It’s no surprise that two of the biggest groups of adults using CBD are the Baby Boomers and GenX generations. Since the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, the use of CBD or cannabidiol has increased over 212%. No matter where you turn, you can find numerous articles about the health benefits of CBD, what is the best form of CBD, what dosage of CBD should I take and the list goes on.
And these two groups account for over 50% of all CBD use.
But why are Baby Boomers (born 1946 – 1964) and GenXers (born 1965 – 1979) so enthralled with CBD? For years, the Boomers have had a lot of experience and awareness of cannabis and to the early claims of its health benefits. Whether they smoked it or not, they heard about how it could help any number of ailments from arthritis and joint pain to insomnia and anxiety.
And now, with CBD derived from hemp, it is non-psychoactive with less than .03% THC, the active ingredient in cannabis that gives you the ‘high’ most often associated with marijuana. So with Boomers now 56 to 74 years old, it makes sense that they would be interested in a natural solution to the ailments of aging through the use of CBD. And GenXers are turning to CBD for help with pain relief from sports activities to relief from parenting and job stress.
The Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana
CBD (Cannabidiol) oil is derived from hemp. Many people confuse hemp with marijuana, but hemp is a very different plant. Marijuana and hemp may share the same scientific name, Cannabis sativa, but they are not the same.
Marijuana is cultivated primarily for its psychoactive cannabinoid, a chemical compound called tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, for recreational and medicinal use. Marijuana contains both THC and CBD.
Hemp contains only a trace of THC, less than 0.3% compared to marijuana’s hefty 5-35%. The main cannabinoid in hemp is CBD, but there are over 100 other cannabinoids in hemp, as well as compounds that produce tastes and scents called terpenes (e.g. citrusy smell of oranges, unique aroma of pine trees, or sweet flower smell of lavender).
They Say 60 Is The New 40
While aging is inevitable, both Baby Boomers and GenXers want to keep as active physically and they used to be and are turning to CBD for a natural alternative to over-the-counter drugs, reflecting a trend nationwide.
There are numerous scientific research projects on-going now to further understand the medical benefits of CBD, and while the FDA doesn’t allow specific health claims to be made about CBD, the areas of study and why Boomers are using CBD relate to the following conditions:
Pain and Inflammation
Unlike OTC pain medications, CBD doesn’t affect the liver and the kidneys, and is non-addictive. So as Boomers and GenX’ers age, they are using CBD tinctures and CBD lotions to help relieve pain caused by arthritis, joint pain, muscle pain and other forms of chronic pain.
A 2015 review published in Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry discussed the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. They found that CBD may help reduce inflammation through several pathways in the body and represents an effective aid for a range of conditions characterized by inflammation.
Stress, Anxiety and Sleeplessness
During these uncertain economic and pandemic times, more and more people are searching for help with anxiety – and turning to CBD for assistance. CBD has been shown to help calm the mind and improve sleep, which is a major symptom associated with anxiety.
Research published in 2019 looked at whether CBD could improve sleep and or reduce anxiety. The study involved 72 subjects, with 47 experiencing anxiety and 25 experiencing poor sleep. The subjects were each given 25 milligrams (mg) of CBD in capsule form each day. In the first month, 79.2 percent of the patients reported lower anxiety levels and 66.7 percent reported better sleep.
Circulation and High Blood Pressure
Adults over 55 are the most at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
Regular use of CBD helps lower anxiety, improves sleep and in turn, helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke.
The Future of Baby Boomers, GenX’ers and CBD
With more and more companies entering the CBD market, national chains like CVS and Walgreens carrying CBD products and high quality, pure CBD products like Pure Plan delivering them right to your door, you can expect even more adults turning to the benefits of CBD to help them live their best lives possible.