If you’re looking for a natural, plant-based anti-inflammatory product that is used by some forty million Americans as alternative, non-prescription approach for dealing with a variety of issues including pain, insomnia, fatigue and stress, you may want to consider hemp-based CBD. It appears it may be able to impact inflammation through its actions on the endocannabinoid system which is an extensive physiological system in our body. The category is expected to grow in the US alone to over $20 billion in sales within five years and is a key part of the $4.2 trillion global wellness industry. Millennials have been the most frequent early adopters but use among Baby Boomers is growing despite some confusion which we will try to shed some light on here.
- It is not Marijuana.
Both CBD (cannabidiol) and marijuana come from varieties of the cannabis plant family but hemp-based CBD has been declared legal by the Federal Government and is neither addictive nor psychoactive. However, while the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared CBD to be safe (for reference, click HERE), the FDA still has not given its full blessing and has restrictions on what claims CBD companies can make and where they can advertise.
2. CBD comes in a variety of forms.
CBD forms include tinctures (oil drops), gummies, softgels and topical creams. Tinctures, gummies and softgels are taken orally but tinctures are absorbed sub-lingually under the tongue and are faster acting while softgels and gummies are absorbed in the stomach and intestines. Creams are applied locally generally for pain or to enhance one’s skin.
3. Why do people use CBD?
Alleviation of pain is the number one reason for use according to a 2018 Gallup Poll. Forty percent of CBD users use it to alleviate pain. This seems to be particularly true for those suffering from arthritic pain as a large survey of its members by The Arthritis Foundation found 29% of arthritis suffers were using CBD and another 33% planned to use over the coming year (click HERE for reference).
4. Golfers seem to like CBD.
The PGA allows pro golfers to use CBD and it appears to have a wide following among golfers ranging from Billy Horschel to Scott McCarron to Bubba Watson. Golfers attest to its assortments of benefits ranging from helping cure the putting yips, to a mid-round energy boost, to helping to soothe sore muscles.
5. A rapid growth for CBD.
The growth of CBD has been an organic, grass roots phenomenon driven by a high satisfaction level of early adopters. Indeed some 83% of those who tried CBD have gone on to use it regularly including almost half who use it on a daily basis according to research by the Brightfield Group. While new users are recommended to start with a low dose (i.e. 10-25mg hemp for gummies or tinctures), there are very few reports of significant side effects other than occasional diarrhea or dry mouth.
Stephanie McMahon, living large and co-founder, Easy Feeling Wellness
I hope this overview has been helpful in answering some of your questions on hemp-based CBD. Our goal at Easy Feeling Wellness is to provide balanced information for Active Boomers so they can understand both the benefits and remaining unknowns with CBD. For more information visit our website at www.easyfeelingwellness.com or email me personally at Stephaniem@easyfeelingwellness.com.
Stephanie McMahon
Co-founder Easy Feeling Wellness, San Juan Capistrano, California
