What is CBD And What’s The Hype?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a molecule commonly found in industrial hemp or what we know as “CBD products.” CBD can also be found in the cannabis plant, a close relative to the hemp plant, and what we commonly refer to as the THC plant. CBD that we get from each plant can greatly differ in results. Typically the CBD you will find in a legal cannabis dispensary is CBD extracted from the cannabis plant, if you are curious to try that instead of industrial hemp. What most people don’t know is that both the hemp and cannabis plant have a plethora of molecules called cannabinoids and depending on the strain, can all alter how you feel in very unique ways.
CBD is a relaxing cannabinoid, and is best known for helping users with anxiety, depression, pain, and more without getting someone “high”. Let’s take a look at some of the aspects of CBD and the CBD market.
How Does CBD Feel?
Describing how CBD feels can be tough because there are different ways to administer CBD, different strains of hemp and cannabis, and different forms of CBD. However, in general CBD is supposed to make you feel calm, relaxed, and generally more chill.
I tell people that CBD feels like a glass of wine, but without the mental drunkness, a calming and relaxing feeling. CBD can be extremely helpful with stress and overwhelming thoughts, but can also be helpful with physical pain. It is a temporary relieving product, and the more you use it, the more effective it has been scientifically shown to be.
What are the Benefits of CBD?
First and foremost, CBD is not FDA approved, and has only limited research in general meaning that we can’t be fully positive of all the benefits or disadvantages of using CBD just yet. Here are some benefits I have seen to show promise as well benefits that have helped me with various symptoms.
Anxiety and stress: CBD can effectively help someone manage their daily anxiety and stress. Using a regular dose of CBD has been shown to build up continued benefits over time, meaning that the more you use CBD, the more effective it is. Using different forms of CBD can also help to manage these feelings, such as a tincture (oil) for consistent effects throughout the day and a vape for instant relief. Read more about what product form is right for you on my blog!
Sleep: I prefer some brands over others particularly for sleep, but I definitely get a better night of sleep with CBD. CBD has calming effects, such as reducing anxiety, which can also help calm down your brain and your body. This calming can lead to better sleep and studies are showing that CBD can actually assist with managing a more healthy sleep cycle.
Ant-inflammatory/pain management: CBD can decrease pain significantly as well as assist with relieving inflammation in the body. One of the best ways to use CBD is to apply a topical lotion onto sore muscles and joints, which will soak into the skin and target the pained areas most effectively.
Here is a chart of other known benefits of CBD from Sleep Sherpa. These are known benefits but remember that everyone’s body is different so the effectiveness of various doses and forms can vary per person.
Are There Downsides to CBD?
One of the biggest downsides to CBD in general is that there are limited resources and studies to really learn about CBD and we rely solely on the reviews and experiences of users. Don’t let this alarm you, as there are still many benefits of CBD that are known, but since the product isn’t technically FDA approved in the US, there are limited studies.
That being said, CBD should be bought from reliable sellers, who take pride in their processes, disclose their test results, and have many user reviews. I would never suggest anyone buy CBD from a gas station, airport, or other random store because it’s really hard to confirm where the product came from and what the quality is.
One other downside to CBD is that it is recognized in your body by the same receptors in our livers that also process alcohol, vitamins, and other drugs. The simple solution for this fact is to always drink plenty of water to assist your body in processing the CBD you have taken and take bigger doses over time, not all at once.
Should You Try CBD?
Intrigued by the powers of CBD? You SHOULD try it.
CBD is a powerful cannabinoid that has already helped countless people with their mental and physical well-being. CBD is a part of my daily mental health routine and I am constantly thankful for the products I have, and the new ones I get to try. Read more about my favorite products and CBD uses here on my blog.
If you have a CBD question or a product review result, drop it in my contact form page so I can look into it and create a blog about it!
By, Delaney Lawrence
