’s fastest-growing population of new cannabis users. According to the Pew Research Center, ten thousand people turn sixty-five each day, and more and more are trying cannabis for their health and well-being.
While there are more options than ever on the marketplace to enhance mental and physical health, we’ll take a deep dive into the non-psychoactive component of the hemp plant, CBD. CBD certainly isn’t new, and according to Vantage Market Research, the total Global Cannabidiol (CBD) Market is estimated to reach USD 47.22 Billion by 2028, up from USD 4.9 Billion in 2021.
Buzz-Free Benefits
If you’re new to the scene, we’ll clarify that CBD is not intoxicating and won’t produce any psychoactive effects or make you feel “high.” Griff Conti, Franchise Managing Partner for Franny’s Farmacy, told us, “CBD and other hemp-derived compounds are safe and legal across all 50 states with no measurable psychoactive effect.”
Oh, and it’s not addictive. The World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) concluded that, in its pure state, cannabidiol does not appear to have abuse potential or cause harm.
Getting Started
If you’re new to the scene, we’ll clarify that CBD is not intoxicating and won’t produce any psychoactive effects or make you feel “high.” Griff Conti, Franchise Managing Partner for Franny’s Farmacy, told us, “CBD and other hemp-derived compounds are safe and legal across all 50 states with no measurable psychoactive effect.”
Oh, and it’s not addictive. The World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) concluded that, in its pure state, cannabidiol does not appear to have abuse potential or cause harm.
Delivery DuJour
You will find several options for consuming CBD. The most popular are:
- Edibles – think gummies and suckers. Edibles are portable, discreet, and tasty, making them a popular delivery method for users on the go.
- Smoke/vape – smoking or vaping is an enjoyable way to dose if you are in the mood for more of a ritual. Check out Dad Grass; the brand even has a special edition “Boomer” pack of pre-rolls.
- Tincture – taking cannabidiol oil sublingually in a tincture format allows the CBD to work faster by offering a faster absorption rate to the bloodstream.
- Topical – topical CBD in lotions and balms can benefit pain and inflammation. It’s also used in many skincare products – board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson explains, “For my patients with inflammatory skin conditions like acne and rosacea, I sometimes will recommend integrating a CBD skincare product into their routine. I’ve seen it to be highly effective in reducing inflammation, and there is even ongoing research probing whether it can regulate skin hydration and oil production by sebaceous glands.”
I Want More
OK, you’ve dabbled in CBD but are craving a little more…
It’s important to understand that the benefits of CBD can amplify over time. CBD builds up in your body if used regularly, so you should use it for about a week to see how it works for you before changing your dose or adding new products.
Eventually, you may want to explore varietals of THC to complement CBD’s benefits. For example, you might be ready to dose for daytime use to give you extra motivation and focus vs. using it to unwind, as most people do when they are just starting. Conti explains, “We are seeing a major trend towards our “Rise Up” hemp oil tincture, which is formulated with THC-V, an ‘exotic’ cannabinoid or chemical compound found in the cannabis plant, to elevate your senses and help your creative energy rise.”
No matter what side of the fence you stand on with this topic, we’re happy to see the stigma rapidly fading. We’re fortunate to access many trusted sources of information regarding cannabidiol and cannabis. When managing your health, the more you know, the better!
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not render medical or psychological advice, opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise you to consult your healthcare provider before trying new medications, including CBD.
Responses