Study Shows Older Adults Often Choose CBD With THC
A research project investigated how people aged 60 and older choose medicinal cannabis products. A majority of the 169 participants chose products containing THC and CBD. The study results suggest the main reason older people turn to medicinal cannabis is to get relief and improve the quality of life. Though there is concern about the psychoactive effects of products with THC, 57.5% chose products with THC and CBD.
Researchers from the University of Utah Intermountain Health Department of Population Health Sciences and the University of Colorado Boulder Department of Psychology and Neuroscience conducted the study. As mentioned, 57.5% chose products containing THC and CBD; 28.7% chose products containing only CBD; and 13.8% chose products containing only THC. So, 86.2% of participants preferred products with CBD, whether alone or with THC.
The reasons given for seeking cannabis products were to manage discomfort, sleep, or mental health. The participants also wanted to find non-pharmaceutical options or products that are more effective. The first author of the study, Rebecca Delaney, PhD, said,
“Overall, they really wanted a better quality of life, reducing their discomfort, getting better sleep, and being able to enjoy time with family and friends a little bit more.”
They are not interested in getting high. They want to find and use products that offer therapeutic benefits.
A few of the seniors have discussed cannabis options with their medical providers. Instead, they talked to others who have used CBD or CBD/THC products. Sharing information by word of mouth has played a significant role in decision-making.
The researchers believe this study shows the need to develop informative resources that help people make product decisions that meet their specific needs. They also point out the need for open conversations between physicians and their patients concerning alternative approaches to addressing health needs.
The project was conducted in Colorado, and Colorado made recreational cannabis legal. In states where recreational cannabis is not legalized, the decision-making process may be different. However, Delaney believes the core motivation for taking CBD products is probably the same, whether it is improving sleep or addressing mental health concerns.
Said Delaney,
“The ultimate goal is to develop resources to help people make decisions and find products that meet their needs, and to figure out how we can distill information to patients and physicians.”
With people of all ages indicating in research projects like this one that they want non-pharmaceutical options for treating health-related symptoms and that CBD or CBD/THC works, it is difficult to understand why some states and the federal government continue to make or plan on making these products inaccessible or expensive and difficult to obtain. Safety is important, but there are now numerous research projects that have found CBD to be safe. They also have found that THC is safe and not psychoactive when restricted to the federal limit of 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
Consumers can protect themselves by taking recommended steps, such as reviewing the Certificate of Analysis (COA), reading the product label, and buying from reputable brands. Also, discussing cannabis use with personal physicians is important. Physicians should be educated and prepared to discuss whether cannabis is a viable potential alternative treatment option, should their patients ask for more information.
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