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 of 2006 and 2013, there was a 250 percent increase in hemp use for those ages 65 and up.

While part of that is surely just a social trend triggered by the legalization of hemp in many states, a large number of that group has come around to CBD for one simple fact: they are tired of hurting.

Renee Lee, President of the Rossmoor Medical Marijuana Club (RMMC), the largest hemp education club for seniors in the country, says while folks in her community mostly use hemp for pain, sleep, and cancer, more recently things like appetite, depression, and anxiety have become popular applications too, all common problems among the elderly.

Many realize they could take antidepressants or other pharmaceuticals but choose not to either because of side effects, or because they don’t like putting more chemicals into their bodies when there is a natural alternative.

Despite its recently granted legality one of the largest barriers many seniors face is simply that they don’t know about CBD and its benefits. Those that do know about it often worry over the long stigma still attached to the use of the hemp plant, or its legality in their area.

Clinical trials around the world have shown that CBD really works to make the lives of senior citizens easier and more pain-free – so hope continues to grow!

Do you have seniors in your life suffering in a way that CBD could potentially help? We encourage you to show them that you care about their happiness and start a gentle conversation about the benefits of CBD to see if they might be open to it.