Pete Demarest, who’s had lung cancer twice and a spinal cord procedure, no longer takes prescription medications.

A couple months ago, he started going to Cannability Consulting, a team that specializes in gerontology — or the study of aging — and helps senior clients navigate the world of therapeutic cannabis and CBD (cannabidiol) usage. Instead of taking Lunesta or Ambien, Demarest uses Cannability Consulting’s recommended cannabis product for sleep. He said the other sleeping drugs caused side effects, including violent dreams and grogginess in the morning.

“I took the cannabis sleep product and never turned back,” he said. “The shift from traditional medications to a natural approach has been life-changing.”

He added that the cannabis product is mild and effective, and he prefers the natural remedy.

Cannability Consulting was established by Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay, a nonprofit senior living provider in Virginia Beach. Cannability Consulting is led by Victoria Crenshaw, a geropsychologist, and Alexandria Hill, a board-certified gerontology nurse.

Westminster-Canterbury established the subsidiary after three years of research and planning with the goal of promoting cannabis literacy in health care. Hill said the benefits can be dramatic, especially for older adults when reliable products are used with expert advice.

Crenshaw said the numbers speak volumes. Among the 186 clients assessed in 2024, 96.8% experienced improvement in symptoms affecting their quality of life, such as sleep disturbances, chronic pain or anxiety. Only 2.2% reported mild side effects like gastrointestinal upset or low energy.

Cannability Consulting exclusively provides hemp-derived products that meet federal compliance standards, and it informs clients about potential risks and benefits. It encourages clients to consult their health care providers before using the recommended products.

Hill said many seniors are experimenting without guidance, which can be dangerous.

“You can buy many of these products from gas stations and stores, but you need to know whether the contents on the label match what’s really in the package or meets your specific need,” Hill said. “You don’t know the correct dose or if it will interact with other medications.”

Hill added that they use only trusted suppliers that batch-test their products before selling them.

Crenshaw said the team uses a “low and slow” approach starting with minimal doses, so they can adjust and find the best balance for each client.

In-person consultations are held on the campus of Westminster-Canterbury on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach. Cannability Consulting services are available to anyone including residents, community members and health care providers. Virtual appointments are offered, too.

For more information, visit cannability.com.

Lee Belote, jlbelote@verizon.net