The CBD industry exploded so suddenly, and continues to change so rapidly, that it can be a bit difficult to keep up with the latest trends. This difficulty may be most acutely felt among Boomers who grew up “back in the day” before CBD was widely used.

Naturally, Boomers may have some questions… like what is this CBD stuff, anyway? Is it safe? Is it legal? And why are so many people taking it? We’re here to answer all of those questions and more.

First Things First

Let’s start by clarifying a few basic terms and definitions, just to make sure we’re all on the same page.

To talk about CBD, we first have to talk about the cannabis plant. Now, when you think cannabis, you probably think marijuana, but that’s actually a little over simplistic. Cannabis is a genus of plant that encompasses several different species, only one of which is marijuana. There’s an entirely different species of cannabis known as hemp. That’s where today’s CBD products are derived.

A second term to know is cannabinoids. These are plant chemicals that are found in different cannabis plants, and they can affect the body and the mind in a number of different ways. One cannabinoid is called THC, and it’s the one that will get you high when you use marijuana products. But while THC is prevalent in marijuana-derived products, it’s less than 0.3 percent in products made from hemp.

So to bring it all together: CBD is a chemical product that’s made from hemp, not from marijuana. It offers cannabinoids that may contribute to a number of effects on your mind and body, but it won’t get you high.

Is Taking CBD Actually Legal?

Here we should pause to address one of the most common questions we hear from Baby Boomers: CBD sounds great, but is it legal?

The short answer is yes, and it’s all thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018. Basically, this piece of legislation established the legality of products derived from industrial hemp, so long as they come in under a 0.3 percent maximum THC threshold. So, while marijuana-based products remain illegal in different parts of the country, CBD products that are derived from Hemp are totally acceptable.

What Does CBD Actually Do?

You’re allowed to take CBD, legally speaking, but does that mean you should?

It’s important to note that there is still a scarcity of research to support the full medicinal benefits of CBD, but there are plenty of preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence to suggest that taking CBD can be advantageous. In fact, it may be especially beneficial for aging individuals.

Consider some of the effects that people claim to experience when they use CBD products:

• Some regular CBD users say that it helps alleviate chronic pain, such as the kind of pain you might experience due to arthritis.
• Others say that taking CBD helps relax them for a good night of sound sleep.
• Still others say they take CBD in the morning to help them relax for a little while before the beginning of a long or stressful day.

These are just a few of the reasons commonly cited for regular CBD use, but of course, your own CBD experience may vary.

Is CBD Safe?

CBD is generally considered to be a very safe, holistic health option, without many known risks or significant side effects.

With that said, given the relative paucity of research, we do recommend checking with your doctor to make sure CBD is a good fit for you. In particular, you’ll want to ask about potential reactions with medications you’re taking.

Also ensure that you do your due diligence and find high-quality CBD that’s made in the USA, and that you begin with smaller doses before potentially building up to something more robust.

Learn More from Asé Pure Naturals

Ready to learn more about how CBD products work, and how they might benefit your health? We’d love to show you some of our high-quality, natural, holistic CBD products. We also recommend checking out the Asé Pure Naturals blog for more information about CBD-related topics. With any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at your convenience.