This blog was written by Debra Dullaghan, founder of 55plus.
As the population ages, the pursuit of holistic well-being among older adults has become more prevalent than ever. My own interest was piqued in 2015 with my experience dealing with an increase of chronic pain issues stemming from my neck that affected all areas of my body. Turning to cannabis, I visited countless dispensaries in search of THC-free CBD but found the process frustrating and challenging. All of the products had at least a trace of THC, which always ended up making me feel stoned.
After being given a sample of Hemp CBD with 0.0% THC the benefits were immediate. I was symptom-free and embarked on a mission to research and gain a better understanding of the Endocannabinoid System.
A noteworthy trend I noticed was the increasing adoption of alternative medicine, with a particular focus on CBD and cannabis-derived products. This trend emerged as a promising solution for various age-related health issues such as: chronic pain, arthritis, inflammation, and sleep disorders. Additionally, CBD was popular for its potential role in promoting mental well-being and reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression, common issues that I constantly see among older adults.
I decided to do a deep dive into the research and found various studies indicating that CBD possessed non-intoxicating, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties, making it an appealing option for older adults, like myself, seeking relief without the drawbacks of conventional medications that often come with unwanted side effects and risks.
According to a survey conducted by Forbes Health, 49% of participants aged 58–76 years old use CBD. These numbers speak to a fervent search for alternative medicines among the older demographic.
My Take on CBD Consumption Methods and Bioavailability
In my own exploration of the industry, I found a confusingly diverse range of products, including tinctures, soft gels, gummies, and topical solutions with so many options including full-spectrum, broad spectrum, 0.0% THC etc.
This led to the inspiration to create my own company, 55plus CBD, which attempts to make CBD products accessible, affordable and easy to understand with simple labeling and succinct messaging surrounding our premium product lineups. Our products are specifically tailored to suit the preferences and requirements of older individuals. While the industry is still confusing, the right products make incorporating CBD into daily routines seamless.
As I dug deeper I discovered many interesting things regarding the effectiveness and make up of CBD products. Bioavailability, a lesser known aspect of CBD consumption, is defined as the degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed into the bloodstream leading to an overall improvement in effectiveness. This is important to understand because different products have different bioavailability.
As many of us have experienced, aging bodies experience changes in metabolism and digestive efficiency, affecting the absorption of cannabinoids. Innovations in product formulations have led to increased bioavailability and effectiveness. As an example, 55plus nanoemulsion softgels have four times the bioavailability of a Gummy because of the way it is absorbed in the system, potentially making it more effective.
My View on Sourcing the Best CBD Products
In my own experience with exploring the CBD industry, I found that identifying the source and quality of CBD products was essential for ensuring safety and effectiveness. High-quality CBD is always derived from organically grown hemp, free from pesticides and harmful chemicals.
I began to find it crucial to look for products with clear, transparent labeling that includes access to third-party lab testing results. These lab tests (Certificates of Analysis) verify the CBD content and screen for contaminants like heavy metals, molds, and pesticides. Understanding these distinctions helped me avoid ineffective or potentially harmful products.
Simplifying CBD with Education
Having a little over three years in the industry now, the biggest hurdle has been the many misconceptions and a lack of knowledge about the benefits and uses of CBD. These misconceptions can and have hindered its acceptance amongst older adults.
With so many confusing and negative experiences in the oversaturated CBD market, I created 55plus CBD with the intent to center around educating older demographics on CBD and all of its many benefits. We are not alone as a few other companies are doing their part to close the public information gap and simplify CBD like our friends at Realm of Caring.
At 55plus, our education program highlights CBD’s safety profile, its distinction from THC-containing products, and offers insight on current research and studies around its efficacy for common ailments. The importance of CBD and its supplemental use in holistic well-being cannot be overstated.
