The CBD Boom and Older Adults

I was looking through Yahoo today and came across this article in the Health section, "Retirees Are Jumping Into the CBD Boom - and Loving It.  Here's What to Know Before You Try, According to Experts."  It is a really good, non-biased article.  It begins with a story about a retired woman who took Vicodin and ibuprofen to work every day for job-related, chronic pain.  She had foot surgery and steroid injections but the pain never went away.  She ended up retiring early due to everyday pain.  Then she tried CBD.  She has been retired for eight years and hasn't taken Vicodin since.  She does not go to the doctor anymore and has no ibuprofen in her house. 

What is CBD? 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of cannabis, a plant with a rich history as a medicine going back thousands of years. Today the therapeutic properties of CBD are being tested and confirmed by scientists and doctors around the world. CBD is one of more than a hundred “phytocannabinoids,” which are unique to cannabis and endow the plant with its robust therapeutic profile.  CBD can provide relief for chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and depression.  It can also be a potential treatment for a wide range of maladies, such as:

• Autoimmune diseases (inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Neurological conditions (Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Huntington’s chorea, stroke, traumatic brain injury)
• Metabolic syndrome (diabetes, obesity)
• Neuropsychiatric illness (autism, ADHD, PTSD, alcoholism)

• Gut disorders (colitis, Crohn’s)

• Cardiovascular dysfunction (atherosclerosis, arrhythmia)

• Skin disease (acne, dermatitis, psoriasis)

CBD works by activating the endocannabinoid system.  This is a network of receptors in the central nervous system.  The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating a broad range of physiological processes that affect our everyday experience – our mood, our energy level, our intestinal fortitude, immune activity, blood pressure, bone density, glucose metabolism, how we experience pain, stress, hunger, and more.

Is CBD Legal?

This is where it gets complicated or at least our government makes it complicated for us.  Because there are different agencies that oversee and regulate the various aspects of cannabis, it makes it difficult for consumers to know what is legal or not.  Under the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, the USDA says that CBD derived from hemp is legal if it contains 0.3% or less of THC.  On the over hand, the FDA has approved it for use as a seizure-reduction drug called Epidiolex.  Because CBD has received approval as a drug, it is technically illegal to market it as a dietary supplement or food additive.  But wait!  It gets better.  The FDA says that consumers are not breaking the law if they purchase a product with CBD in it.  What???

Should One Try CBD?

In my opinion, I say yes.  I am a firm believer in natural health.  I will use natural remedies for pain or sickness before I would use any type of over the counter or prescription drug.  I prefer not to support the big pharmaceutical companies.  For example, Epidiolex would cost on average $32,500 per year.  48.06% of the U.S. population makes less than $30,000.  I use CBD oil for my chronic pain, and it helps me to sleep better at night.  Not all CBD products are created equal.  Everyone must do their research on the products they are considering buying.  Make sure the product has been third-party tested for ingredients and purity.  Experiment with the dosing.  Many people give up on CBD after using it once or twice because they think it doesn't work.  CBD works cumulatively, building up in the body over time.  

Why CTFO CBD?  

At CTFO, we believe in quality, transparency, and accountability.  That's why we provide third-party testing and documentation to back up everything we share.  All our products are manufactured in GMP certified facilities, which means they are regulated by the FDA to ensure that what's on our labels is what is in our products.  Our products are the highest quality and purity available anywhere, and we offer a 60-day, empty container, money-back guarantee to prove it!  Our made in the USA CBD is produced from NON-GMO, PESTICIDE FREE, CO2 Extracted Hemp Oil using only organic ingredients.