On Sep 28, 2025, President Trump released a video praising CBD’s potential benefits for older adults. The message rippled across social media platforms, introducing millions of seniors to hemp-derived wellness options and reigniting national discussions about natural alternatives to traditional pharmaceutical approaches.
For those of us in the hemp industry, this moment represents more than just increased visibility. It’s an opportunity to educate, guide, and empower a demographic that stands to benefit tremendously from the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol. At Asheville Dispensary, we’re embracing this spotlight as a chance to cut through the noise and provide seniors with the accurate, transparent information they need to make informed wellness decisions.
A Wellness Revolution Among America’s Seniors
The numbers tell a compelling story about shifting attitudes toward natural health solutions. Recent surveys reveal that more than one in five older adults have already experimented with CBD, typically seeking relief from the everyday challenges that come with aging: persistent joint discomfort, difficulty sleeping, and the accumulated stress of modern life.
The senior CBD adoption trend is remarkable: Nearly 90% of adults aged 77 and older have tried CBD, a dramatic increase from just 4% in 2019. This represents one of the most significant demographic shifts in wellness product adoption in recent history. As of 2024, 60% of U.S. adults have tried CBD, and 29% are regular users—up from just 6% in 2018.
The mainstream endorsement from influential figures like Trump accelerates a movement that was already gaining momentum. The global cannabidiol market was valued at USD 9.46 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 27.57 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 16.5%. This explosive growth reflects both increased consumer acceptance and expanding scientific validation of CBD’s potential benefits.
For decades, the stigma surrounding cannabis and hemp prevented meaningful research and kept potentially beneficial products out of reach for millions. The 2018 Farm Bill changed that landscape dramatically, legalizing hemp-derived CBD at the federal level and opening the door for research, product development, and consumer access.
Many seniors grew up during the height of anti-drug messaging and may feel hesitant about trying anything related to cannabis, even non-intoxicating hemp-derived CBD. High-profile endorsements help break down these psychological barriers and encourage people to evaluate CBD based on science and personal experience rather than outdated stereotypes.
“We’re thrilled to see more national conversation around CBD and senior wellness,” says Zack Shuler, Director of Growth at Asheville Dispensary. “When influential voices bring awareness to hemp-derived CBD, it opens doors for education and helps seniors discover safe, legal, and effective ways to support their well-being.”
Understanding CBD: What Seniors Need to Know
For those new to the world of cannabinoids, CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp plants. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce intoxicating effects, making it an appealing option for seniors seeking therapeutic benefits without altered mental states.
CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that helps regulate various physiological functions. While research is still evolving, early studies and countless user testimonials suggest CBD may help support:
Calm and Relaxation: A University of Colorado Boulder study found that CBD can ease anxiety without the risks associated with THC, with CBD-dominant products showing the most improvement in reducing perceived anxiety. One 2022 study reported that people with moderate to severe anxiety experienced a 60% to 70% reduction in symptoms after four weeks of treatment with a high-CBD-content product.
Restful Sleep: Sleep disturbances become increasingly common with age. A 2024 study found that 15 mg of CBD was just as effective for improving sleep quality as 5 mg of melatonin. Sleep improvement was cited by 51.7% of CBD users as a primary reason for use.
Mild Joint and Muscle Relief: Perhaps the most commonly cited benefit among older adults, CBD shows promise in supporting comfort and mobility. According to consumer reports, 64% of CBD use is related to pain relief. A systematic review published in Pain Management Nursing found that CBD may offer moderate benefits in chronic pain management, particularly for conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis. CBD’s potential to alleviate chronic pain may be attributed in part to its anti-inflammatory properties.
The growing body of scientific evidence, combined with overwhelming anecdotal support from users, continues to paint an encouraging picture for senior wellness applications. 75% of CBD users say CBD helps manage their symptoms, and nearly half (48%) find it very effective. However, it’s crucial to approach CBD with realistic expectations and proper guidance.
The Safety Question: Choosing Quality CBD Products
With surging interest comes an important responsibility: ensuring seniors have access to safe, high-quality products that deliver on their promises. The CBD market has exploded in recent years, and not all products are created equal. In 2022, 28% of CBD brands in the US did not test for pesticide contamination, while only 7% tested for contaminants like heavy metals and microbes. The lack of standardized regulation means some products contain significantly less CBD than advertised, while others may include contaminants or undisclosed THC levels.
“We always encourage seniors to consult their healthcare provider and choose third-party tested, federally compliant CBD,” Shuler emphasizes. “Education and product transparency are key to ensuring a positive experience.”
What to Look For in CBD Products
When shopping for CBD, experts recommend seniors prioritize products that meet the following criteria:
Federal Compliance: Ensure products are derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC, meeting 2018 Farm Bill standards. This keeps products legal at the federal level and minimizes any intoxicating effects.
Third-Party Lab Testing: Look for products tested by ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. These independent tests verify potency, check for contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides, and confirm THC levels remain within legal limits.
Accessible Lab Reports: Reputable companies provide easily accessible Certificates of Analysis (COAs) that show exactly what’s in each product. If you can’t find lab results, that’s a red flag.
Transparent Sourcing: Quality CBD starts with quality hemp. Companies should be transparent about where their hemp is grown and how it’s processed.
Clear Dosage Information: Products should clearly state how much CBD is in each serving, making it easy to track your intake and find the right dose for your needs.
At Asheville Dispensary, every product in our CBD collection undergoes rigorous testing to meet these standards. We believe seniors deserve nothing less than complete transparency and confidence in their wellness choices.
Starting Your CBD Journey: Practical Guidance for Seniors
For seniors interested in exploring CBD, the path forward should be deliberate and informed. Here’s what we recommend:
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Before adding CBD to your wellness routine, have a conversation with your doctor, especially if you’re taking prescription medications. CBD can interact with certain drugs, particularly those metabolized by the liver. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if CBD is appropriate for your specific health situation and advise on potential interactions. Last year, 64% of U.S. adults reported trying a CBD product—and nearly half of those did so at a doctor’s suggestion.
Start Low and Go Slow
One of the most common mistakes new CBD users make is starting with too high a dose. Begin with a low dose (5-10mg) and gradually increase until you find the amount that provides the desired effects. This approach helps you identify your optimal dose while minimizing the risk of unwanted side effects like drowsiness or digestive discomfort.
Choose the Right Delivery Method
CBD comes in various forms, each with different onset times and durations:
Oils and Tinctures: Placed under the tongue for sublingual absorption, these typically take effect within 15-30 minutes and last 4-6 hours. They offer precise dosing and flexibility.
Capsules and Edibles: Convenient and discreet, but take longer to work (45-90 minutes) as they must pass through the digestive system. Effects typically last 6-8 hours.
Topicals: Applied directly to the skin for targeted relief. Ideal for localized joint or muscle discomfort without systemic effects.
Vapes: Fastest onset (minutes) but shortest duration. Not typically recommended for seniors due to lung health concerns.
The Science Behind the Stories
While anecdotal evidence and user testimonials are compelling, seniors deserve to know what scientific research actually says about CBD. The truth is that we’re still in the early stages of understanding CBD’s full therapeutic potential, but the existing research offers reasons for optimism.
The FDA has approved one CBD-based medication, Epidiolex, for treating certain rare forms of epilepsy. This approval required rigorous clinical trials demonstrating both safety and efficacy, proving that CBD can indeed have powerful therapeutic effects for specific conditions.
Beyond epilepsy, preliminary research and preclinical studies suggest CBD may influence:
Pain and Inflammation: Studies indicate CBD interacts with receptors involved in pain signaling and inflammatory responses. Cannabis cigarettes reduced pain by 34% to 40% compared with placebo (17% to 20% decrease in pain) in a study conducted at the University of California, San Diego’s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research.
Anxiety and Stress: Some research suggests CBD may affect serotonin receptors in ways that could help manage anxiety.
Sleep Quality: Studies indicate CBD may help regulate sleep-wake cycles, potentially benefiting those with insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
It’s important to maintain realistic expectations. CBD isn’t a miracle cure, and it won’t work identically for everyone. Individual responses vary based on factors like body chemistry, dosage, product quality, and the specific concerns being addressed. More large-scale clinical trials are needed to definitively establish CBD’s benefits for various conditions.
However, the safety profile of CBD appears favorable, with most studies showing minimal adverse effects when used appropriately. This combination of preliminary therapeutic promise and low risk makes CBD an attractive option for seniors seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals that often come with significant side effects.
Navigating a Complex Legal Landscape
Understanding the legal status of CBD can be confusing, especially for seniors who remember when all cannabis-related products were illegal. Here’s what you need to know:
Federal Level: Hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC is legal under federal law thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This applies everywhere in the United States.
State Level: While federally legal, some states have implemented additional regulations or restrictions on CBD products. 47 out of 50 states across America have legalized the usage of CBD to some degree. North Carolina, where Asheville Dispensary is based, allows hemp-derived CBD sales under state hemp programs that align with federal standards.
Quality Matters: Legal status doesn’t guarantee quality. The FDA does not currently regulate CBD products the same way it regulates pharmaceuticals, which means consumers must be diligent about choosing reputable sources.
This is where working with established, transparent retailers becomes crucial. At Asheville Dispensary, we navigate the complex regulatory landscape so our customers don’t have to, ensuring every product meets both federal and state compliance standards.
The Road Ahead: CBD and the Future of Senior Wellness
As national figures continue bringing CBD into mainstream conversations, the focus must remain on responsible education and safe access. The surge in interest driven by Trump’s endorsement creates opportunities but also challenges. With greater visibility comes greater responsibility to ensure seniors receive accurate information and quality products.
The CBD market is experiencing steady growth during the forecast period, driven by rising R&D investments and the expanding legalization of medical cannabis across multiple regions.
The CBD industry is still maturing, and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve. This makes it more important than ever for consumers to work with trustworthy sources that prioritize compliance, quality, and education over quick profits.
Looking forward, we can expect continued research into CBD’s therapeutic applications, more refined product formulations targeted at senior wellness concerns, and hopefully, more standardized regulations that protect consumers while preserving access to beneficial products.
A Trusted Partner in Your Wellness Journey
Founded in Asheville, North Carolina, Asheville Dispensary has built its reputation on a simple principle: transparency, education, and unwavering commitment to quality. Since our founding in 2018, we’ve been dedicated to sharing the wealth of the hemp plant with our community while maintaining the highest standards of product integrity.
Every product in our CBD collection is third-party tested to verify purity, potency, and safety. We work exclusively with reputable suppliers who share our commitment to organic cultivation practices and sustainable farming. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through product selection, answer questions about dosing and delivery methods, and provide ongoing support as you explore CBD’s potential benefits.
We understand that seniors have unique needs and concerns when it comes to wellness products. That’s why we prioritize clear communication, accessible information, and personalized guidance. Whether you’re visiting one of our physical locations or browsing our online selection, you’ll find a welcoming environment focused on education rather than sales pressure.
Your Next Steps
If you’re ready to explore what CBD might offer for your wellness goals, Asheville Dispensary is here to support you every step of the way. Visit us online at avldispensary.com to browse our full collection of third-party tested, hemp-derived CBD products and access educational resources designed specifically for people new to CBD.
Explore our complete product categories:
- CBD Tinctures – Fast-acting sublingual oils for flexible dosing
- CBD Edibles – Convenient, long-lasting relief in delicious forms
- CBD Topicals – Targeted application for localized comfort
- CBD Vapes – Quick-onset options for experienced users
Have questions? Our knowledgeable staff is always available to provide personalized guidance, discuss product options, and help you make informed decisions about incorporating CBD into your wellness routine.
The conversation about CBD and senior wellness is just beginning. Let’s make sure it’s grounded in education, transparency, and genuine commitment to improving quality of life for America’s older adults.
Ready to learn more? Visit avldispensary.com to explore educational resources and discover Asheville Dispensary’s complete collection of third-party tested, federally compliant hemp-derived CBD products. Your wellness journey starts with informed choices.
