According to a survey conducted by the Society for the Study of Addiction, seniors are the fastest-growing demographic of hemp consumers. Between the years 2006 and 2013, there was a 250 percent increase in hemp use among those aged 65 and up.

While part of this trend is likely due to the legalization of hemp in many states, a significant portion of this group has turned to CBD for various reasons.

Renee Lee, President of the Rossmoor Medical Marijuana Club (RMMC), the largest hemp education club for seniors in the country, notes that while people in her community mostly use hemp for reasons such as pain and sleep, more recently, uses like appetite, mood, and relaxation have become popular as well.

Many seniors realize they could take antidepressants or other pharmaceuticals but choose not to, either because of side effects or because they prefer a natural alternative.

Despite its recent legalization, one of the largest barriers many seniors face is simply a lack of knowledge about CBD. Those who are aware of it often worry about the stigma still attached to the use of the hemp plant or its legality in their area.

If you have seniors in your life who might be interested in learning more about CBD, we encourage you to start a gentle conversation about it to see if they might be open to exploring its potential uses.