Roughly 33% of Americans have used CBD products at least once in their lives, with many of these users seeking an aid to manage high anxiety, insomnia, pain relief, and muscle recovery after an injury. Since the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 – also known as the Farm Bill – was introduced in the US, the cultivation of hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC is permitted all over the country, leading to a huge range of CBD products flooding the American marketplace, massively expanding accessibility.
In the UK, the numbers are a bit different. Hemp with a THC content below 0.3% is permitted for cultivation under a Home Office license and CBD products with trace amounts of THC are widely available. Around 16% of residents report having tried CBD in the past. However, that doesn’t mean there has been a sudden rush to the market.
The draw of CBD for anxiety or other conditions varies depending on age and background. For instance, younger people tend to use more CBD-related products than anyone else. The same is true for those living in more liberal areas of the world, like the West Coast of the US or major cities in the EU.
However, the number of older citizens showing an interest in the cannabinoid is on the rise. In 2019, roughly 8% of those aged 65 and over gave CBD a try, while a more recent study found that number had accelerated to 20% in 2020. How are these varying age groups benefiting from these products with spikes in usage and more open laws to open CBD-related businesses?
CBD for Anxiety
CBD by itself is not psychoactive. It can be harvested from both marijuana and hemp plants, but to sell it in products, it has to remain “benign”.
While regulatory bodies are still on the fence about approving CBD-based medications for anxiety, there is evidence that it can alleviate symptoms. In 2011, a small trial showed a reduction in anxiety levels for those with social anxiety disorder. Other studies have shown participants with non-cancer pain or mental health-related symptoms experienced significant improvements in anxiety and depression.
This, and more evidence, direct more consumers to try CBD for anxiety as a low-key method to feel more at ease. There are more than 40 million adults in the US with anxiety and only 36.9% of them receive any treatment. Those numbers have most likely gotten worse since the pandemic.
In the UK, there has been massive growth in anxiety due to the financial crash, austerity, Brexit, climate change, and social media. The group most affected is the same group most likely to try CBD for anxiety – 18-29-year-olds.
Between the constant demands of managing families, careers, and daily life, younger adults have many reasons to treat their anxieties with CBD. In older generations, phobias can play a significant role in exacerbating underlying health issues. Using CBD may help to facilitate a more relaxed mental space where the focus can be placed on healthier activities and interests, leading to a happier lifestyle by easing fears and the sense of impending doom.
CBD for Sleep
As many as 70% of Americans report not getting enough sleep or having restless sleep throughout the night. That number is about 38% for those in the UK who say they never achieve the national average of 6 hours 19 minutes a night. Sleep is a critical function of a healthier
system and mental stability. The better quality sleep you get, the more prepared and motivated you are to make it through your day.
Some CBD-derived or related products are FDA approved to help with sleep, including Epidiolex, Marino, Syndros, and Cesament. Some over-the-counter solutions have also shown promising effects in improving insomnia, REM sleep, and easing excessive daytime sleepiness disorder.
CBD for sleep is thought to also be linked to its anti-anxiety potential. This may be especially beneficial for younger citizens who suffer from anxiety or an overactive thought process that gets in the way of easily falling asleep at night.
CBD for Muscle Recovery
An unfortunate injury can lead to weeks, months, and possible years of painful recovery. This is especially true for older citizens who require longer recovery after exercise or strain. People of all ages must continue participating in daily movement exercises to improve their overall quality of life.
This could be as simple as going for a 5-10 minute stroll in the mornings and night. Whether you are in your teens or getting ready to enjoy your golden years, having a strong, flexible, and mobile body enhances your lifespan. Even those with more steps in their daily count have been found to experience longer life.
The potential of CBD for muscle recovery is thought to work in a few ways. The most observed relates to CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, which help with faster healing and, in general, reduce pain.
There have been numerous studies showing definite results that CBD may have a positive effect on improving pain and mobility for muscle recovery, even in patients with multiple sclerosis.
The best forms of CBD for muscle recovery are to take a treatment orally or rub on oil or ointment into your sore muscle group. Always consult a physician before trying to add CBD to your injury recovery regimen.
Where to Learn More
CBD is most likely to grow in popularity as more research is conducted to validate the effects citizens worldwide are already experiencing. It offers a more holistic approach to one’s quality of life, regardless of age and background. It will be interesting to watch how the legal and social responses differ as CBD becomes more widely adopted as a mainstream treatment for anxiety, sleep, and pain symptoms.
This has been researched and written by Hemp Point CBD, a passionate industry leader in all things health and wellness. We provide excellent information and premium CBD products made from organically sourced non-GMO hemp from only certified European suppliers.
