As the world continues to accept the proliferation of cannabis, some demographics are seemingly more open to the idea than others. While most people would assume that younger folk are more prolific cannabis supporters, it turns out that one of the fastest growing demographics within the industry are those aged 50 and higher.
A recent survey into this demographic revealed that many of the people in this age group are quite acceptant of cannabis both medically and recreationally. Of course, not everybody is consuming cannabis in this age group, however, it is the demographic with the most growth over the past decade.
But what is the reason behind this grey-rush to cannabis? Even new sports like pickleball may owe some of its popularity to cannabis.
It’s nutrition
When we get older, our bodies stop working as efficiently as when we are younger. This is why we start taking vitamins and supplements to maintain our health. One of these systems that stop working efficiently as we age is the Endocannabinoid System.
The Endocannabinoid System is made up of cannabinoid receptors scattered all over our body. What the ECS does is help maintain homeostasis in the body. In other words, it helps make sure that everything is working properly.
Here’s a short list of what the ECS is responsible for:
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Sleep
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Mood
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Appetite
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Memory & Learning
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Reproduction & Fertility
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Appetite & Digestion
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Metabolism
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Pain Management
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Bone Remodeling
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Liver Function
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Stress Management
The list goes on.
As you can see, it seems that the Endocannabinoid System is the great “Regulator” of the body. It’s responsible for maintaining our body in good health by allowing us to sleep, to reduce our stress, to repair our wounds.
But why is this important and how does it relate to the older demographic?
What does the ECS have to do with older people’s acceptance of cannabis?
Now that you have a very basic understanding of the Endocannabinoid System, we need to understand that as with everything else in your body, this system develops over time.
When you are under the 25 years of age, the ECS is still forming. This is partly the reason why people with their ECS not fully formed yet, experiences “highs” much more intensely. Their endogenous cannabinoid (cannabinoids produced in your own body) production is at the highest capacity, by introducing cannabinoids (from the cannabis plant) super charges your ECS. You’re essentially flooding your body with cannabinoids, those produced in your body and those from external sources.
However, on average when people are 25 years old, the endocannabinoid system is fully formed. As a result, your endogenous cannabinoid activity significantly reduces. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t “need” endocannabinoids.
Throughout your life, you’ll still need endocannabinoids to regulate major functions within your body. But what happens when you don’t get enough endocannabinoids?
A Disease of Deficiency
It’s my personal belief that a large portion of our physical ailments as we grow older is due to an endocannabinoid deficiency. In other words, our body lacks the necessary cannabinoids to function properly, meaning that more stress is placed on other internal systems which eventually, like any machine, would wear out.
Can you imagine not supplementing endocannabinoids for a period of thirty or forty years? The wear and tear of your body would eventually catch up leaving you tired, conflicted and diseased. This is pretty much the condition of aging.
Yet, what I believe is happening to the older demographics is that they are learning what happens when you consume cannabinoids, and this is why they are flocking towards legal cannabis.
The Second Wind
If your body needs endocannabinoids to function properly, yet after the age of 25 your endogenous cannabinoid production significantly reduces, it makes sense that we heal slower as we age, have less energy and recovery takes time.
When people start consuming cannabis after the age of 25, they begin supplementing their endogenous cannabinoid production with external cannabinoid intake.
Think of it like taking multi-vitamins every day. You’re not getting enough Zinc or Calcium in your diet, you take a pill to supplement it. Similarly, consuming cannabis after the age of 25 (in my opinion), should be considered an act of supplementing cannabinoids.
As a result, people who have been deprived from cannabinoids all their life, suddenly feel a second wind. They heal faster, they sleep better, they eat and digest better. No wonder this demographic is running towards cannabis like it’s the last piece of cake in the fridge.
I personally have been consuming cannabis for more than 20 years and compared to my peers, I still look far younger than they do. Sure, it might be good genetics, but I think the fact that I substituted alcohol consumption with cannabis consumption at an early age, allowed me to maintain my health for longer.
People who are fifty and above, whether you like to get high or not, consuming cannabis is probably one of the best things you can do for your health. You don’t have to get high either, you can always opt in for oils, tinctures and tablets, and similar products that will provide you with all the cannabinoids you need to have an optimally working body.
You can thank me later.
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