Since hemp became legal on the federal level, CBD products have become all the rage across the U.S., but you may be wondering, what is CBD used for? You aren’t alone. From your local coffee shop offering CBD drinks, to your neighborhood market carrying CBD gummies and infused honey, you may be confused as to the benefits of CBD and questioning whether it’s the right supplement for you. In this article, we’ll be breaking down the basics of this cannabis-derived cannabinoid and provide a list of products you may want to experiment with.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of over a hundred cannabinoids, chemical compounds created naturally in the cannabis plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC is another one of the many chemical compounds. However, unlike THC, cannabidiol (CBD) is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not get you high. This makes CBD a great choice for working professionals, busy parents, and others who don’t want to be high, but still reap the benefits that cannabis can provide. CBD is usually derived from the hemp plant, which is the same species as the marijuana plant, but with a much higher CBD to THC ratio. By law, hemp plants should have 0.3% THC content or less. Everything from the leaves, fiber, roots, and seeds are used commercially to create textiles, clothing, rope, paper, biofuel, and of course CBD extracts.
CBD Benefits List
While there is only one FDA-approved CBD drug on the market to treat epilepsy, it is obvious that cannabidiol has many health benefits. People name dozens of uses for the plant medicine. These are just a few of the most common benefits of CBD:
CBD for anxiety
Many people suffer from anxiety on a daily basis and manage it using CBD tinctures or capsules. CBD for anxiety is one of the top uses of the cannabinoid and is particularly widespread amongst working professionals who want to still be clear-minded throughout the day. Researchers tested doses between 25mg and 175mg of CBD on a study group and it was concluded that the 25mg dose was the most effective for treating anxiety. This study found that after taking a 25mg CBD capsule every morning for a month, 79% of participants had a reduction in their anxiety level.
CBD for sleep
International studies on the prevalence of insomnia in adults have estimated that around 30% and possibly up to 50% to 60% of adults worldwide suffer from insomnia. CBD is an all natural alternative to highly-addictive sleeping pills and there is evidence that CBD can help people get to sleep and stay asleep. It is common for those with sleeping disorders to use a CBD and melatonin mix for even better results. When consumed, CBD attaches to receptors within the body’s endocannabinoid system in the brain and central nervous system, which regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.
CBD for cancer
Cannabidiol is not a wonder drug that will clear the body of cancer, however patients going through cancer treatment often use CBD and THC together to help reduce or manage some of the negative side effects from chemotherapy. More research is needed to know exactly how the two cannabinoids work together, however it seems that combined treatment works better to relieve nausea, vomiting, and neuropathic pain associated with cancer treatment. Currently, two synthetic THC drugs are approved for use in the U.S., while Canada and Europe have authorized a combination THC and CBD drug for cancer patients. One breakthrough study on animals with cancer found that cannabinoids reduced the growth of their tumors. This is promising news that researchers continue to investigate.
CBD for inflammation and pain
Many amateur and professional athletes are turning to CBD for pain management and inflammation as part of their recovery method, but you don’t have to be an athlete to reap these benefits. There are studies suggesting that CBD can help both chronic inflammation (like osteoarthritis) and acute inflammation (like those resulting from injury or sports). CBD topicals are made specifically to target points in the body with inflammation and pain, though some people prefer taking their CBD orally or even smoking it like professional MMA fighters, the Diaz brothers do post-fight. Most doctors who specialize in cannabis recommend using a high CBD, low THC combination to best treat musculoskeletal and nerve pain and playing with dosage until you get it just right for your body and needs.
CBD Products
There are many ways to consume CBD and I’m sure you’ve heard of at least a few. In addition to smoking dry herb high in CBD, tinctures, oils, edibles, and capsules are also very common methods of consumption. Pain and inflammation is often better treated using topicals that target a specific area of the body. These come in the form of CBD lotion, roll-on gels, creams, patches, and salves. Here are just a few CBD products to try:
- Hemplucid Organic Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
- Cold Therapy Roll-On CBD Lotion
- The Helping Friendly Broad-Spectrum CBD Tincture
- Olah CBD Vape Pen
- CBD Living Transdermal Patch
- The Helping Friendly Salve
Now that you know all the benefits of CBD be sure to check out our new CBD products on our online headshop for the best CBD edibles, topicals, tinctures, oils, CBD beauty products, and more. If you prefer to smoke a high CBD strain, we’ve also got all the rolling papers, herb grinders, water pipes, and other smoking accessories you’ll need to medicate.
