There’s ample proof that marijuana use is on the rise, not only among younger Americans but for those of us who are well into our senior years. Given the trend toward increasing legalization in the states and the growth in the baby boomer population (with all of the aches and pains that heralds), it’s no wonder that older adults seem to be steadily turning to marijuana for the alleviation of pain, sleep aid, and anxiety relief. And while there are serious considerations about marijuana use among older adults, including concerns regarding cardiac health and interactions with other drugs, generally speaking, there is little evidence of significant risk, especially if dosages are low and the type of substances ingested limit the intake of “THC,” which is the compound in marijuana that causes the feelings of being “high.” 

It’s useful to review just what it means to be using “marijuana” these days and what evidence exists to support its use or the attendant risks. First, the basics. Remember that the primary components in marijuana (also known as cannabis) are THC and cannabidiol (CBD). The typical euphoria or altered state of mind usually associated with cannabis comes from THC, rather than cannabidiol. In addition to marijuana, CBD can also be derived from the hemp plant. While CBD is purported to have all sorts of medicinal and pain relief properties, the reality is that there have been few studies examining just CBD and there is currently no FDA approval for the therapeutic use of CBD beyond rare circumstances of pediatric seizures. Nonetheless, even though we know little about long term or sustained use of CBD in older adults, there are now numerous outlets selling all sorts of products containing CBD for everything from stress relief to reduction in chronic pain. And baby boomers are looking for these products and finding value in their use. In fact, there’s even new research out that women going through menopause are turning to cannabis use (not clear whether marijuana or CBD) for such symptoms as hot flashes and night sweats more than traditional menopause therapeutics, despite the lack of evidence demonstrating benefit.

Given the increased availability of CBD products, it’s useful to know that you should examine the ingredients in the products you purchase to make sure you’re actually getting CBD or cannabidiol in the product– not all products are accurately labeled and you want to make sure you’re not ingesting other, unknown ingredients. However, if you’re game to try out CBD, now there’s news that none other than Martha Stewart is branding her own CBD supplements which she claims will be hemp-derived wellness products resembling French confections more than sticky gummy bears. So if you want to add a little bit of Martha to your morning CBD intake, take a look at her product line here.