Cannabidiol — also known as CBD — took over the marketplace after The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 passed a bill legalizing hemp-derived products — the bill stipulated that it cannot contain more than .03% THC. Marijuana is made up of many different cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. The amazing thing about CBD is you won’t feel high or impaired after consumption.
CBD comes in various forms, including edibles, tinctures, vaporizers, flower, and topicals. One company even started manufacturing vaginal suppositories — their innovative product relieves the dreaded discomfort of PMS.
CBD boasts many physical and mental health benefits. If you’re new to the world of CBD, here are the top five reasons you need it in your life:
1. Anxiety and Stress Relief
We are enduring more than our fair share of stress as a result of the novel coronavirus. CBD works wonders when it comes to easing stress or anxiety.
We’re in the midst of uncertain and trying times. Using CBD as needed could help you feel more relaxed. It can also relieve the lingering tension caused by panic-inducing situations.
CBD triggers a response from the serotonin receptors in our brain. Serotonin is one of the ‘feel-good’ chemicals that our body naturally produces, similar to dopamine and endorphins. The reaction between CBD and serotonin is responsible for that calm, somewhat euphoric feeling we all love.
For stress and anxiety, the best method of consumption is vaping or smoking CBD flower. The onset is near-immediate, allowing you to instantly reap the benefits.
2. Chronic Pain Conditions
Most chronic pain conditions have underlying issues of inflammation. Inflammation doesn’t happen overnight, so it cannot be eradicated overnight. CBD just so happens to contain anti-inflammatory properties.
In general, people who are suffering from chronic pain may experience the long-lasting effects after four to six weeks of consistent use. You might notice some relief on the first day you dose, but the ultimate goal is long-term pain relief.
Oral forms, including edibles and capsules, have been recommended for chronic pain conditions. They can alleviate pain for up to eight hours — whereas methods of inhalation only last one to four hours.
3. Treating Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders are very common. Around 70 million people in the US suffer from one or more kinds of sleep disorders. CBD promotes a good night’s sleep, something people who live with insomnia long for. But you don’t need an official diagnosis to take advantage of CBD’s positive impact on sleep.
A study from 2014 discovered that CBD affects our sleep cycle. The research showed us how it effectively treats sleep disturbances and nightmares.
Ironically, CBD can also encourage wakefulness in people with daytime drowsiness. The scientific reason it helps people sleep and helps people stay awake is unclear.
In clinical trials, research participants were administered 15 to 1500mg of CBD for their sleep condition. When you are dosing, however, it’s best to start off with small doses. Every couple of days you can increase the amount in increments of 3 to 5mg.
For sleep disorders, you only need to take one dose before bedtime. You can choose any form — just keep in mind capsules and edibles can take one to three hours to kick in. Inhalants work near-immediately. You may even opt to drink a cup of tea with CBD-infused honey stirred in.
4. CBD Helps in Transitioning from Some Prescription Medications
When people are in pain, they often result in taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Many of the OTC medications for pain are called NSAIDs. This class of medication includes both Motrin and Aspirin.
Over a long period of time, NSAIDs can cause liver or kidney damage. Since CBD possesses the same anti-inflammatory effects as Motrin, you are doing your organs a favor by saying goodbye to Motrin.
CBD can remove other potentially harmful medications from your life. If you suffer from a chronic pain condition, there’s a good chance you are prescribed opioids for pain management.
Opioids can be potentially addicting and they cause physical dependence — some people experience opioid withdrawal when tapering off of a medication after physical dependence has set in.
To add, CBD (and good old-fashioned marijuana) can help reduce cravings in people recovering from or actively using heroin. Some non-recreational states certify people with opioid use disorder in medical marijuana.
Any form can be used to replace painkillers. If you’re experiencing unbearable pain, tinctures and vaporizers quickly take effect. Tinctures can kick in within 15-30 minutes.
Always be sure to consult with your prescribing doctor before switching from prescription medications to CBD.
5. Uplifting Your Mood
CBD works to bind to the serotonin receptors in our brain, resulting in a feeling of contentment. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used for the treatment of some mental health concerns and symptoms, such as depression, generally take four to six weeks before a patient may note improvement of their symptoms. Documented cases show CBD improving the symptoms of diagnosed depression and situational sadness immediately following the first dose.
Another benefit is that it has little to no negative side effects. If a person overindulges in CBD, they can experience mild sedation with no long term negative side effects.
One method of uplifting your mood may be through baking so why not whip up a batch of homemade CBD-infused brownies? There are many online tutorials that teach ways to transform CBD flower into an oil or butter.
Once your cannabutter or cannaoil is finished, you can use them to substitute regular butter or oil in any recipe. Keep in mind, most online cannabutter directions are for marijuana flower. You can replace the quantity of marijuana needed with CBD hemp-flower.
We are not doctors or health professionals. These are our opinions based on scientific research and personal experience. Check with your doctor before taking any new supplements, herbs, or medications.
Cover Image: Justin Aikin
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