How do you counsel older adults regarding the use, dosing, and safety of CBD-containing products for insomnia?

When counseling older adults on CBD use for insomnia, I usually explain that evidence for safety and effectiveness is limited. Most products are not FDA-approved, and their labeling, purity, and dosing can be inconsistent. It’s important to review the patient’s comorbidities and medications closely, since CBD can interact with drugs—especially those metabolized through the cytochrome P450 pathway (such as anti-epileptics and some antidepressants). We want to be cautious about side effects that c...

I tell people there is no great data to support the effectiveness of CBD-containing products for insomnia. I also tell them to avoid THC-containing products, since there is good data to suggest harm with respect to cognition and risk of falls.