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Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Curious About Cannabis? CBD and THC for Seniors

 



As more adults over 50 use cannabis, stay aware of the benefits and risks.


Since 2016, April has been National Cannabis Awareness Month. While marijuana remains a federally illegal Schedule I controlled substance, 15 states have now legalized cannabis for medical use only, and another 24 states allow both medical and recreational use. As more and more states lift restrictions on the drug, more seniors are giving cannabis a try. In fact, 21% of adults over 50 have tried cannabis products over the last year. 

When discussing cannabis products, there’s an important distinction to be made up front between CBD and THC: two sibling phytocannabinoids, a.k.a. compounds produced by the cannabis plant. CBD does not cause a high, while THC does. The two compounds are also legally distinguished by the plants they derive from: either hemp or marijuana, two different species of the cannabis plant. CBD derived from hemp is federally legal, because by U.S. law, hemp is defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC. The legality of CBD products derived from marijuana varies by state, depending on the level of THC they contain. 

Why Seniors are Using CBD and THC Products

Some older adults are longtime marijuana users, and others are taking advantage of new laws to give cannabis products a try for the first time. Among adults over 50 in a Michigan Medicine poll, some reasons given for using cannabis include sleep (68%), help with pain (63%) or mental health (53%), and to relax or feel good (81%). That 81% suggests that for many seniors, the high is the point. The teenagers who smoked pot back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s still enjoy toking up today…just without the thrill of breaking the law. 

For others, a high doesn’t appeal, but the other physical and mental benefits of cannabis do. For these people, the new industry of CBD products provides a boon. According to Madilyn Tucker of SunmedTM | Your CBD Store®, which has over 400 locations nationwide, people try CBD products for all kinds of reasons. “Many of our clients seek CBD as a natural, non-pharmaceutical alternative with benefits that can be truly life changing,” she says. “While some effects are subtle, they can still be deeply meaningful.” 

For people in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond, CBD can make a difference by helping alleviate everyday aches and pains. “We've had customers regain the ability to walk without a cane, attend their grandkids' soccer games, cook family dinners, and enjoy daily walks again,” says Tucker. 

In a recent study, CBD use among older adults was associated with overall physical and mental well-being. Other studies are currently underway with the goal of understanding how both CBD and THC may alleviate anxiety and other symptoms associated with dementia and cognitive decline. 

Before You Try Cannabis

“For most people, CBD is well tolerated, but potential side effects can include mild drowsiness, dry mouth, or digestive discomfort,” Tucker says. “We always recommend consulting with a healthcare professional, especially if taking medications, to ensure CBD is a good fit for their routine.” 

It’s wise to talk with a physician because there’s a lot to learn about the benefits, risks, and potential side effects of THC and CBD products, and how they differ. Since these medicines have become more available and widespread only recently, scientific research is catching up, and there’s still plenty we don’t know about how cannabis affects the brain and body. 

Because of its psychoactive properties, THC side effects may be more concerning than those of CBD. A main issue with THC use is impairment: because THC causes a high, it’s not safe to use while driving. Some people experience paranoia or memory loss with short-term use of THC. There’s also growing awareness of cannabis use disorder, which affects up to 10% of people who start using marijuana. Cannabis use disorder involves regular, heavy use of THC-containing products leading to tolerance and dependency. In the Michigan Medicine poll of cannabis users over 50, more than 20% of respondents reported at least one sign of dependency.

Also, keep in mind that because of the piecemeal state-by-state legalization of THC and CBD products, most CBD products aren’t regulated by the FDA, so quality varies. Look for companies that do third-party testing and prioritize transparency.

Happy Cannabis Awareness Month!

Perhaps, after a decade-long honeymoon since Colorado became the first state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012, Americans are growing more cautious about cannabis. Last November, only 55.9% of Florida voters wanted to legalize recreational marijuana, short of the 60% needed to pass the measure. Still, the long-term trajectory seems to point toward legalization. As more people of all ages give it a try, awareness of the different types of cannabis-derived products, and their associated benefits and risks, becomes more important than ever. 


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Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors

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