For those with GABA deficiencies, CBD may offer the boost they need to keep calm, cool, and collected.
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Maybe you weren’t aware of this, but GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is constantly working behind the scenes to pump the breaks when neurons in your brain get overexcited. This naturally occurring amino acid is one of your most important neurotransmitters. So, when there’s not enough of it...you can tell.
GABA deficiencies can feel like anxiety, racing thoughts, stress, fear, and can even make it harder to sleep. Luckily, CBD (cannabidiol) may not only help with those symptoms, but it may normalize GABA production too! Keep reading to find out how CBD and GABA can work together to keep you fit and healthy.
First, we need to do a teeny, tiny biology review--we’ll keep it short, we promise. Specifically, we’re focusing on Neurobiology: the study of the brain and nervous system and how they generate sensations, perception, movement, learning, emotion, and several other functions.
The nervous system has billions of neurons that send information to other nerve cells, muscles, or gland cells, and they each have three parts: a cell body, axon, and dendrite. As you can see from the image below, axons extend from the body and branch out into nerve terminals that allow them to send messages to other neurons. Dendrites also extend from the body, but by receiving messages from the axons of other neurons.
The contact point between the axon of one neuron and the dendrite of another is called the synapse. To send a message from one neuron to another, an electrical impulse is sent through the axon. But neurons can’t exactly send text messages, so they rely on neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers fall into three categories (excitatory, inhibitory, or modulatory) and can influence several different physical and psychological functions. Everything from mood, heart rate, appetite, and sleep can all be affected by neurotransmitters.
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that pumps the brakes on excitatory neurotransmitters. While that may seem pretty simple, its role is far more complex than it sounds.
GABA, as you may have guessed by now, inhibits or reduces the activity of neurons or nerve cells. But why would you want to stop your nerve cells? Doesn’t that sound like the opposite of what you want?
Not at all! Close to forty percent of the brain synapses have GABA receptors since it works hand in hand with so many other brain functions.
For example, dopamine (another neurotransmitter) is associated with happiness and rewards. A tiny bit of dopamine gets released when we eat something, the purpose of which is to teach us to feed ourselves. Pretty simple.
Too much dopamine, or if there’s not enough GABA to inhibit dopamine, can impact cognitive control (racing thoughts), impulse control, working memory, or attention control. This is very common in attention disorders like ADD or ADHD.
Normally, the brain balances these neurotransmitters. However, there are a surprisingly large number of ways that they can become unbalanced. For some, it’s genetic or stress-related. For others, it’s because they’ve altered their brain chemistry through the use of particular substances (legal and/or illegal substances).
Someone who doesn’t have enough GABA may experience anxiety, racing thoughts, depression, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and, in more severe cases, seizures.
There are several different ways to boost your GABA levels naturally, but sometimes people need to resort to prescription medications. Before it gets to that point though, it’s always best to try the natural methods.
Sometimes the natural options aren’t enough to boost GABA levels and people need to be prescribed a Benzodiazepine like Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, or Valium. They don’t actually increase the amount of GABA in your system, but they do make the GABA that’s already there more effective. The effects of benzos can include sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety so they’re often used to treat anxiety or insomnia.
However, there are several drawbacks to these medications. Over time they’re less effective because the brain adjusts to them. This can lead to higher and higher doses, which puts people at risk of becoming dependent. Not only that, but regular side-effects include lack of coordination, feelings of depression, drowsiness, and dizziness (and withdrawals from them are brutal).
So, while these medications can offer short-term relief when people desperately need it, they’re not meant to be used long term. However, there’s more and more research coming to light indicating that CBD could be an alternative for benzos and that it could boost GABA levels.
Let’s start with the ECS (Endocannabinoid System). We won’t go into too much detail here (get the lowdown here) but basically the ECS is a natural communication system that helps maintain homeostasis throughout your body. It can help balance your sleep/wake cycle, your stress responses, hormones, and more.
The ECS uses naturally occurring endocannabinoids to help regulate any system that gets out of whack. One endocannabinoid, in particular, 2-AG (2-arachidonoyl glycerol), is very interesting.
A 2011 study indicated that when GABA levels get too low, 2-AG acts as a backup system by boosting GABA levels. “The discovery of a modulatory site for 2-AG on a specific set of GABAA receptor subtypes adds another level of complexity to endocannabinoid and GABA action and provides important insight into their molecular mechanisms.” How cool is that?!
But how does CBD come into play?
Well, CBD interacts with our bodies through the ECS. Since cannabinoids like CBD are so similar to our naturally occurring endocannabinoids, CBD essentially boosts the balancing power of the ECS. And because the ECS is capable of balancing so many different parts of our bodies, that’s why CBD can help people with so many different issues.
But there’s more…
That sounds super complicated, but that just means, “it can either enhance or inhibit how a receptor transmits a signal by changing the shape of the receptor.” In 2017, a study by Australian scientists found that CBD changes the shape of certain GABA receptors, which ends up making GABA more effective.
Following that logic, it means that CBD has similar effects to benzodiazepines but without the nasty side-effects or withdrawals.
The human brain is complex, and we won’t pretend that we’re experts in neurobiology. That being said, we think it’s important that research into CBD and GABA continues. We’re learning more and more that the way we experience and interpret the world around us is intimately connected to the chemicals in our brains. It’s a delicate balance between different compounds, and that balance can shift for any number of reasons.
Remember to consult with a doctor before adding CBD to your regimen. While we believe CBD is one of the most natural ways to improve overall health and wellness, everyone's health is different and caution should be used. This is especially important for those already taking any medications or those already dealing with some type of disorder. Safety first, always.
One thing you can trust is that we will continue to keep our ears to the ground for new research involving CBD. Any tool we can use to improve our quality of life is worth researching, and that’s how we feel about CBD.
Feel free to check out our products or share your experience with CBD in the comments below or on our Instagram. You never know when your story could help someone else decide to improve their life with CBD.
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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Although matcha drinks look exotic with their green coloring, the flavor is fairly mild and it’s a hugely popular drink. Plus, in addition to being an eye-catching drink, matcha green tea is actually packed with a lot of nutrients!
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I remember the first time I saw the creamy-looking green drink and wondered, “What on earth is that?” I ended up asking a Starbucks barista, and she told me it was matcha green tea. I proceeded to order an iced matcha latte and immediately fell in love. To this day, it’s still one of my favorite drinks.
Although matcha drinks look exotic with their green coloring, the flavor is fairly mild and it’s a hugely popular drink. Plus, in addition to being an eye-catching drink, matcha green tea is actually packed with a lot of nutrients!
You can even pair the health benefits of matcha green tea with the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) in this Mighty Matcha Drink Mix. It really doesn’t get any better than that.
Keep reading to learn more about how matcha and green tea are a matcha made in heaven.
Matcha means “finely powdered tea.” It’s a type of green tea made by grinding young green tea leaves into a bright powder. That powder is then added directly to hot water to make the tea.
Other types of teas, including regular green tea, are made by infusing the water with tea leaves and then removing the tea leaves. You get some nutrients from the infused water, but a lot of the nutrition is removed when you remove the leaves.
With matcha, the leaves are ground up and stay in the drink, so you drink the whole tea leaves and reap all of the benefits that come from them. This also allows for higher caffeine and antioxidant content than what is found in regular green tea.
The best matcha teas originate in Japan, where they are part of the Japanese traditional tea ceremony and have been grown for centuries.
Over the past decade, the drink has become more popular in the United States; you can usually order a matcha latte at nearly any café.
Matcha leaves are bright green because they grow on tea bushes that are kept in the shade. Most farmers cover their tea plants about 20 to 30 days before harvest in order to decease sunlight exposure. The shade causes an increase in the chlorophyll content found in the leaves, which gives them their bright color and array of nutrients.
The traditional method for creating matcha green tea was an intensive process. Typically, the leaves would be picked by hand and the stems and veins in each leaf were removed. Then, the leaves would be ground into a fine powder with granite stones.
This process was done in the dark in order to protect the nutrients in the leaves. However, modern companies use grinding machines instead of millstones to grind the tea leaves.
Research has shown that various types of green teas contain a certain class of antioxidants that can provide many health benefits. One particular class of antioxidants called catechins is prevalent in green teas. Matcha contains a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) that is even believed to cause certain cancer-fighting effects in the human body.
Although more clinical research must be done before we know all of the benefits of matcha green tea, there are a few benefits that have come to light.
A few of the benefits of green tea include that it may:
With all of its benefits, it’s no wonder that green tea is a highly popular drink across the world.
The natural antioxidants found in green teas are the primary reason that teas like matcha have so many great benefits.
Antioxidants work by stabilizing the harmful free radicals in your body – compounds that can cause chronic disease by damaging your cells. By dealing with those free radicals, antioxidants help your body to prevent a myriad of diseases.
In a 2016 study, mice were given matcha supplements and the results showed that the matcha helped to increase antioxidant activity and therefore reduce damage caused by free radicals.
Because matcha green tea is made with the whole tea leaves instead of simply steeping leaves and removing them, the antioxidant content is much higher in matcha than in other green teas. In fact, one estimate says that the number of catechins in matcha is around 137 times higher than in other types of tea!
Keep in mind that not all matcha green tea drinks are good for you. Some of the powders sold by certain companies or used in coffee shops contain a lot of additives and loads of sugar. While you can still get nutrients from the tea, the other ingredients may not be healthy.
Make sure that before you purchase a matcha powder or order a matcha drink, you understand what the ingredients are.
For example, you know that Starbucks matcha green tea I mentioned earlier on? While it’s delicious, it is packed with sugar. Definitely not the healthiest way to consume matcha.
What if you could get all of the awesome benefits from matcha green tea in a drink that also contains CBD? That’s exactly what you get in this Matcha Drink Mix. But wait, why do you want CBD in your matcha?
Good question.
The answer is pretty simple: CBD is packed with health benefits as well.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound called a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is typically extracted from hemp plants and does not cause any psychoactive effects. CBD has been shown to provide a variety of benefits to your health as it interacts with your body.
A few benefits of CBD may include:
CBD works by interacting with a system in your body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is responsible for regulating a number of different functions including managing mood, appetite, pain response, and more. When CBD interacts with the receptors in the ECS, it helps your body to naturally balance the system.
For example, when you take CBD, it naturally helps your body to process and utilize serotonin better so that you experience an improved mood. This can decrease anxiety and help you to feel calmer and happier overall.
Research studies have also found that CBD can help to manage chronic pain, reduce inflammation, and even treat insomnia. More and more studies are being done all the time in order to better understand all of the benefits that CBD holds.
A matcha green tea latte infused with CBD almost sounds too good to be true. Not only do you get the antioxidant properties found in the flavorful matcha, but you also have the relaxing benefits from the CBD as well! We are big fans of this Mighty Matcha Drink Mix, a delicious hemp matcha mix.
But why this drink mix in particular? Well, there are a handful of reasons why this mix is one of the best.
The matcha found in this mix is certified organic, ceremonial-grade, and imported from Japan’s Kyoto Prefecture. In some cases, you may receive a First Flush variety, depending on what is in season. Check your purchase to see the specific source.
The mix also has a perfect balance of ingredients: it contains a total of 105mg of CBD, a good amount of caffeine, and antioxidant-rich matcha. This means you get the calming benefits from the hemp, energy from the caffeine found in the matcha, and nutrients from the matcha. Plus, the drink is extremely flavorful and delicious and a fun bright green color.
Jessica has been a freelance writer for four years, with a passion for science and health-related topics. She is also a lover of doing research and genuinely enjoys reading clinical studies, especially if it has anything to do with the emerging research on the health benefits of CBD. Jessica has a degree in behavioral science. She is a travel addict and an avid League of Legends player. She is also a proud dog mom to a Husky and an Australian Shepherd, so she’s frequently covered in dog fur and utterly exhausted from their constant shenanigans.
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CBD can help people in a LOT of ways, but one of the most popular uses is for pain management. Some report using it to help with minor muscle strains, headaches, painful inflammation, and others are using it to help manage more severe chronic pain.
Because it’s non-psychoactive, it doesn’t get anyone high. Plus, its side effects are rare and minimal. This makes CBD one of the safest options for pain management. Opioids are also used to treat pain but are carefully monitored because of their associated risks.
Doctors can prescribe opioids for moderate to severe pain, and for several years they were prescribed a LOT. In the late 90s, doctors were assured by pharmaceutical companies that opioids were safe and not addictive (although we now know that’s not true). This led to many doctors prescribing opioids, and lots of them.
The CDC conducted a survey to determine how prevalent these prescriptions were. They found that “After a steady increase in the overall national opioid prescribing rate starting in 2006, the total number of prescriptions dispensed peaked in 2012 at more than 255 million and a prescribing rate of 81.3 prescriptions per 100 persons.”
However, in 2016 the CDC released new guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain. These guidelines were meant to offer a framework of recommendations that primary care doctors can use when prescribing these medications outside of cancer treatments, palliative care, and end-of-life care. While this did curb the number of prescriptions, it left those who’d already become dependent without safe options.
CBD interacts with your naturally occurring endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system helps regulate different functions throughout your body from your hormones, neurotransmitters, sleep/wake cycle, and more.
When you take CBD it binds to specific receptors in your ECS and reduces pain, inflammation, and hyperalgesia. Because CBD so closely mimics the natural endocannabinoids that our bodies produce, this process is subtle and mild. CBD doesn’t FEEL like anything, it’s more about just not feeling pain anymore.
Opioids work differently. When you take an opioid, it attaches to one or more of the natural opiate brain receptors. Once stimulated, the brain experiences a rush of euphoric dopamine. So opioids do reduce pain, but they also lower respiration and have a powerful sedative effect. Also, they can cause the digestive system to function more slowly, so many opioid users report constipation as a side effect.
Pain is a tricky thing, and in some ways, we’re only just now starting to understand the many different mechanisms that influence our perceptions of pain. Things like lack of sleep and anxiety can both worsen pain and our perception of it.
Luckily, those are all things that CBD can naturally help you with. CBD helps people in several different ways, but in this case, one of the most powerful tools it has are its anxiolytic properties.
When you’re well-rested, you’re better at dealing with pain. Racing thoughts, panic attacks, and paranoia can ruin your day and any hope you had of managing pain. However, because CBD can help reduce anxiety, it also makes it easier to sleep. Getting more rest means your body is more capable of dealing with an enhanced pain response.
With the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, CBD became legal in all fifty states as long as it was manufactured from industrial hemp. These products are now widely available online and in-stores without a prescription as long as you’re 18 or older. The only issue now is just making sure you’re finding high-quality products.
Opioids, on the other hand, require a prescription from a healthcare provider. Narcotics are heavily monitored because of the many risks associated with their use. Your doctor should also recommend alternative pain management tools before resorting to opioids.
The reason that Opioids are so carefully monitored is because of their high risk of dependence. Opioid addiction can even happen even when someone is following their doctors’ instructions perfectly.
Technically, once someone has developed a tolerance for a particular dose, it means they’re already addicted and will need a higher dose to achieve the same level of relief. This causes many people to misuse their medications or to seek more powerful, and dangerous, narcotics. The CDC even says that in 2018, 10.3 million people misused their opioid prescriptions.
CBD, on the other hand, isn’t habit-forming. You won’t become addicted to CBD because it just helps your body do what it was already doing. Building a tolerance to CBD is virtually unheard of, which is why CBD is considered one of the safest, mildest forms of pain management.
Because CBD is so mild and non-addictive, you can safely integrate CBD into your everyday life. Many people regularly take CBD in the morning, evening, or throughout the day. Some people even use different types of products throughout the day for convenience. Honestly, it’s pretty awesome how many options there are!
Opioids are only meant to be used short-term though. The risk of dependence is too high to take these drugs long-term. The only situations where a doctor should be prescribing these drugs long-term would be end-of-life care or palliative care.
Like we said earlier, the ECS works to regulate and balance different parts of the body. That includes the brain and its neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the chemical signals your brain uses to send messages from one neuron to another. These messages can influence things like mood, hunger, sleep, stress, fear, and even our ability to focus.
A good example of this is how CBD interacts with the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to pump the breaks on excitatory neurotransmitters. When your brain doesn’t have enough GABA you may experience racing thoughts, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, or insomnia.
The ECS already has a backup system in place for this. When GABA gets too low, the ECS releases an endocannabinoid called 2-AG (2-arachidonoyl glycerol) which helps to boost GABA levels. Since CBD boosts the power of the ECS, it means that CBD can help balance that neurotransmitter.
How cool is that?!?
The effect that opioids can have on the brain is far less positive. These drugs can actually “rewire” our brains. Normally, pleasurable activities like laughing and eating release “happy” neurotransmitters like dopamine. This elevates our mood and/or decreases our perception of pain.
That’s pretty much what opioids do, but they flood the brain with much higher levels of dopamine then you would ever naturally experience. Over time your brain gets used to that rush of dopamine. That means you’ve developed a tolerance and are technically addicted. So, you’ll need more and more opiates to get that same rush of dopamine.
Long-term use of opioids can also cause permanent changes to the brain, specifically the prefrontal cortex and medial temporal lobe. The danger with these changes is that those areas are associated with long-term memory, decision-making, social behaviors, and thought processes. That’s why so many people who’ve become addicted to opiates report feeling like a completely different person afterward. That’s how powerful these drugs are.
The only risk associated with stopping CBD is the return of whatever issue you were treating. Because the effects are so mild, many people say the mood-boosting effects stay with them for several days after stopping. Plus, any pain you were treating won’t return any worse than it originally was.
At this time there’s no known evidence of CBD withdrawal symptoms, and thus far all anecdotal evidence supports that.
The withdrawal period associated with opioid use, however, is severe and can sometimes last years. Even when someone is a known opioid addict, medical professionals don’t usually recommend stopping cold-turkey because the withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening.
When you stop using opioids, it can take your brain and body a long time to adjust back to normal. But sometimes “normal” isn’t possible anymore. Common withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, insomnia, sweating, diarrhea, tremors, blood pressure changes, sweating, and more.
Severe symptoms can include deadly seizures and suicidal tendencies. What’s worse is that the pain someone was originally treating can come back even worse. This is known as hyperalgesia or enhanced pain response. This causes many people to continue opioid use, or to seek even more addictive painkilling drugs like heroin.
For many people, the main reason they use CBD is to combat anxiety and/or depression. Its ability to balance neurotransmitters makes it a subtle, yet powerful anxiolytic. Plus, because it’s so mild people can use CBD throughout the day without the intense sedative effect that many benzodiazepines have.
Opioids can worsen many mental health issues. On top of the fear and anxiety associated with knowing the physical pain will return, many opioid users report the following feelings when withdrawing:
These symptoms can lessen over time, but the physical and emotional toll these issues bring is traumatic for both the opioid addict and their surrounding friends and family.
It should be pretty clear by now that opioids are very powerful and abusing them risks serious complications; the consequences can be deadly. Luckily, CBD may be able to provide some relief.
Several studies have illustrated the effectiveness of CBD as a tool to help during withdrawal periods, providing relief by helping lessen anxiety and opioid cravings. There aren’t any interactions between opioids and CBD, so this makes it a safe potential treatment.
To learn more about the Opioid Epidemic and the role that CBD could play in it, click here.
Talking about addiction can be a touchy subject for a lot of us. Addiction can change people, and sometimes that’s hard to reconcile. But many of the people impacted by the Opioid Epidemic were just following their doctors’ instructions.
What matters now is that we’re actively working towards solutions. Finding safe and effective tools to help people wean off opioid use is essential to helping people recover.
While both CBD and Opioids can be used to manage pain, the consequences of opioids are devastating. We believe that CBD can provide a much-needed tool to help those suffering from opioid addiction.
Don’t forget to give us a shout-out on Instagram and let us know in the comments if you’ve experienced someone using CBD to overcome an addiction. Sharing our stories and listening to others is just one way we can work together to fight addiction and spread compassion
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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There’s a misconception that people are just born athletes. However, true mastery comes from consistency and dedication. It can involve waking up early, strict eating habits, and grueling workout routines. Over time it takes a toll on both your body and your mind, which is why many athletes use supplements to help them reach their goals. So, should Athletes add CBD to their regular list of supplements?
Yes! CBD (cannabidiol) can balance so many different aspects of the human body, and athletes can absolutely benefit from it. So, whether you’re a runner, bodybuilder, a Crossfit enthusiast, or even a golfer, you should definitely consider adding CBD to your supplements.
When most people think of CBD, they might assume the only people who need it are those who regularly deal with chronic pain and/or anxiety. The biggest issue with that assumption is that people don’t always include athletes in that group.
Chronic pain is a beast like no other, and it can strike anyone--including athletes. In fact, athletes regularly deal with muscle soreness and pain, not to mention the many injuries they may pick up along the way. Also, assuming athletes don’t deal with mental health issues only makes it harder for them to feel comfortable seeking help.
Basically, just because athletes have physical strength doesn’t mean they won’t benefit from CBD. In fact, CBD can help athletes in several ways...
Regardless of how often athletes work out, when they need to get stronger, they have to push themselves to their limits. This can often lead to micro-tears in the muscle fiber. The goal is for the muscles to heal and become stronger. Unfortunately, this means athletes often deal with muscle pain and inflammation. Luckily, CBD is great for treating both pain and inflammation.
Many athletes resort to painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen. However, long term use of NSAID drugs can have serious consequences like heart problems, kidney damage, stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal complications. CBD is a natural alternative to these painkillers and doesn’t come with the same risks that NSAIDs do. When CBD molecules bind to specific receptors in the ECS (endocannabinoid system) they reduce pain, inflammation, and hyperalgesia.
Have you ever crawled home from the gym after leg day? Ever had to literally roll out of bed after ab day? While it may be tempting to lay in bed all day while your muscles recover, it’s important to keep your body moving to avoid lactic acid buildup. This happens after intense workouts and is usually temporary, however, too much of it can make sore muscles feel even worse.
To help you keep moving without feeling like your muscles are screaming, consider using a CBD topical. A topical can be applied directly where you need it, and the act of massaging it into your skin will help relax your muscles too. Give it about 20-30 minutes and you’ll notice less soreness and more ease of movement.
The more you work out, the more you stress your body. While this does eventually force your body to become stronger, your body also deals with more oxidative stress. The more free radicals your body has, the more likely you are to develop a vast number of disorders.
While you could combat those free radicals by increasing your antioxidant intake, you could also supplement with CBD Oil. Several studies have shown that CBD may reduce oxidative damage. This means faster recovery and better performance for athletes.
While you may think the most important part of an athletes routine would be diet or exercise, sleep is just as important. Sleep is how the body heals and recovers. If an athlete isn’t getting quality sleep, they’ll notice slower recovery time and less energy.
CBD can help athletes get better sleep in two ways. First, by reducing pain and inflammation, CBD can help the body relax and prepare for sleep. The second way is by relaxing your mind. CBD can increase the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps slow racing thoughts and induce a sense of calm.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an Olympian or an amateur athlete, anyone can have problems with anxiety and/or depression. Plus, can you imagine the intense pressure that comes with needing to perform at your absolute best all the time? Yikes.
The same way that CBD can boost GABA to help people sleep better, higher GABA levels are associated with feeling calm and relaxed. Not only that, other research indicates that CBD may be able to help Seratonin transmission in the brain. Serotonin is associated with elevated moods and lower anxiety. Yes, please!
While the side-effects of CBD are rare and almost always mild, it’s important for athletes to understand how the supplements they’re using may effect them. CBD can interact with certain prescription medications, so it’s best to consult with your doctor before using CBD while on medication.
Also, it’s possible to test positive for THC when using CBD products. This would only happen if someone is using a full-spectrum CBD product and at an incredibly high dose. If this is something you’re worried about, stick to isolates or broad-spectrum products.
We hope this information inspired our athletes to give CBD a try! Plus, if chronic pain and/or inflammation has held you back from living a more active lifestyle, we hope that CBD can give you the relief you need to go for it!
To figure out what dose is right for you, check out our blog all about it here. Everyone is different, so you may have to tinker with your dose until it’s just right. If CBD makes you feel sleepy, we’d recommend taking it before bed. On the other hand, if CBD gives you a boost of energy try taking it before an intense workout! There are so many different types of CBD products available, so check out our shop and find one that’s perfect for you!
Let us know in the comments if CBD has made a difference in your workouts, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for updates.
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
]]>Some products say that they include hemp oil, while others say they have CBD. Are they the same thing?
Because some companies and people use the terms ‘hemp oil’ and ‘CBD oil’ interchangeably, it’s especially difficult to understand what the differences are. Although they may seem like the same thing, the two are actually quite different and have very different properties and benefits.
It’s important to understand the differences between CBD oil and hemp oil so that you don’t end up purchasing a product that doesn’t provide the benefits you want. To learn more about how CBD and hemp are different, keep reading!
CBD or cannabidiol oil is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. In most cases, it is extracted from the leaves, flowers, stalks, and stems of industrial hemp plants.
When it comes to products that provide benefits from cannabinoids, CBD is what you want. This is because CBD oil contains high amounts of cannabidiol. CBD is one of over a hundred cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Over the years, studies have been looking into potential health benefits of CBD. A few of the areas being investigated are:
Research has even been done on CBD and epilepsy patients, and scientists have seen that CBD may help to reduce the severity of and the number of seizures patients experience. In fact, cannabidiol is the main active ingredient in an FDA-approved medication for seizures called Epidiolex.
Early research is also being conducted on CBD’s effect on a variety of different diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and more. Although much more research needs to be done before we can state anything conclusively, what scientists have been finding is very promising.
Essentially, CBD is a natural cannabinoid that works with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to elicit certain responses. Your ECS is responsible for managing mood, appetite, sleep, pain response, and many other functions. CBD works by interacting with the receptors in that system to help your body to naturally improve each of those functions.
Hemp oil refers to an oil that is derived from industrial hemp plants.
Like CBD, you cannot get high from hemp oil as it must come from cultivars containing less than 0.3 percent THC, which is the psychoactive component of marijuana. Because only trace amounts of THC are found in most forms of hemp oil, you don’t have to worry about any psychoactive effects.
Regarding benefits, hemp oil is best-known for being rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which are important to a healthy diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids provide many benefits to your heart. They aid in managing and preventing heart disease, and they may also help to lower blood pressure.
The benefits of omega-3’s include:
While omega-6 fatty acids are not as popular as omega-3’s, they are still essential for the human body. The primary role of these fats is to provide energy in your body, and they are also known to have some benefit in treating symptoms or certain chronic diseases.
However, omega-6 fatty acids have also been shown to increase inflammation and inflammatory disease in the body, so they should be used in moderation.
Although hemp oil and hempseed oil are also often used interchangeably, they are slightly different. Hempseed oil is typically made by the process of pressing hemp seeds until oil is excreted, while hemp oil is usually derived from the hemp biomass.
Hempseed oil also contains essential fatty acids and many vitamins. These are particularly helpful in improving the health of your skin. Most hempseed products are marketed as skincare products, soothing a variety of different skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and more.
No, CBD and hemp oil are not the same.
Lots of products on the market simply include hemp oil or hempseed oil, so it’s important to note that those are not the same as CBD oil and do not have the same effects. Similar to CBD, hemp oil is derived from hemp, but it only contains trace amounts of cannabidiol. CBD oil, on the other hand, has a very high concentration of cannabidiol.
Cannabidiol is typically what you want when you’re looking at purchasing a hemp product. While hemp oil and hempseed oil have benefits of its own, they’re not the same benefits that you expect.
For example, hempseed oil has some great benefits for your skin, but don’t let the confusing marketing lead you into purchasing a product that you don’t want.
If you want a product that may help you to feel more relaxed, get better sleep, and potentially relieve anxiety, you need to find a product that contains CBD.
Although they have some similarities, they are both different compounds and therefore provide different benefits. A few of the similarities of hemp oil and CBD oil include:
A few of the differences between hemp oil and CBD oil include:
Because the CBD industry is not heavily regulated, some companies market their products inaccurately in order to entice you to purchase them.
Many companies simply put a picture of a cannabis leaf on the bottle of their product in order to promote sales. Although it may look like you’re buying a product that has CBD oil, in reality, the actual ingredients used in the product are unclear. You may be getting a product that has some hemp oil, but not a significant amount of CBD.
Keep in mind that if you purchase a hemp oil product, you’re not getting all of the benefits that you’d expect from a product with CBD. So, it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.
Products that actually contain CBD must have “cannabidiol” listed on the ingredient label. If the product says something like “CBD-enriched hemp seed oil” it may or may not contain the cannabidiol that you want. Products that just list “hemp seed oil” or “hemp oil” likely only have trace amounts of CBD.
It’s also a good idea to do some research on the company selling the products before you make a purchase. Only purchase CBD products from reputable companies that include detailed third-party testing information for each of their products. This way you can be certain of the ingredients found in the product, and the the oil's quality.
Jessica has been a freelance writer for four years, with a passion for science and health-related topics. She is also a lover of doing research and genuinely enjoys reading clinical studies, especially if it has anything to do with the emerging research on the health benefits of CBD. Jessica has a degree in behavioral science. She is a travel addict and an avid League of Legends player. She is also a proud dog mom to a Husky and an Australian Shepherd, so she’s frequently covered in dog fur and utterly exhausted from their constant shenanigans.
]]>While we may focus on the hemp plant, we do want to give a shoutout to some other botanicals you should be doing your best to get a hold of. Today, we’re covering the ultimate detox trio--spirulina, chlorella, and wheatgrass.
If you think of plants and flowers when you hear the word “botanicals,” you’re absolutely right! Botanicals, in this instance, refers to any herb, root, flower, mushroom, or mineral used for medicinal purposes. You can find them in skincare products, hair care products, and a wide variety of supplements.
Some of these botanicals are incredibly powerful and, for centuries, were used as medicine in different cultures. Today, people are rediscovering the effectiveness of botanicals and have begun to use them in much the same way that over-the-counter medicines are used.
For legal purposes, however, botanical medicines can only be classified as “dietary supplements.” Regardless of that classification, some botanicals are well-known for their ability to relieve inflammation, ease digestive issues, balance hormones, promote better sleep, boost moods, and more. It’s all about the connection between mind and body medicine.
Honestly, we could talk about the wonderful world of botanicals for an entire blog. In fact, we already did! If you want more details, check out our blog Botanicals for Health and Wellness.
For our first Botanical Spotlight, we wanted to shed some light on the ultimate detox trio--spirulina, chlorella, and wheatgrass.
If you have a hard time getting in your daily dose of green veggies, a supplement with spirulina may be just the thing. Believe it or now, spirulina is actually an algae that grows in both salt and freshwater environments. It’s also very nutritionally dense, making it one of the most beneficial supplements you can take.
In fact, one tablespoon contains:
It also contains phycocyanin. Not only is this compound what gives spirulina its blue-green color, but it also combats free radicals making it a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
On top of that, there’s even research indicating that spirulina may help improve cholesterol levels in two ways. It may lower bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol, and it may prevent bad cholesterol from oxidating. When LDL cholesterol oxidizes, it increases the likelihood of developing heart disease. Luckily, the antioxidants in spirulina may help prevent that from happening.
Honestly, this is just a small portion of what spirulina is capable of. See why we’re so obsessed?
Chlorella is another algae, but that doesn’t mean it’s exactly the same. This fresh-water, single-celled algae has almost all the same nutrients that spirulina does plus a few extra perks.
One of the biggest perks of chlorella is its ability to bind with heavy metals. There are some metals that are essential but only in tiny amounts. Obviously, that includes iron and copper, but there are a few that you definitely don’t want to stick around. For example, cadmium and lead can be incredibly dangerous in large amounts.
Heavy metal toxicity is pretty rare. However, pollution or even certain jobs can put someone at a higher risk of absorbing these compounds. Luckily, chlorella has been shown to decrease the amount of heavy metal toxicity.
Like spirulina, chlorella has also been shown to have some cholesterol benefits. In several different studies, taking as little as 5-10 grams of chlorella was shown to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides. This is thought to be due, in part, from the niacin, fiber, carotenoids, and antioxidants in chlorella.
Again, this is just a glimpse of what chlorella can do. It’s also been known to boost endurance, improve digestion, improve blood sugar, and more! If you weren’t a fan of algae before, you should definitely consider giving it a chance.
Wheatgrass gets a bad rap. Sadly, it’s because health advocates have been promoting it for years in the form of highly concentrated liquid drinks. While that’s definitely one way to get your daily dose of wheatgrass, it’s not the tastiest. That’s why a supplement with wheatgrass is often the way to go; and after you hear about its many benefits, you’ll think so too!
Wheatgrass is sprouted from, you guessed it, the wheat plant. Just like both spirulina and chlorella, it’s incredibly nutrient-dense.
On top of that, wheatgrass may also help lower cholesterol. Some cholesterol is important for things like bile and hormone production. Too much, however, can increase your risk of heart disease. Wheatgrass, however, seems to have similar effects to a prescription drug called atorvastatin, which is prescribed to treat high cholesterol. More research is needed, but that sounds like a great start for us!
Many people faithfully use wheatgrass for its anti-inflammatory properties. Acute inflammation (muscles sore from working out, sore throat from allergies, etc.) is normal and a necessary reaction from your immune system. Chronic inflammation, however, can be painful and have long-lasting negative effects.
The anti-inflammatory properties of wheatgrass are due, in part, to its high chlorophyll content. Again, more research is needed, but early results indicate that wheatgrass may even help treat inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis.
Together, these botanicals provide powerful detoxification and immune-boosting properties. Plus, add hemp into the mix and you have one powerful supplement designed to help rid your body of toxins, reduce inflammation, boost energy, and more. Be sure to check out The Brothers Apothecary | Super Greens Hemp + Spirulina & Wheatgrass Capsules to try out these botanicals today!
As always, in the comments below feel free to let us know what your experience with these botanicals has been like! And don’t forget to follow us on social media for all the latest updates.
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
]]>The only way to be sure is to understand the different botanicals that can influence your health and wellness. One of our biggest missions at 1937 Hemp Store is to promote hemp education. That way, people understand how they benefit from hemp products and they know how to find high-quality products. But we’re not stopping there!
It just makes sense to turn to mother nature when we’re feeling off-balance. This week we’re giving you an overview of the different types of plants that can bring more balance to your health and wellness.
When you think of “botanicals,” what comes to mind? If you’re imagining different plants and flowers, you’re on the right track.
It basically means, “relating to plants or botany” or “a substance obtained from a plant.” Often it referred to plants used for medicinal purposes, or even just plants used as flavoring agents for aromatic liquors.
Today, however, it encompasses an entire world of herbs, flowers, and roots used in beauty and wellness products. Even more than that though, people are starting to use botanicals in much the same way they use over-the-counter medicines.
Although plants and minerals were the original pharmaceuticals, botanical medicines can legally only be classified as dietary supplements. Even with this classification, there’s still plenty of clinical evidence for the effectiveness of many different botanicals for a variety of ailments. For example, many women use black cohosh supplements to relieve menopause symptoms.
It doesn’t seem too far-fetched to imagine that different plants and minerals could help balance hormones, gastrointestinal issues, or even help you sleep better. But what about botanicals that supposedly ease anxiety or boost your mood?
You may be surprised to find out that many of those claims are 100% correct. It all comes down to the mind and body connection.
In the very recent past, phrases like “it’s all in your head” or “just get over it” were pretty common. Now we’re learning that our mental and physical states are innately connected.
Ever gone through emotional trauma and then had a hard time shaking a cold? Or maybe it happened the other way around. Maybe you were injured and then experienced anxiety or depression. The experiences we go through, whether emotional or physical, have a huge impact on our overall health and wellness. We even have specific systems in place that help our brains connect our physical and mental experiences.
One such example would be the Limbic System. This includes the hippocampus (which helps with memory, learning, spatial reasoning, and long-term information) and the amygdala (which helps our bodies process emotions). Basically, this system is the bridge that connects our psychological and physiological experience.
For example, think of the last time you were frightened. Did your heart rate increase? Did you breathe faster? Maybe you even started sweating. The whole point is that your limbic system understood your emotions and released certain hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, to prepare you for a fight-or-flight response.
To read more about Mind & Body Medicine, click here!
That’s just one example of how your mind and body work together to create the human experience. If you’ve been part of the 1937 Hemp Store family for a while, you already know that the Endocannabinoid System helps regulate many physiological processes, including stress responses. That’s the whole reason why hemp and CBD products are able to help people with both physical and emotional issues.
So the idea that plants can have an impact on your mindset is entirely plausible!
In the past, people were only able to access plants that grew locally. Today, however, you can access herbs, roots, and even mushrooms from every exotic corner of the world.
To give you a small idea of the many different botanicals you may run across, here are several herbs, flowers, roots, mushrooms, and algae that can give your health and wellness a boost.
You’re probably familiar with some of these. In fact, you’ve probably got a few of these in your spice cabinet right now! The list of botanical herbs is vast, but here are a few classics you should be aware of.
Skullcap
While it’s technically in the mint family, skullcap is an herb traditionally used for its leaves which have sedative properties. This makes it useful for combating anxiety or insomnia.
Wheat Grass
It may not sound appetizing, the freshly sprouted leaves of the wheat plant are high in Vitamins A, C, and E as well as amino acids, iron, and a few other important minerals.
Peppermint
The classic peppermint plant has been used for centuries not only as a flavoring agent, but also to relieve digestive problems, nausea, and to calm the mind.
Fennel
This perennial, pleasant-smelling herb has several medicinal uses. Its seeds are useful for heartburn, bloating, loss of appetite, and it’s been known to ease menopause symptoms.
Black Pepper
Yes, the black pepper you have in your cabinet is actually VERY good for you. Not only is it an antioxidant, but it can also improve how well your body absorbs other vitamins and minerals. Plus, it has high levels of beta-caryophyllene, a terpene with powerful analgesic properties.
Gingko Leaf
Also known as Gingko Biloba, this is actually a tree with powerful medicinal properties. It can reduce inflammation, improve heart health and circulation, and can even slow down the onset of dementia.
Chamomile
Whether you’re using chamomile oil or drinking chamomile tea, this flower is particularly calming, can reduce stomach issues, and has pain-relieving properties.
Dandelion
Yes, the bright yellow weed you keep trying to eradicate from your yard actually has incredible detoxification properties. On top of that, it’s also an anti-inflammatory, may lower blood pressure, and has lots of antioxidants.
Rosehip
You may be familiar with rosehip tea, but pretty soon you’ll be seeing this plant in skincare products all over the place. That’s because it has lots of polyphenols which make it great at fighting free radicals. On top of fighting skin aging, it’s also an anti-inflammatory and may support a healthy immune system.
There are several different plants used specifically for their roots. You’re probably familiar with ones like Licorice and Ginger, but what about Rhodiola? Ashwagandha? Ok, let’s dig in!
Valerian
The root of this plant has been called “nature’s Valium” because of its relaxing, sedative qualities. Due to its high levels of antioxidants like hesperidin and linarin, it’s very good at helping people get restful sleep. It’s also been known to help with PMS, restless leg syndrome, and anxiety.
Licorice
You may only be familiar with the licorice flavor of certain candies and beverages, but this root packs a powerful punch of holistic benefits. Licorice root has been used for centuries to soothe gastrointestinal issues, ease respiratory problems, and even reduce stress.
Ginger
A favorite spice for holiday treats, ginger root also has several medicinal properties that everyone can benefit from. It’s a powerful treatment for nausea, may lower blood sugar, reduce the risk of heart disease, and may even improve brain function.
Turmeric
This vividly orange substance is one of the most nutritionally dense supplements available. Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This is what gives turmeric its brain-boosting and joint-soothing properties.
Pro-Tip: When supplementing with turmeric, boost your black pepper consumption to help your body absorb more curcumin.
Ashwagandha
This ancient medicinal adaptogen helps your body maintain balance and respond to stress. A mainstay in Ayurvedic practices, the root of this plant has been used for centuries to relieve stress, boost energy and focus, and reduce inflammation.
Rhodiola
The root of this herb has been used in Russian and Scandinavian cultures for centuries for its ability to reduce stress, alleviate fatigue, and even improve brain function.
While you might think algae is just the stuff that scums up your pools and aquariums, certain types of algae are actually rich in vitamins and minerals. Here are two of our favorites!
Spirulina
Often referred to as “blue-green algae,” spirulina is insanely nutritious. One tablespoon has four grams of protein, 11% of your RDA (recommended dietary allowance) of Vitamin B1, 15% of your RDA for Vitamin B2, 4% of your RDA of Vitamin B3, 21% of the RDA for copper, and 11% of the RDA for Iron. It has even more nutrients than that, making this one of the most nutrient-dense supplements available.
Chlorella
This freshwater algae is a complete protein source all on its own. It contains most of the same nutrients that spirulina does, but it also a good dose of Omega-3s, can aid in detoxification by binding to heavy metals, and can give your immune system a much-needed boost.
If you’re one of those people that can’t stand the taste of mushrooms, then rest easy. Most of these nutritionally dense mushrooms can be purchased as powders and easily added to smoothies, lattes, or other food items. Plus, once you find out how healthy they are, you might start singing a different tune.
Wild Chaga
They may be kind of ugly to look at, but these mushrooms have been a big part of holistic medicine in Siberia and other parts of Asia for a long time. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory, may strengthen your immune system, and may even lower cholesterol and blood sugar.
Lions Mane
These large, shaggy looking mushrooms are gaining popularity in the Western world for their powerful brain and mood-boosting properties. Not only may they protect against dementia, but they can also soothe anxiety and depression, aid in the recovery of nervous system injuries, and even protect against ulcers.
Cordyceps
While it’s pretty tricky to harvest these fungi, they’re well worth the effort. They’re thought to improve oxygenation during exercise, improve heart health, and they have powerful anti-aging properties.
Reishi
This mushroom grows in several hot, humid locations around Asia. Much of its medicinal value is attributed to the triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans it contains. Regardless of how it does it, reishi may boost your immune system, alleviate fatigue, ease depression, and it may even boost your good cholesterol.
The above list is by no means comprehensive, but we wanted to introduce you to some of the different botanicals you may run across. Plus, if you’re looking for more detailed information, we’ve got your back! We’re going to start diving into some of the more common botanicals so you can stay educated and informed about what goes into your body.
We do want to remind everyone to discuss any new supplements with their healthcare provider. While these plants have been used for centuries for their health and wellness benefits, you could have a unique sensitivity or you may be on prescription medications that shouldn’t be mixed with some of these supplements. Safety first!
Let us know in the comments if you’ve got a favorite botanical, and be sure to check out some of our products that are already taking advantage of mother nature’s medicine cabinet.
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
]]>When you can buy hemp products just about everywhere, it’s easy to forget the controversial past it’s had. Industrial hemp only became legal in 2018, and that’s when CBD (cannabidiol) products began flooding the market. You can now find CBD products at the Chiropractor’s office, at the vet, gas stations, and you can conveniently purchase CBD online and have it shipped right to your doorstep.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re thrilled about that! But hemp certainly isn’t new, and it’s been around for a long time. That’s why we thought it was high time we celebrated the strange history of hemp.
We really weren’t kidding when we said hemp has been around for a long time. It’s only been in the last decade or so that CBD has become well-known, but hemp was used as early as 8,000 BCE in China and Taiwan for pottery, food, and medicine.
In ancient India, sacred Hindu texts (written somewhere between 2000 and 1400 BC) mention hemp as one of the five sacred plants. It was considered a source of joy and was given to humans to help them achieve happiness and overcome fear and anxiety.
The Hindu god, Shiva, is frequently depicted carrying hemp and was often associated with the plant. According to legends about Shiva, he was injured in some way and decided to rest underneath a leafy plant. Upon waking he sampled the plant and was healed. Afterward, hemp became Shiva’s favorite food and he was known as “Lord of Bhang.” Bhang is a beverage or food made with hemp and has social and religious affiliations.
Bhang is still a popular drink in India, however, it’s likely that the hemp they were, and still are, using is closer to what we would consider “marijuana.” Basically, it has enough THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) to be psychoactive, whereas the industrial hemp of today has less than 0.3% THC.
Hemp was used for more industrial purposes in Southern Russia as far back as 600 BCE in the form of ropes. Archaeologists even found hemp seeds and leaves in Berlin that dated back to 500 BCE. The use of hemp continued to spread throughout northern Europe, and more and more people began utilizing it for industrial purposes.
Hemp rope was found in Greece that dated back to 200 BCE, and the use of hemp rope and paper was seen in China and Britain as far back as 100 BCE. Evidence of hemp paper mills was discovered in China and the Middle East, and in 1533 King Henry VIII even fined English farmers if they didn’t grow hemp.
Basically, as soon as a society discovered the usefulness of hemp, they made a priority to grow it and use it for industrial purposes.
Hemp most likely was introduced to the Americas around 1500, during the Spanish conquest. The Spanish navy regularly used hemp ropes and sails, and to avoid relying on overseas shipping, they immediately began growing it in South America. It’s use spread to North America, and in 1616 hemp was sown in the first permanent English settlement--Jamestown.
Throughout the early 1700s, hemp was used for ropes, sails, and even clothing. Early laws also required farmers in some colonies to cultivate hemp, and we know that in 1840 Abraham Lincoln used hemp seed oil in his household lamps.
Fun Fact: Early drafts of The Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper.
As the United States began to take shape, it seemed like hemp would be a pivotal part of its many thriving industries. In 1916, the USDA even published information that showed how hemp produced up to four times more paper per acre than trees.
Unfortunately, things were about to take a very bad turn for the hemp industry.
In 1937 the US government legalized the consumption and sale of hemp. While that sounds like a progressive move forward, the bill was created with the intention of stopping the hemp industry in its tracks.
If you look back at cannabis use (which includes hemp) in the 1860s, you’d see hemp being used for industrial and medicinal uses. It was completely legal and could be purchased at drug stores and pharmacies. Doctors prescribed both hemp and more potent forms of cannabis to patients for a variety of ailments.
In the late 1800s, however, the public became aware of the addictive qualities of morphine. Previously, it had been added to many common medicines which led people to unknowingly develop painful addictions. With an outraged public, “drug use” became public enemy number one.
As the hemp industry continued to grow, owners of the nylon, cotton, and timber industries knew it would threaten their businesses. Suddenly, information began circulating about the dangers of cannabis and hemp and public perception of the crop began to decline. This was further exacerbated by a man named Harry Anslinger.
Anslinger headed the Department of Prohibition, but once prohibition ended in 1933 he was out of a job. Afterward, he became Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. Before taking that position, Anslinger spoke out against those who tried to demonize cannabis. After he took the Commissioner position, however, his outlook changed completely.
The thinking here was that his new position would be much more necessary if there was a larger “drug” to combat. So he spread false information stating that cannabis would cause psychosis, insanity, and violent crimes. He was also a notorious racist and played into the racial tensions of the time to create even more fear of cannabis and hemp.
After the Great Depression, racial tensions were at an all-time high as people competed for jobs. As Anslinger’s anti-cannabis campaigns released statements such as, “Reefer makes darkies think they’re as good as white men,” the American people began associating cannabis and hemp with immigrants.
When you break it down, the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act was put into place to kill an industry that threatened the financial holdings of certain powerful individuals and to institutionalize racist, anti-immigrant campaigns. It did this by enforcing such strict regulations and expensive taxes that no one could afford to work in the hemp industry.
If you want to learn more about the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act, click here!
After the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act, the hemp industry quickly declined and nearly disappeared. There were a few attempts to raise awareness about its industrial benefits (in 1942 Henry Ford even build an experimental car body made from hemp fiber) but they mostly failed in the face of the racist anti-cannabis campaigns.
In 1942, the USDA initiated the “Hemp for Victory” program, which was a government film that explained the uses of hemp and urged farmers to consider growing it. Some commercial hemp fields succeeded, but by 1970 The Controlled Substances Act officially classified hemp as an illegal Schedule I drug. The strict regulations of this new act affected both industrial hemp and its more potent cousin, marijuana.
In 1971, Nixon officially declared the battle against illegal drugs the “War on Drugs.” By putting hemp and marijuana in the same category as LSD, heroin, and ecstasy, it became easier for people to consider hemp dangerous. The public approval for this idea made it easier for Nixon to boost federal funding for drug-control agencies and to implement mandatory prison sentencing for drug crimes. In 1937 he created the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) which is still functioning today. However, today we know that much of Nixon’s motivation was political.
In an interview with Nixon’s domestic policy chief, Ehrlichman was quoted saying, “We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or black, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course, we did.”
After Jimmy Carter became President, he decriminalized up to one ounce of marijuana. After his time in the white house was over though, Reagan reinforced and strengthened much of Nixon’s previous policies on drugs. This led to a massive amount of drug-related incarcerations and an explosion in prison populations, with a majority being African American (see a trend here?).
However, once the Endocannabinoid System was discovered in the 1990s, the scientific community began strongly advocating for more ability to conduct research with hemp and marijuana products.
As time went on, it was clear that the War on Drugs was unsuccessful and clearly targeting marginalized peoples. More states began to decrease the minimum sentencing for drug-related crimes as public support for the policies decreased.
In 2004, a legal case between the Hemp Industries Association and the DEA led to hemp being permanently protected when it comes to the sales of hemp foods and body care products. That meant more people were eating hemp seeds and using hemp skincare products. This bolstered the public perception of hemp, and in 2007 the first hemp licenses in over 50 years were awarded to two farmers in North Dakota.
The Farm Bill of 2014, signed by President Barack Obama, allowed research institutions to begin hemp farming, which led to several more attempts to fully legalize hemp. It wasn’t until the 2018 Farm Bill was passed that industrial hemp was removed from the Controlled Substances Act. That’s why you’re finally able to legally purchase and sell CBD products today.
One of the most frustrating things about the history of hemp (aside from the blatant racism) is that scientists have long known about non-psychoactive CBD and its many medicinal benefits. Dr. Raphael Mechoulam identified the chemical structure of CBD in 1946, and for the next several decades he studied its use in primates. In 1980 he even discovered that CBD could be a powerful treatment for epilepsy. This beneficial medicinal compound was kept from the public purely for political reasons.
Technically, the “War on Drugs” that Nixon implemented is still in place today. That’s why understanding the history of hemp is so important. Education will keep people from demonizing hemp for their own political or monetary goals. We’ve seen it happen too many times to assume that someone won’t try it again.
Hemp and CBD products are some of the safest, non-habit forming therapeutic substances you can use. And to make sure that you can continue to legally access them, it’s our mission to continue to educate and spread awareness about the troubled past they’ve had.
We hope this information helped you gain a better understanding of the history of hemp, so don’t forget to follow us on social media for more updates and information.
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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Even if you haven’t tried CBD yet, you probably know someone who has. But what exactly is CBD, what’s it supposed to do, and what’s the difference between CBD and Hemp Oil? Lots of us would just ask friends or family members for a review, but the responses can vary wildly.
Some claim it’s helped them sleep better, while others say it gives them more energy. You might know someone who uses CBD for pain management, but someone else might be using it to manage anxiety. With such varied claims, how are you supposed to know how it will affect you?
By trying it yourself!
However, before you go out and buy the first CBD product you can find, you should educate yourself. That’s why we’ve put together a Definitive Guide to CBD & Hemp Oil to answer all your basic questions and even some you might not have thought to ask.
In case you have a specific question and want to skip ahead, here are the topics we’ll be covering today:
If one of your concerns about CBD and Hemp is whether or not they’re illegal, we get it. In the United States, the topic of hemp has been widely debated over the last several decades. Plus, industrial hemp was only legalized in the U.S. at the end of 2018.
You might find yourself thinking, “Wait, what’s industrial hemp? And what about marijuana? Is that different?”
Ok, let’s make sure we’re on the same page. Hemp and Marijuana are both technically part of the plant genus known as Cannabis. In fact, there are several different types of cannabis. Some will get you high and are only legalized in certain states (which is often referred to as marijuana), while other types won’t get you high and are legal in most states (industrial hemp).
You know what, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s just start at the beginning...
The history of hemp and CBD is vast and...complicated. It’s been around since 8000 BCE. In China and Taiwan it was used for pottery, food, and medicine. In India, an ancient Hindu text says the plant is sacred and often depicts the god Shiva carrying a bundle of hemp.
As an industrial material it was used to make ropes and sails, so it quickly traveled to many different parts of the world including Russia, Berlin, the Middle East, and England. It was so useful that in 1533 King Henry VIII even fined English farmers if they didn’t grow hemp.
It’s believed that hemp was introduced to the Americas during the Spanish conquest (around 1500). To avoid relying on hemp from overseas shipping, they immediately began growing hemp in South America. Eventually, its use spread to North America and in 1616 it was grown in Jamestown (the first permanent English settlement).
As the United States slowly began to take shape, it seemed like hemp was going to be an integral part of its agriculture because of its usefulness. The regulation of the plant was left up to local lawmakers, and by 1860 it was considered useful for medicinal and industrial purposes. Other textiles began to replace hemp, but medical professionals would often recommend more potent forms of hemp (Cannabis Sativa) to their patients because of its medicinal uses.
As time went on, hemp had a resurgence as a textile and began to threaten the cotton, timber, and nylon industries. Thus began the many different attacks on the hemp industry.
Technically, the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act legalized and regulated the sale of the plant. What this malicious act actually did, however, was essentially kill the hemp industry. It placed such heavy taxes on the plant that no one could afford it, and not paying taxes meant HUGE fines.
Plus, the anti-cannabis movement was spurred on largely by false medical claims and racist fear-mongering. In the end, it effectively killed an industry that would have provided medicinal benefits and jobs to millions of people.
Over the next several decades, cannabis continued to be a tool for underhanded political figures to spread fear and further their political goals. You’re probably familiar with the largely unsuccessful “War on Drugs” campaign started by Nixon, which is still technically alive today. It wasn’t until the 2018 Farm Bill that industrial hemp was differentiated from its psychoactive plant cousins, thus finally making it legal.
This is important because, without industrial hemp, we wouldn’t have CBD.
Industrial hemp has very high levels of a cannabinoid called CBD (cannabidiol). While it’s historically been used for industrial purposes, today a large portion of industrial hemp is grown purely for CBD products in the wellness industry. So, what exactly is CBD?
A lot of the fear-mongering from the 30s and 40s claimed that cannabis would cause psychosis and promote criminal behaviors (among several other false claims). The truth is that none of the many different cannabis plants do that. Some of them, however, do have psychoactive effects. That just means that some of them can make you feel stoned, high, baked, lit, or whatever term you prefer.
THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid compound found in some cannabis plants that has this psychoactive effect. So THC can get you high. CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t have the same psychoactive properties that THC does, so CBD will not get you high.
The reason that one gets you high while the other doesn’t is because of the different ways they interact with your Endocannabinoid System.
The ECS (endocannabinoid system) was first identified in the early 90s and it's the whole reason why our bodies respond to cannabinoid compounds at all. Research into this system and its many mechanisms are still ongoing, but the information we DO have is astounding.
It’s a highly complex system that helps promote homeostasis, i.e. balance, throughout the body. The ECS supports other systems and organs so they can function as efficiently as possible. Whatever task it’s trying to accomplish, however, is done through the use of naturally occurring endocannabinoids.
The really cool thing is that the chemical structure of both THC and CBD is very similar to those natural endocannabinoids. So similar, in fact, that the ECS can use them in place of its own. The difference is that THC is able to perfectly bind with ECS receptors while CBD only partially binds. That’s why THC is psychoactive while CBD isn’t.
It depends on whether you’re using Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, or Isolate products. If you’re using a CBD isolate (meaning it doesn’t have any other cannabinoids) then no. Broad-Spectrum products can have CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids with the exception of THC. So broad-spectrum products shouldn’t cause you to fail a drug test either.
Full-Spectrum products, however, can legally have up to 0.3% THC in them. It’s a minuscule amount, but it technically means you COULD fail a drug test. To get enough THC into your system to do that, however, you’d have to be taking massive doses of full-spectrum CBD.
If you’re worried about failing a drug test, stick to CBD Isolates or Broad-Spectrum products. The same goes for anyone who has a sensitivity to THC because it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Is there a difference between CBD & Hemp
Hemp Oil and CBD Oil: What’s the Difference?
When you take CBD, it interacts with two ECS receptors. The CB1 receptor is mostly found in the brain, but the CB2 receptor is primarily found in the digestive and immune systems as well as in bones and in the heart. It’s through these receptors that CBD is able to affect change in the human body. Those changes can be vast, but the effects on your brain chemistry are particularly interesting.
A healthy ECS functions as the main regulator of adult neuroplasticity. Basically, that means the ECS helps neurons reorganize themselves by forming new connections throughout the human lifespan. This is particularly important as we age. A poorly functioning ECS can mean those synapses become inactive which will decrease brain function.
There’s still ongoing research being conducted to determine the full extent of how CBD interacts with the human brain, but thus far it has phenomenal potential to help people overcome addiction, lessen inflammation in the brain, and as a potential therapy for neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis.
If CBD doesn’t make you high, what exactly does CBD feel like? Well, it’s less about how it makes you feel and more about what you don’t feel.
It also depends on why you’re taking CBD. If you’re using CBD oil to treat chronic pain, then you’ll just notice less pain. If you’re vaping CBD to help deal with a panic attack, you’ll just notice that your thoughts stop manically racing and you’re more able to relax.
Another variable that can determine how CBD feels for you is how you use CBD.
One of the best things about CBD is that there are so many different ways you can use it. You can conveniently vape anytime, but if that’s not your thing then CBD gummies are easy to keep on hand. But it doesn’t stop there! There are topicals, capsules, oils, tinctures, teas, and more. To find out which option is best for you, let’s review some of the basics...
Vaping is one of the fastest ways to get relief from CBD. That’s why many people who worry about panic attacks keep a vape pen on them when they’re out and about. So, how do you vape CBD Oil?
Whether you’re using a vape pen, e-cigarette, or a more hefty vape mod or tank, it still functions generally the same way; hold down the button and slowly inhale the vapor. Go slow until you’re comfortable with the process. Eventually, strive to get the vape into your lungs where it will more easily get into your bloodstream.
So, vaping is great and all, but is there such a thing as vaping too much? That depends. Since the effects of vaping kick in so quickly, you’re unlikely to give yourself too much CBD. However, the biggest issues tend to pop up when someone is using poor quality CBD or a poor quality vape pen or mod.
If you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients, you’ll also have a negative reaction. That’s why it’s best to only purchase CBD products from trusted sources.
The difference between CBD Tinctures and CBD Oils is how they’re made and what they consist of.
Tinctures are made by dissolving herbs in high proof alcohol. After a while, the hemp plant matter is strained out and all that’s left is the CBD-infused alcoholic liquid. The amount of alcohol is typically very low, however. They’re more similar to vanilla extract or kombucha than an actual cocktail.
CBD Oil, on the other hand, can be made by dissolving and steeping hemp in water or oil (known as an infusion), using cold liquids to extract CBD from hemp (maceration), or even a hot water process used on tougher plants that extracts CBD (decoction).
CBD tea is like any other tea with therapeutic plants and herbs, it just also happens to include CBD. There are a variety of different CBD teas available, and you can even find both caffeinated and non-caffeinated varieties.
Most CBD teas come in the form of tea bags and can be steeped in hot water. As the tea leaves and herbs infuse the water, the CBD releases. This creates a soothing beverage that provides you with all of the benefits from both the tea and the cannabidiol.
Are you excited about trying CBD but have no idea how much to take? We don’t blame you!
If you don’t understand how to calculate your dosage, it can be pretty confusing. First off, always start low and go slow. Even if your “recommended dose” seems small, try half of that amount first just to make sure your body responds well to CBD. On the off chance that you have a sensitivity to CBD or any other cannabinoid, this will help you avoid negative effects.
First, you need to determine how much CBD is in each milliliter of oil. If you have CBD oil with 200 milligrams of CBD and your bottle contains 20 milliliters of liquid, you would have 10 milligrams of CBD per milliliter of oil. From there you can take more or less, depending on need. Most droppers hold up to one milliliter of liquid, but not all. So, make sure you know how much fluid your dropper can hold.
It’s best to always start with CBD Oil, as opposed to pre-dosed edibles or vapes. Once you know what an appropriate dose feels like for you, you’ll be able to buy other products with confidence.
How long it takes for your CBD to actually start working depends on several factors.
First, how did you use your CBD? If you ate a CBD gummy, it could be anywhere from 30 min to over an hour. That’s because edibles have to pass through your digestive system before the CBD is actually absorbed.
The fastest method is vaping, with results kicking in as quickly as a minute or two. CBD Oils are right in the middle with effects kicking in anywhere from 15-20 minutes if taken sublingually, or 30 minutes to an hour if ingested regularly.
The other factor to consider is you. How fast your body absorbs CBD can depend on your metabolism, weight, age, diet, fitness, etc.
Just how the time can vary for when your CBD effects kick in, how long CBD effects last can also depend on several factors. How long CBD lasts depends on the method you used, age, weight, and metabolism.
As a general rule, the faster the effects kick in the shorter they’ll last. So if you’ve vaping CBD you can expect the effects to last for up to an hour, perhaps longer. When you ingest CBD (edibles, oils, etc.) the effects can last for several hours, and when you take CBD sublingually, the effects usually last around four to six hours.
Other factors like the quality of your CBD, how fast your body metabolizes CBD, and why you’re taking CBD can determine how often you’ll need to re-dose. That’s why it’s so important to understand your doses.
For several reasons, it’s important to know how long CBD stays in your system. For example, maybe your doctor wants to put you on a prescription drug that may interact with CBD. Or perhaps you’re worried about CBD showing up on a pre-employment drug screening.
The simplest answer? It depends.
Some say that if you only use CBD occasionally, a week should be long enough. But that also depends on the dose you were taking. There have, however, been studies that showed how even when someone was taking a high dose of CBD, their levels were almost nonexistent. Other factors to consider are the method of ingestion, age, weight, metabolism, etc.
If you’re really doing your research and trying to find high-quality CBD products, you’ll need to know how to read a COA. Short for Certificate of Analysis, this should be the official lab results that were compiled by a third-party lab.
If you can’t easily access the COA for your CBD products, then it’s best to steer clear. Plus, reading the COA is the best way to ensure your products actually have as much CBD as they claim.
This document allows you to see who performed the analysis (it should always be performed by a third-party), the cannabinoid profile, a heavy metals analysis, pesticide analysis, and sometimes a terpene analysis. If you have specific allergens, you should always check the COA to make sure the product is safe for you.
You’re probably familiar with CBD and maybe even THC, but have you heard of CBG or THCV? What about CBN? Don’t worry, most people aren’t aware that there are actually hundreds of different cannabinoids. If you’re using Full-Spectrum or Broad-Spectrum products, your body is actually already receiving these other cannabinoids.
If you examine the cannabinoid profile of a COA, you’ll be able to determine which cannabinoids are present in your products. Many of these other cannabinoids have similar anti-inflammatory properties to CBD. A few of them, however, have potential therapeutic properties for seizures, obesity, glucose intolerance, and more. Click here to read more about the other cannabinoids and their properties.
Another COA category you might be unfamiliar with is the Terpene profile. If you’re wondering what terpenes are, we don’t blame you. Terpenes are organic hydrocarbons that essentially make up the flavor and aroma of most plants, including hemp! The coolest part, however, is that terpenes can actually dictate a lot of the “effects” that cannabis has.
If a strain of hemp is particularly relaxing, it might have higher levels of the terpenes myrcene and linalool. Both of those terpenes have mild sedative properties, and myrcene actually increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. That means that not only is myrcene relaxing all on its own, it also boosts how effective other terpenes and cannabinoids can be. How cool is that?!
You won’t find a group more obsessed with CBD than us here at 1937 Hemp, but even we know that sometimes you’ve got to do your research. If you’re not sure where to look, all that information can be pretty overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together our list of must-read books about CBD.
Our list includes books for patients, easy-breezy pieces for light readers, more dense science-heavy pieces, and even a CBD cookbook. Make sure to click the link above for our booklist, and as a bonus, you’ll get to see our editors take on each one.
Even if you’ve never tried CBD, you probably know someone who’s used CBD to help with depression. While it’s by no means a cure for depression, it does offer those suffering from depression a tool to better their mental health. Medical experts don’t know exactly what causes depression, but there are a few risk factors. Some of those include traumatic events, genetics, unbalanced neurotransmitters, hormones, and chronic medical problems and/or pain.
Luckily, CBD may help people with several of those factors. The ECS works to improve neuroplasticity which will improve neurotransmitter communication, it can help balance hormones, and ease chronic pain. In another piece, we wrote, “When you look into the possible causes of depression, particularly on brain chemistry, you can see how CBD’s effect on strengthening and supporting the brain can help alleviate depression symptoms.” To access that full article, click here.
The fight-or-flight response, or panic response, is an evolutionary trait that helped early humans survive a harsher world. Their nervous system would prime them to either fight or flee in the face of danger. Today we don’t have to run from predators or fight for territory, but our fight-or-flight response is still very active. You’ll notice this if your breathing speeds up after suddenly having to hit the breaks in your car.
But when this response doesn’t shut off, you can become chronically stressed. This is NOT good for your body and you can quickly develop other health issues because of this. Luckily, CBD can help balance your fight-or-flight response by boosting the balancing power of your endocannabinoid system.
From what we just covered above, it should be pretty clear that CBD can help you deal with stress. This is important because even the most easy-breezy of us deal with stress from time to time. Maybe you think you’re handling it pretty well, but your body could still be internalizing stress in the form of stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal issues. Regardless of where your stress comes from or how it manifests itself, it’s safe to say that being less stressed is good for you.
Luckily, CBD can help you overcome stress and anxiety in several ways. For the everyday stress we all deal with, supplementing with CBD can help you slow racing thoughts, sleep better, relax tense muscles and more. For those who use CBD to lower anxiety you can expect those same results, but you can also keep a CBD vape pen on hand for sudden panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines (or benzos for short) are a group of medications often prescribed to provide short-term relief of insomnia, anxiety, and even seizures. While some people are able to use these medications as prescribed, they’re shockingly easy to become dependent on. This leads to millions of people all over the world with an addiction that’s incredibly painful and dangerous to recover from.
However, CBD is providing relief to some by helping them taper off of benzos. CBD can do this in several ways. First, the endocannabinoid system actually has a back-up system in place to boost GABA levels when they get too low.
GABA is necessary for feeling calm and relaxed, so taking CBD just helps your endocannabinoid system accomplish that task more effectively. It can also regulate sleep patterns, help treat anxiety that led to benzo use, help with muscle relaxation, and it may also be an allosteric modulator. For those of you who don’t have a degree in biology, it means it may make GABA more effective.
You might experience brain fog for any number of reasons. Maybe you didn’t get enough sleep, you’re dealing with a lot of stress, hormones are unbalanced, etc. Luckily, research indicates that CBD may help improve focus and help people avoid the dreaded brain fog.
CBD doesn’t have some magic “focus” molecule, but it does help your brain function more efficiently because of the combination of its diverse effects. CBD can boost mental clarity by reducing distracting aches and pains, relieving anxiety, improving sleep, regulating glutamate levels, and even by fighting free radicals.
A mood disorder is a mental health issue that can affect your emotional state, and they’re more common than you might think. Some people find relief through prescription medications, but for some those either aren’t the right option or they’re just not enough. Luckily, many people are finding that CBD provides some relief to mood disorders.
Research has found that the ECS is present in the limbic regions of the brain. That makes it an ideal system to help regulate emotions, mood, and stress responses. If, however, the ECS isn’t functioning efficiently it may result in depression or anxiety. By supplementing with CBD, your ECS has the necessary cannabinoids to act as a potential therapy for mood disorders.
If CBD has shown to provide relief for those suffering from depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, can CBD help those with schizophrenia? Well, yes and no. Schizophrenia is a chronic psychotic disorder where someone both hallucinates (senses something to be real when it’s not) and has delusions (believes something to be true when it’s not).
More research is necessary, but early findings show that the chemical makeup of CBD is similar to atypical antipsychotic drugs and was found in several cases to lower psychotic symptoms. However, it’s important to note that researchers were unsure exactly how CBD worked as an antipsychotic.
It’s also very important for those with schizophrenia to avoid products that also contain THC, as it’s been known to exacerbate psychotic symptoms.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur when someone has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. To help manage symptoms (which may include intrusive thoughts, avoidance behavior, anxiety, rage, depression, etc.) some resort to prescription medications. Some of these medications, however, come with their own list of negative side-effects. To avoid this, many are now relying on CBD to provide relief from PTSD.
Because the CB1 receptors of the ECS directly relate to the body's anxiety responses, taking CBD can target some of the main symptoms of PTSD including fear, anxiety, and stress. Other research shows that CBD also reduces insomnia which is another symptom of PTSD. A regular regimen of CBD Oil or Gummies is recommended for maximum relief, however, having a CBD vape on hand is useful for unexpected anxiety.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease that mainly affects the neurons in the central nervous system. Since those neurons aren’t able to heal or replace themselves, the damage from MS is irreversible and, as of right now, there is no cure. However, could CBD provide relief for multiple sclerosis patients?
While CBD can’t heal any of the damage that’s already occurred, it’s neuroprotective properties mean that CBD may help protect against further damage. It’s also able to ease sleep disturbances associated with muscle spasms, along with easing the muscle spasms themselves. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD will also help a variety of different symptoms. So, while CBD won’t cure or heal MS damage, it can offer symptom relief and help slow down future damage.
While it would be irresponsible to say that CBD can cure cancer (it can’t), there is research indicating the CBD has potential as an antitumor therapy. It’s important to note, however, that more research needs to be done before anyone can definitively claim that CBD can treat or prevent cancer.
CBD, however, may ease some of the negative symptoms experienced from cancer and from cancer treatments. On top of that, evidence shows that CBD may complement cancer treatments too. While much of this information requires additional studies, we do know that CBD can help cancer patients find pain relief, nausea relief, appetite stimulation, and anxiety relief.
According to the CDC, in the United States someone experiences a stroke every forty seconds and fifteen million people are affected worldwide each year. Some are able to recover completely, but more than two thirds of survivors will require some form of rehabilitation. So, can CBD help those recovering from strokes?
Multiple studies show that the administration of CBD following a stroke improves recovery by improving cognitive and functional impairment. The endocannabinoid system already works to balance physiological and biological processes that can become damaged by a stroke, so taking CBD simply boosts the efficiency of that system.
More than that though, CBD has been proven effective in pain management for stroke survivors. More research is necessary, but CBD has a lot of potential as a therapeutic treatment for stroke survivors.
In the United States there are roughly 3.4 million people diagnosed with epilepsy (a brain disorder causing mild to severe seizure episodes). In 2019 the FDA approved the first CBD prescription for epilepsy called Epidiolex. While it effectively works as an anticonvulsant, doctors are still unsure how CBD produces those effects.
Much of these effects are likely due to the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, however more research is needed to definitively make that statement. Because so many of the people suffering from epilepsy are children, there has been wide criticism of CBD use from anti-cannabis groups. However, with more and more research we’re seeing just how much CBD may help those with epilepsy.
The immune system is one of the least understood structures in the human body, in part because of its mind and body connection. In the midst of the Coronavirus, however, more and more people are looking for ways to maintain a healthy immune system. In fact, you can actually boost your immune system with CBD.
Some of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy immune system are to get quality sleep, minimize stress, exercise, eat healthy, and drink plenty of water. Many people in quarantine, however, have a hard time staying on top of those basic things.
Luckily, CBD can lower stress and anxiety, improve sleep, improve mobility by decreasing pain and inflammation, and it even acts as an immunomodulator for the immune system.
Chronic pain takes a physical and mental toll on people, so much so that it’s often debilitating and isolating. However, CBD can help people manage chronic pain and improve the quality of life for millions.
CBD can help by balancing neurotransmitters that influence pain perception and also by improving sleep quality. Pain can make it hard for people to sleep, and when that happens the brain actually becomes more sensitive to pain.
By reducing stress, it also helps people avoid the added anxiety and depression often associated with chronic pain. One of the most beneficial properties of CBD, which helps it accomplish so many of these tasks, is that it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Everyone experiences acute inflammation from time to time in the form of scrapes, sore throats, or even sore muscles. Chronic inflammation, however, can cause some serious health problems. Chronic inflammation can cause several health issues, but it can also be a result of underlying issues like arthritis, asthma, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, and more. To combat inflammation, many are turning to CBD.
One of the systems that the Endocannabinoid System tries to keep balanced is the immune system. Oddly enough, the immune system is what’s in charge of inflammation. By taking CBD, you’re boosting the balancing power of your endocannabinoid system.
Opioids are prescribed to help people manage moderate to severe pain, but unfortunately the risk of addiction is insanely high. Even when a patient takes these drugs precisely as directed, they can still become dependent. Opioid addiction is painful for both the patients and their family members, but what’s even worse is that the withdrawals from these drugs can be dangerous if not downright deadly. So, can CBD help fight opioid addiction?
Not only can CBD offer relief to people before they even have to resort to opioids, it can also help those who are experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms. First, CBD can help by providing an alternative pain management to opioids. During withdrawals, the original pain can sometimes return even worse than it was before. So having an alternative form of pain management is crucial. CBD can also help by reducing cravings for opioids and by reducing the anxiety that can become crippling during withdrawals.
Pregnancy is an amazing time in a woman's life, but it can also get pretty uncomfortable too. Luckly, CBD Oil can provide relief for a variety of ailments that pregnant women face. Everything from alleviating morning sickness, increasing appetite, reducing aches and pains, reducing anxiety, and even improving sleep.
One of the biggest questions people ask, however, is whether or not CBD is safe to use during pregnancy. As of right now there’s been no clinical testing on pregnant women and CBD. So while there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence supporting the safety of CBD and pregnancy, no one can conclusively state that CBD is safe for pregnant women.
Fertility is a delicate process that can be made all the more complicated by the everyday stressors of life. But for those dealing with infertility from medical issues, they may be wondering whether CBD can help increase fertility. It’s important to remember that CBD cannot cure PCOS, abnormal sperm mobility, or any other fertility issue. So, if your infertility is due to an underlying medical issue, CBD may not be much help.
However, CBD can balance other parts of your life that may be hindering your fertility. First, CBD can reduce stress that could be affecting your libido, hormones, sleep, etc. If the body is too stressed, fertility can be affected. CBD may also help sperm fertilize eggs due to the cannabinoid receptors on sperm, and it may also promote ovulation.
While all vertebrates possess an endocannabinoid system, there hasn’t been as many studies on CBD in pets as there has been on CBD in humans. There are a few pieces of information that may influence the dose you give to your pets.
For example, we know that dogs have CB1 and CB2 receptors, but dogs might also have more receptors in their brains than we do. That means a small dose of CBD might have a greater impact on them. We’re also not certain that cats have CB2 receptors at all.
Basically, always consult with your veterinarian before supplementing your pets diet with CBD. The general consensus is that CBD is safe for your pets to treat several different ailments including chronic pain, seizures, and anxiety.
For dog breeds prone to anxiety, older dogs with joint pain, and especially for dogs with chronic pain, CBD can provide relief. But how much CBD Oil should you give your dog? Just like with people, it varies. However, here are a few tips to help you figure out how much your dog needs.
For midsize or large dogs, 1-5 mg CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight should do the trick. For particularly small dogs you should consider 0.2mg of CBD per pound. Keep in mind that more active dogs will metabolize CBD faster, meaning the effects will kick in faster but wear off sooner.
If you’re still unsure make sure to consult with your veterinarian, only buy organic, high-quality CBD products for your dog, and it’s recommended to start with CBD oil so you can tinker with the dosage to find what works best for your furry friend.
We hope this guide answered your questions and helped you find resources for your more advanced queries. If you hadn’t guessed it by now, we’re pretty obsessed with all things CBD & Hemp.
Our mission is to spread awareness and education of this amazing plant and all the ways it can improve the quality of life for millions of people (and pets)! Be sure to follow us on social media for all the latest updates, and feel free to check out our store where we’re constantly adding high-quality CBD products for every part of your life.
So when you see CBD products with claims such as Improves Mind and Body Wellness or Elevates Mood are they for real? Let’s find out!
]]>Your mind and body can influence each other in some pretty amazing ways, and the Endocannabinoid System is just one of the ways they’re connected.
It’s a common enough experience — You go through some kind of emotional trauma and then for the next several months you have a harder time fighting off simple colds. Or maybe it happened the other way around. Maybe you experienced an injury and then had intense mood swings afterward. When this happens, many people assume it’s “all in your head.” Well, that’s not exactly wrong...but it’s not the whole picture.
Our bodies and minds are connected in ways we’re only just now beginning to understand. Eastern medicine has long accepted that your physical and emotional states can influence each other, but Western medicine is still playing catch-up. However, with the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), we’re quickly gaining ground.
So when you see products with claims like “Improves Mind and Body Wellness” or “Mood Elevating” are they for real? Let’s find out!
First, we should make sure we’re all on the same page when it comes to a few terms.
Hopefully, it’s pretty obvious that when we say “body” we’re referring to your physical body. That includes everything INSIDE your body too. So, that means your organs, various bodily systems, nerves, etc. If it’s a physical part of your anatomy, then that’s what the word “body” is referring to.
The word “mind” is a little more complicated. You might assume that we mean your “brain,” but that’s still part of your physical body. We’re referring to your mental state. That might include your emotions, thoughts, attitudes, mood, etc. So, in this instance, the brain is really just the hardware that facilitates your mental state.
The University of Minnesota put it beautifully when they said, “Mental states can be fully conscious or unconscious. We can have emotional reactions to situations without being aware of why we are reacting. Each mental state has a physiological state associated with it—a positive or negative effect felt in your body. For example, the mental state of anxiety causes you to produce stress hormones.”
That’s just one example of the many ways your mind and body can influence each other. Let’s look at some more.
As an example, imagine that you’re constantly stressed because of your job, finances, or maybe a relationship issue. That emotional stress can lead to tense muscles, headaches, and even gastrointestinal problems. Eventually, it may also lead to high blood pressure which can result in heart problems. All of that just from stress.
But it works the other way around too. When you’re dealing with chronic pain or some kind of underlying health problem, it can affect your emotions. You may become anxious or depressed, which could then impact how well you manage your illness.
Basically, any kind of pain and suffering, regardless of whether it’s in your mind or in your body, can be detrimental to your overall health. By that logic though, it makes sense that having a positive mind might have a positive impact on your health. The Mayo Clinic even recognizes that laughter can increase oxygen intake, relieve neurological stress responses, stimulate circulation, and relieve muscle tension.
Let’s look at a few specific examples of how your mind and body work together.
If we’re going to talk about the mind/body connection, it makes the most sense to start with the limbic system. This system is a group of structures in the brain that play a big role in our emotions. Those structures regulate the mental faculties needed for survival such as motivation, reward, learning, memory, fight-or-flight, hunger, thirst, and the production of certain hormones that regulate the autonomic nervous system.
The two most memorable parts of the limbic system are the hippocampus and the amygdala. The former aids in memory, spatial reasoning, learning, and long-term information while the latter helps our bodies process emotions. Together they help our brains connect emotional meaning to specific memories. Overall, the limbic system controls our conscious and unconscious functions by acting as the bridge between psychological and physiological experiences.
As an example, think of the last time you were really scared. Your heart rate may have increased, your breathing might have sped up, and you might have even started sweating. Your emotions triggered the limbic system to release a flood of hormones specific to the fight-or-flight response (adrenaline, cortisol, etc.).
Basically, the idea that your mind and body are two completely separate entities is outdated. But let’s keep going...
Most people assume that the immune system is simply in charge of helping to fight off illness. While that’s true, the immune system is far more complex than that and can easily be influenced by your mental state. In fact, chronic stress can be detrimental to your immune system.
Over time chronic stress causes extreme fatigue to your immune system. There are several studies that show how stress actually diminishes white blood cell function, and an article published in Social Work in Health Care even says, “vaccination is less effective in those who are stressed and wounds heal less readily in those who are stressed.”
This is particularly relevant today because the majority of us are dealing with more stress than usual. It’s also painfully ironic that most of us are damaging our immune systems because we’re so anxious about becoming ill.
If you want to learn more about managing coronavirus-related stress, check out Get Through Quarantine Stress Naturally with CBD.
There’s one system in particular that may hold the key to maintaining the balance between the body and the mind: the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a vast communication system that has two main purposes. The first is to help maintain balance in the various other bodily systems. The second is to fine-tune the communication between nerves so they can communicate as efficiently as possible. And because the ECS has receptors throughout the body, it’s able to influence a LOT. To save time, let’s just look at how the ECS influences the immune system and the Limbic System.
Several studies have shown that the ECS is involved in immunoregulation, meaning one of its tasks is to support the immune system so that it functions more efficiently. When it comes to the Limbic System, it’s thought that the ECS improves how different neurons communicate with each other (aka it improves synaptic plasticity).
We need more research to determine exactly how the ECS improves synaptic plasticity, but we do know that the ECS influences:
All of those items fall under the responsibility of either the Limbic System or the Immune System. Regardless of whether the ECS is directly affecting those systems or if it’s just treating symptoms, it still means the ECS is working to provide relief for both the body and the mind.
So, when you see products that claim to improve your mood and your physical health, are they for real? Well, that actually depends on YOU. Let us explain...
There are plants, herbs, and minerals that can provide support for different parts of your anatomy. For example, capsaicin (the chemical responsible for peppers being spicy) can increase blood flow and metabolism. Ginseng has also been used for thousands of years for its ability to increase energy and elevate mood.
The vast world of adaptogens includes a wide variety of plants and mushrooms that are meant to promote balance much the same way that the ECS does. Terpenes, the organic hydrocarbons found in most plants that make up aromatic compounds, can act as sedatives, stimulants, or even antioxidants and antibacterials.
And don’t worry, we didn’t forget about Hemp and CBD. The hemp plant is full of cannabinoids, specifically CBD (cannabidiol). This compound is similar enough to your natural endocannabinoids, that taking CBD is like giving your ECS a whole team of helpers. In the simplest terms, CBD makes it easier for your ECS to do its job.
But if there are all these amazing tools to help you feel better...why are so many of us still struggling?
Because we’re all different. No one has the same physiology as anyone else. A product that might work wonders for you might not work all that great for your friend. Plus, remember that this is about finding a balance for your body and mind. If you’re experiencing physical ailments because of emotional trauma, all the herbs in the world won’t help you the same way talking to a mental health professional will.
When you finally start supporting your mind the same way you support your body, amazing things happen. That might mean meditating, talking to a counselor, or even just going on a peaceful walk every day to gather your thoughts. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and now we know that the two are intimately connected.
It may sound silly, but the best way to practice mind & body medicine is to pay attention to the way you feel. Start noticing how you physically feel and how you feel emotionally. Health and happiness are the natural state, so if you find yourself constantly dealing with aches or anxiety, then something is off.
For many of us, our lives are so hectic we don’t know something is wrong until it’s REALLY wrong. So, we challenge you to pay attention to your needs. Maybe that means taking a five-minute break in the afternoon to stare out the window and practice some breathing techniques. Maybe it just means taking a new supplement to help your ECS function better. Whatever you do, just pay attention to your mind and your body and then give it whatever it needs (even if it just needs a nap).
Follow us on Instagram for all the latest updates, and don’t forget to check out our store for products that may help you find mind and body balance.
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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One thing we CAN control, however, is how we respond. So whether you’re practicing social distancing or on an official quarantine order, use the following information to boost your mental health and overcome stress with CBD.
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Let’s face it, we’re all pretty stressed out right now. The situation changes every day and we’re dealing with a ton of uncertainty. It’s enough to make even the most unperturbed leaders sweat. There’s no right or wrong way to handle this situation because there’s very little precedent for it.
One thing we CAN control, however, is how we respond. That all starts by minimizing stress and developing mental strength. We firmly believe in the stress-fighting properties of CBD (cannabidiol). But when you combine CBD with the following practices, you’ll develop a personal routine designed to alleviate stress and boost your mental fortitude.
So whether you’re practicing social distancing or on an official quarantine order, use the following information to boost your mental health and overcome stress with CBD.
First, there seems to be a lot of confusion over the following terms. So let’s clear the air and make sure we’re all on the same page.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) defines social distancing as, “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.” Areas affected by this would include stadiums, shopping centers, movie theatres, etc. The request for social distancing has led to the cancellation of thousands of events, and while this is annoying it’s a necessary action.
This term has taken on a new meaning as many local governments request that their citizens follow this practice. It’s not necessarily a requirement, but it’s not something to be taken lightly. Because COVID-19 can be transmitted even when someone isn’t showing symptoms, it’s possible to still catch the virus from healthy-seeming people at the grocery store.
Quarantine, on the other hand, is defined as, “the separation of a person or group of people reasonably believed to have been exposed to a communicable disease but not yet symptomatic, from others who have not been so exposed, to prevent the possible spread of the communicable disease.”
So, if someone isn’t showing symptoms but may have been in contact with someone who IS sick, they’re put in quarantine. Some people may self-quarantine, while others may be requested to quarantine themselves by a health official.
Isolation is, “the separation of a person or group of people known or reasonably believed to be infected with a communicable disease and potentially infectious from those who are not infected to prevent spread of the communicable disease. Isolation for public health purposes may be voluntary or compelled by federal, state, or local public health order.”
You don’t have to be officially diagnosed with COVID-19, but if you’re showing symptoms it’s best to self-isolate until you’re able to receive a test OR until you’ve been symptom-free for several weeks. No matter which category you fall into...it’s pretty dang scary.
A lot of us are used to getting out of the house, socializing, hugging, etc. The fear associated with these practices is understandable. But that fear can lead to stress, which can cause unnecessary strain on your mental and physical health.
That’s why developing methods to deal with stress are so important.
We all know what stress feels like. Some might describe it as a general sense of unease, fear, mood swings, etc. But stress can also be experienced as headaches, muscle aches, sleep problems, anxiety, and/or depression. Honestly, stress can take on about a million different forms. Chronic stress, however, can lead to a host of other, more serious, physical problems.
When your body is constantly stressed (chronic stress) it can cause extreme fatigue to your internal systems. Our bodies weren’t meant to exist in a constant state of fear, and over time it negatively impacts your cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous, reproductive systems, and even your immune system. In a time when being healthy is vitally important, being stressed will make things that much harder. Check out our article detailing ways to use CBD to boost your immunity here.
Before the coronavirus impacted our daily lives, people were already using CBD to overcome stress. That’s because CBD has the ability to boost the effectiveness of your body’s ECS (endocannabinoid system). This system helps the rest of your body maintain balance. Sometimes that means balancing hormones, your sleep cycle, or your panic responses. So giving your ECS more fighting power just means it’s able to do its job better.
The proof is in the pudding though, as several studies have indicated how CBD can reduce anxiety. One study showed decreased anxiety in patients using CBD, where researchers observed blood flow changes to the areas in their brain responsible for stress. Both academic research and anecdotal evidence, however, suggests that CBD shows great promise in reducing depression, anxiety, panic disorders, and even PTSD.
Like most adaptogens and supplements, you won’t experience the full benefits of CBD by using it once. By using CBD every day, you’ll slowly boost your ECS so that it can more effectively balance your other systems. You might not feel the effects right away, but you’ll just notice less stress, less pain, and probably better sleep. For more information on how CBD feels, click here.
We recommend starting with a high-quality CBD Oil so you can experiment with doses and see what works right for you. Always start low and go slow. For more information on how to determine your dose, click here.
Once you know what dose gives you the relief you need, try out the following practices to get the most out of your CBD.
Since many of us are practicing social distancing, we’re finding ourselves at home more often. For some of us, that might not be a big change. But for others that might be a HUGE lifestyle change. We’re creatures of habit, and big changes like that can be mentally jarring. That’s why developing new home routines is SO important.
If you can work from home, develop specific spaces and times for work. If you’re now home-schooling kids, for the love of god make sure there’s a designated nap/break time. But whatever your routine consists of, make sure that taking your CBD is a part of it. This is all in the name of mental health, but if you need some ideas, try...
Being active is good for your body AND your mind. If you’re looking for something to keep you limber and emotionally centered, yoga is fantastic. It requires next to no equipment (a mat is nice, but not required), there are LOTS of free beginner and advanced yoga videos online, and there are lots of physical and mental benefits to yoga.
If you need a sweatier routine to burn off some of that stress, then there are about a million different ways to workout at home too. Regardless of what type of activity you prefer, using CBD 15-20 minutes before a workout will boost the stress-fighting properties of physical activity. Plus, if your workout is intense, CBD is great for muscle soreness.
If you’re new to meditation, or if you’ve tried and just COULD NOT clear your mind, CBD may be just what you need to develop a fulfilling meditation practice. The GABA boosting properties of CBD will help slow racing thoughts and its analgesic properties will make it easier for you to get comfortable.
This one should be pretty obvious. Stress can make it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and/or have quality sleep. Luckily, the anxiolytic properties of CBD make it easier to calm your mind before bed, and the analgesic properties make it easier for your body to relax and unwind.
Millions of people around the world experienced anxiety and panic attacks before COVID-19, but its hard to believe the number of people experiencing them won’t increase in the coming months. Whether you’re new to panic attacks or not, CBD can be a huge lifesaver.
As you develop your CBD routine, general anxiety will lessen. However, panic attacks can still happen, and using CBD right then and there can help you get a grip.
Pro Tip: CBD Vape Pens are great to have on hand if you’re worried about panic attacks. Take a puff or two from your pen and you’ll begin to feel relief in as few as 2-3 minutes.
We hope this information gave you some ideas for developing your own mental health routine to get you through this time. As we said, this is a new situation for all of us. It would be easy to panic and make rash decisions, but by making smart choices about socializing we protect the people who are most vulnerable.
Remember, too, that you must take care of yourself. Drink plenty of water, socialize with loved ones via the internet, minimize stress, and grow your mental strength. There’s nothing wrong with feeling stressed (honestly, who ISN’T stressed right now), but don’t let it detract from your physical and mental well-being.
Be sure to check out our shop so you can get your hands on the CBD product that’s right for you. We hope everyone is doing their best to practice social distancing. So consider giving us a shout-out on Instagram and let us know what social distancing looks like for you. You just might get featured on one of our stories ;)
Stay safe and wash your hands!
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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There’s a lot to be learned from the Marihuana Tax Act, especially if we don’t want to repeat the egregious mistakes of the past. So, let’s dive in and find out why this piece of history is just as important today as it was in 1937.
]]>On the surface, it appeared that the government legalized the consumption and sale of hemp. But the real story was far less innocent and more closely resembled that of a daytime soap opera. There was money, malicious motives, racial tension, and doctors who just wanted to do what was right for their patients. Sound familiar?
While it’s easy to read about history as if it happened to someone else, it’s important to remember that these were real people. There’s a lot to be learned from the Marihuana Tax Act, especially if we don’t want to repeat the egregious mistakes of the past. So, let’s dive in and find out why this piece of history is just as important today as it was in 1937.
In the 1600s, unlike today, it was widely known that hemp was a useful crop. Its fibers were often used to make ropes for ships, sales, and clothing. In fact, individuals in the Jamestown colony were required to grow it at one point.
Cannabis (which includes hemp) and cannabis products were legal and, as time went on, could be purchased in drug stores and pharmacies. By 1860, the regulation of cannabis was left up to local lawmakers, and it was still largely considered useful for agricultural and medicinal purposes.
Industrial hemp slowly became less prominent, but medical professionals often recommended more potent cannabis to their patients for a number of different ailments. As long as everything was properly labeled, it never seemed to be an issue. The wheels had already been set in motion, however, and the heyday of hemp would soon be over.
A big part of this is because, in the late 1800s, the addictive qualities of morphine became public knowledge. Before that, morphine was commonly added to many medicines which led people to develop painful addictions. The public was outraged and thus began the backlash against drug use.
Morphine was quickly made illegal as a result, and the use of cannabis came under public scrutiny as well. False claims about the dangers of cannabis began to circulate, and this blatant fear-mongering added to its negative public perception.
Leading up to the implementation of the Marihuana Tax Act, industrial hemp was having a surprise resurgence. This is important for two reasons. First, several of the most prominent businesses at the time (timber, nylon, and cotton) would suffer if hemp became too popular. The second reason is because of who owned those competing businesses.
Secretary of the Treasury, Andrew Melon, At the time, the wealthiest man in American was Secretary of the Treasury Andrew Melon. He had extensive investments in DuPont — a wealthy family who manufactured nylon. Their paper products were mainly produced by the Hearst family, who had a logging and timber business. While the DuPont family disputes these claims today, it’s believed that Andrew Melon wasn’t in favor of hemp because it would have damaged much of his financial holdings.
Another person we should mention now is Harry Anslinger. Before taking a position as the Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN), he made comments denouncing the fear-mongering surrounding cannabis. He was even quoted saying that the idea that cannabis makes people violent was an absurd fallacy. But once he became the Commissioner of the FBN, his outlook changed entirely.
This change was most likely influenced by politics and money. Before he took a position with the FBN, he headed the Department of Prohibition. Alcohol prohibition ended in 1933, so Anslinger’s position became unnecessary. His new position, however, would be much more important if there was a larger “drug” to combat.
Demonizing cannabis essentially became job security for Anslinger. He then began to release statements saying that cannabis would cause psychosis, insanity, and would lead to violent crimes and murder.
Remember, there was almost no scientific evidence to back up these claims. “He contacted 30 scientists...and 29 told him cannabis was not a dangerous drug. But it was the theory of the single expert who agreed with him that he presented to the public — cannabis was an evil that should be banned — and the press ran with this sensationalized version” (CBSNews).
By 1931, 29 states had outlawed the use of cannabis and just six years later the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act was put into place.
Technically, this act didn’t make cannabis illegal. It enforced stricter regulations and required taxes and extensive documentation. Here’s a breakdown of what it did:
If you don’t look between the lines, this act didn’t look too nefarious. Yes, it required more steps and you had to pay taxes, but you could still legally use medical cannabis. However, if all of that were true, why did cannabis use drop exponentially afterward?
Since an individual could technically still acquire cannabis if they followed all of the new regulations and paid all the fees, it became much harder to fight these issues in court. But why would you want to fight a law that makes cannabis legal?
Because the required paperwork made the process nearly impossible and the taxes were ridiculous. The process that doctors had to follow was overly complicated and required reporting the names and addresses of patients to the federal government, along with all relevant medical information. Plus, if the tax wasn’t paid immediately, both the doctor and patient could face massive fines or imprisonment.
It also didn’t differentiate between industrial hemp and the more potent forms of cannabis used by the medical community. Since it wasn’t economically viable anymore, the industrial hemp industry died.
Speaking of the medical community, before the act was passed, the American Medical Association (AMA) passionately fought against it. They claimed the new taxes would put unnecessary burdens on doctors, pharmacists, patients, and producers.
The legislative counsel for the AMA, Dr. William Creighton Woodward, claimed that the formal opposition never had a chance to make a case since the act was put together so quickly behind closed doors. Aside from their serious doubts about the claims of cannabis addiction, violence, and the potential for overdose, they also had a problem with the language.
Most medical professionals at the time knew the substance by its botanical name, Cannabis Sativa. Woodward’s argued that because people didn’t use the term marijuana, healthcare professionals wouldn’t be aware of the full ramifications of the act. However, that wasn’t the only issue with the language.
You may have noticed that throughout this article, we’ve used the spelling “marihuana.” It’s still the same thing as marijuana, but at that time it was spelled with an “h.” Regardless, before the public scrutiny of cannabis began, it was widely known as just hemp or cannabis.
So, what changed?
Honestly, the reason people started using the term “marihuana” was that Anslinger used it in many of his anti-cannabis campaigns. The origins of the term are widely debated, but at the time that was the Spanish name for cannabis.
Oh, did we forget to mention that Harry Anslinger was a career racist?
The Great Depression ended in 1933, but it left many Americans fearful and untrustworthy. Add that to the prevalent racism during the time, and Anslinger had the perfect scapegoat. The rhetoric of his anti-cannabis campaigns became increasingly racist, with horrifying phrases like, “Reefer makes darkies think they’re as good as white men.”
In fact, one year before the Marihuana Tax Act was passed, the film Reefer Madness was released. The film was originally financed by a church group and went by several other names before being widely released, such as Tell Your Children, The Burning Question, Doped Youth, and Love Madness. The film depicts the first time several teenagers use cannabis. It showed them hallucinating, sexual harassment, murder, suicide, and insanity.
The anti-cannabis propaganda film was the final straw when it came to public perceptions of cannabis. It played on all the fears of the American public and created a strong association between cannabis and illicit, dangerous behavior.
The use of the word “marihuana” created an association between cannabis and Mexicans. The derogatory use of the word played right into anti-Mexican and anti-black sentiments, which then caused Americans to associate all those same “dangers” of cannabis with Mexicans and African Americans. And the fact that the government condones the use of that language is nothing but shameful.
In 1969, the Supreme Court overturned the Marijuana Tax Act saying that it violated the Fifth Amendment. However, the Controlled Substances Act passed by Congress in 1970 replaced that law. So, while we’ve made massive strides within the last few years, we’re still reeling from the effects of the original Marihuana Tax Act.
In the past, politicians used cannabis/hemp as a weapon to further their own goals. In doing so, they attacked the healthcare system, patients’ rights, and created a completely false narrative surrounding Mexicans, African Americans, and Cannabis. They also killed the hemp industry, which might have created thousands of jobs.
That’s why the legalization of industrial hemp in 2018 was so monumental, and why it’s so important for us to continue to educate people about cannabis and its past. Our slogan is, “Power to the People, Health for All” and we do this to protest ridiculous laws that benefit few and punish many.
If you, like us, believe the narrative around hemp and cannabis must change, share some of our other informational articles with friends and family. The more people know about hemp, the more people will benefit from its many uses.
If you found the information in this article helpful, be sure to give us a shout-out on Instagram for a chance to be featured in one of our stories!
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
]]>It seems like you can find CBD products just about anywhere today. In some ways that’s a good thing! It means there’s a high demand for CBD and that more brands are promoting the amazing benefits of this special little cannabinoid. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean these products are safe or even contain as much CBD as they advertise. That’s why we make it a priority to partner with brands that hold themselves, and their products, to the highest of standards.
That’s why we’re so excited to announce our newest partnership with Buzzn. This Brooklyn born, Colorado-grown company believes hemp products should be natural and effective without harsh additives. Not only do they carefully craft CBD products for our four-legged friends, but they also make boutique oils and balms for YOU with a focus on purity and sustainability.
That all sounds great, but we need details! Lots of brands SAY their products are clean and toxin-free but what does that actually mean?
The process we go through to select our partners is very similar to the process you should be using every time you purchase a CBD product. It’s all about finding products that align with our mission. Since our goal is to give people access to products that are safe, effective, and sustainably sourced, these are the qualities we look for in a brand…
We can’t emphasize this enough. It’s SO important to look at the COA (certificate of analysis) for any product you purchase. That’s the only way to ensure the THC levels are within legal range, and that the CBD levels match what’s being advertised. This is such an important step that we’ve actually written an entire blog about it already (check it out here).
One of our most important values is sustainability. That means we want to promote brands that use sustainably sourced hemp and actively work to reduce their carbon footprint. There’s no point in partnering with a brand if their hemp supply won’t be around for the long haul--that means taking care of our plants and the planet they grow on.
While we’d love to support international CBD brands, it’s best to partner with brands that have to adhere to the strict agricultural regulations required by the 2018 Farm Bill. The whole reason that CBD is so widely available now, is that it legally must be made from industrial hemp. For a cannabis plant to qualify as “industrial hemp” it cannot contain more than 0.3% THC by weight.
This is also a good rule to follow when it comes to purchasing CBD for personal use. Not every county has the same agricultural regulations when it comes to health and safety. To ensure that your products are safe, toxin-free, and legal, you should always purchase CBD from US brands.
This should be a no brainer, but we want to partner with brands that people love. So, just the same way you read reviews on a product before you decide to buy, we read LOTS of reviews before we decide to partner with someone.
We spent a lot of time researching Buzzn and trying out their products. After all that work, we can proudly say we’ve officially partnered with them and you can find their products in our shop today!
After reviewing the lab results from Buzzn, it’s clear they hold themselves to high standards when it comes to purity and consistency. To check out those results for yourself, click here. Let’s just say, their products are the kind we’re proud to have in our store.
When it comes to sustainability, they passed with flying colors. Not only does Buzzn create their products using PCR-rich hemp from Colorado, but they also utilize organic farming practices to grow hemp with maximum potency and consistency. Plus, all of their packaging is made from fifty percent post-consumer waste and all their paper is completely recyclable. If that wasn’t enough, they also plant trees to reduce their carbon footprint and their inks are vegetable-based.
One of the best things about Buzzn, however, is their dedication to the health and happiness of our furry friends. Both of their pet-friendly products are veterinarian-approved and only use all-natural ingredients. On top of this, every time someone buys one of their pet products, they donate a portion to the Korean K9 Rescue. This nonprofit organization saves dogs from the Korean meat trade in South Korea (we’re not crying, YOU’RE crying…*sniffle*).
Do you see now why we’re a bit obsessed with them?
We know, we know...you’re really interested in what products they have and what people are saying about them. Don’t worry, we’ve got all of that too.
We’re thrilled to give our 1937 Hemp family access to five awesome products carefully crafted by Buzzn. They use supercritical CO2 extraction to get nano-sized CBD particles. The small oil particles mean you’ll absorb the CBD much faster and more efficiently. Yes, please!
This tropical-inspired flavor is great on its own, but can also brighten up a fruit smoothie or fresh salad. This broad-spectrum hemp oil contains orange essential oils to lift your mood and lighten your step.
One of Buzzns customers even said, “It’s very good tasting, love the consistency and texture, and it’s almost instant (for me at least). I can feel this sense of relaxation after taking it sublingually.”
If you’re looking for a more mellow experience, then definitely try their Chill Mint CBD Hemp Oil. The peppermint oil works with their CBD to help melt away stress and promote a sense of calm and clarity. Plus, its flavors leave your breath minty fresh and can be used to add a twist to your favorite seltzer water.
One review said, “This chills me out just enough I can focus and be productive without being overwhelmed by busy city living.” That’s something LOTS of us can relate to!
If you’re a topical lover, then fear not. Buzzn has crafted a Healing Balm that will provide targeted relief for sore muscles, joint pain, and/or inflammation. With 1000mg of CBD, this balm is designed to be used liberally. Plus, with goodies like beeswax, lavender, and eucalyptus, it may feel more like a luxurious spa treatment.
With a more mild dose of CBD, this oil is a good option for those starting a new CBD regimen for their pet. The easy to administer dropper means you’ll be able to determine what dose is best for your furry friend. For more details on determining the correct dosage for your dog, check out our full blog on that topic here.
Once you know what dose is best for your dog, you can try out a more tasty option, like...
We don’t know any pet that doesn’t enjoy treats, and the Buzzn Chill Bites are no different! Buzzn didn’t cut any corners when it came to these treats either. With ingredients like beef liver, flaxseed oil, sweet potato, and Vitamin E, your pets will both enjoy and benefit from these tasty little treats.
Brandie from Cannavybe reviewed these products with her pocket-pittie, Benny. She said, “I really loved having the Chill Bites treats on hand as they are quick to hand out….These are perfect to use on an as-needed basis. Benny, of course, loooooves the treats.”
This is the first of several feature pieces we’re going to post about our phenomenal partners. One of the biggest goals of 1937 Hemp is to give people access to safe, effective products, and to educate people about CBD. The best way we can do that is to talk about WHY we support certain brands and why you should consider supporting them too.
CBD has already improved the quality of life for thousands of people (and animals). One of the things that really keeps us going is hearing about the experiences of our awesome community. So be sure to follow and tag us next time you post about any of our featured products.
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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Let’s face it, there’s a lot of uncertainty right now. Every day brings new information--some good and some bad, but all of it is overwhelming. That’s why we wanted to take a moment and talk about the simple, everyday things you can do to stay healthy and avoid both catching the Coronavirus and spreading it to others.
Luckily, most of this stuff is pretty common sense.
Wash your hands Simple!
Cough into your elbow Easy
Work from home Well, I don’t think…
Cancel your social events Wait, what about…
Practice social distancing Hold on, what does that even mean?!
Phrases like “quarantine” and “social distancing” aren’t exactly new, but putting them into practice IS new. The health of the general public is a delicate balancing act. Some of us are able to work from home, some of us aren’t. Some of us can afford to go a week or two without income, but for others, that’s just not an option.
The whole point is that it doesn’t really matter what YOUR situation is, it’s still your responsibility to do everything in your power to stay as healthy as possible. Some of us will be able to do more than others, and that means we have an obligation to protect those at risk by making smart choices and boosting our own immune systems.
But let’s back it up and take a look at what we know about the coronavirus as of today...
The word “coronavirus” refers to a particular family of viruses. Other coronaviruses include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). So, calling this outbreak the “coronavirus” is like using the word “cat” to describe a lion. It’s not technically wrong, but it’s definitely not the same.
The big difference here is the word novel. That means we’ve never identified this particular strain in humans before, so we’re still trying to understand the best way to control it and stop it from spreading. COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is the disease caused by the coronavirus.
The incubation period is particularly problematic. Someone may be infected but symptoms might not appear for up to two weeks, and during that time they may spread it to others. Originally, it was thought that someone who wasn’t showing symptoms wouldn’t be contagious yet. However, new information is now suggesting otherwise.
Symptoms can include coughing, shortness of breath, and fever. While those with healthy immune systems will most likely recover, high-risk individuals could develop more severe complications such as pneumonia, organ failure, and death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on March 11th, and as of today, there have been over 165,000 cases around the world. Since it was first documented in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in November of 2019, almost 6,500 people have died globally. While the number of recovered patients far outweighs the number who’ve died, the scale of the pandemic is still staggering.
The CDC says it’s spread through close contact and respiratory fluids (that could mean spit, snot, or any fluids from coughing or sneezing). As of right now, it’s not believed to be airborne (meaning it can’t travel through the air) but any infected respiratory fluid that lands on a surface can be picked up by the next person who touches it.
While there is evidence that the virus can be transmitted even when someone isn’t showing symptoms, the likelihood of infection increases when someone is already visibly sick. Because the virus is already spreading at the community level, it means people who are infected can’t necessarily trace where they contracted it from. So, even if you haven’t traveled outside the country or come into contact with an infected individual, you may still catch it.
First, don’t panic. In times like these, fear is more dangerous than the illness. The panic buying that many of you have probably already seen will make it harder for high-risk individuals to get the supplies they’ll need if they become quarantined.
Second, the mentality of “it’s only dangerous for the elderly and ill” is cruel and irresponsible. The high-risk group includes older people and anyone with severe underlying health conditions. That includes heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes.
Of the people in those groups, all of them have friends and family that love them. It could be your grandparents, a beloved professor, or even the next-door neighbors’ little girl who has a heart problem.
That’s why everyone, even those who are completely healthy right now, needs to do what they can to stay healthy and take responsibility for any actions that may infect others.
The standard recommendations from the CDC include regular hand washing, covering your mouth and nose whenever you cough and sneeze, and avoiding close contact with anyone who shows signs of respiratory illness like coughing and sneezing.
Some public health officials have already asked citizens to practice social distancing. That can mean avoiding large crowds or it can even be as serious as canceling events and closing buildings. The severity of social distancing depends on the policies put into place by your local public health officials, so make sure to do your research.
If you’ve been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 and are developing symptoms or if you’re a resident in a community with an ongoing spread of COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms, call your healthcare provider and talk to them about your symptoms. They’ll let you know whether you should be tested.
One of the biggest risks is overloading the healthcare system. Since there is no treatment at this time, hospitals need to focus on those suffering from life-threatening complications. Most people who are only mildly ill will be able to stay isolated and recover at home.
This means doing all those little things you should ALWAYS be doing anyway. These practices will help you develop a strong immune system and make it easier for you to fight off COVID-19 if you do become ill.
One of the easiest ways to feel like crap is by not getting enough sleep. That’s because sleep is vitally important for your brain, your ability to deal with stress, and your immune system. The Mayo Clinic even says, “...people who don't get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus….Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick.”
A “healthy diet” may mean something different to everyone, but it’s pretty widely known that whole foods are what give your body the tools it needs to function well.
With all the turmoil COVID-19 is causing, it would be so easy to stress-eat your way through a whole cheesecake (not that we’ve done that before…). However, do your best to resist junk and eat foods that promote health.
Seriously, drink LOTS of water. When your body is hydrated, it functions more efficiently. If you do become ill, a fever will make you dehydrated and you’ll lose additional fluids through mucus. Plus, over-the-counter cold meds will dry up the rest of you along with all that mucus. So, ditch dehydrating liquids like alcohol and caffeine and sip on water throughout the day.
This one should be obvious. Regularly wash your hands, take showers, and, if you’re coughing and sneezing up a storm, isolate yourself so you don’t spread those germs.
Being active is good for your body in so many ways. It will boost endorphins, help you sleep better, and get your lymphatic system moving.
Those swollen lymph nodes you sometimes get when you’re sick are part of the lymphatic system. This system helps remove toxins and other unwanted materials from your body, but it has no “pump” to get it moving. Exercise is one of the best ways to promote lymphatic drainage and help your body rid itself of toxins.
Since many of us are avoiding the gym at the moment, try some at-home yoga, simple calisthenics, or even just regular stretching. Running is still relatively low-risk so long as you don’t run in crowded areas.
That may seem silly, but stress actually weakens your immune system. If you’re practicing social distancing and find yourself at home more, make sure you’re giving your mental health a break. Put the news on hold for a few hours every day and watch a funny movie, video chat with friends, meditate, etc. Do something that helps you stay centered and relaxed.
We wouldn’t recommend switching your vitamin/supplement routine up entirely, because you should really discuss that sort of drastic change with your doctor (and your doctors are probably pretty overwhelmed right now).
However, slowly adding one or two adaptogens to your morning smoothie is an easy way to get immune-boosting compounds into your system. Some good adaptogens to consider would be ginseng, astragalus root, maca, and especially...
CBD (cannabidiol) is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid harvested from the industrial hemp plant. Because it works with the ECS (endocannabinoid system) to promote balance throughout the body, it’s also considered an adaptogen.
It’s already helped thousands of people reduce their anxiety, relieve pain and inflammation, sleep better, and more. But the whole reason it has beneficial properties for so many different issues is because of the way it interacts with our immune systems.
Without an immune system, we would last about all of five minutes on this planet. That’s because the immune system, with its complex network of tissues, organs, and cells, is constantly protecting us from a myriad of diseases, bacteria, and viruses. In the 90s, when the ECS was first discovered, scientists discovered another key component of the immune system.
The two main receptors of the ECS are found throughout the body, and that system naturally produces its own endocannabinoids (like anandamide and 2-AG). When something gets out of whack, the ECS releases endocannabinoids that modulate cell activity until the balance is restored.
So when someone starts using CBD, they’re giving their ECS more cannabinoids to use in its arsenal. More specifically, research has shown that it can function as both an immunosuppressant and an immunomodulator. Basically, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can help suppress an overactive immune system (like you see in most autoimmune diseases) and balance a weakened immune system.
If you already use CBD, then keep it up! Once your ECS is used to the increased amount of cannabinoids, it will already have the tools it needs to keep supporting your immune system (along with several other systems).
If you’re just now trying CBD then make sure to check out our blog about calculating your dosage. If you’re able to ask your doctor over the phone, make sure you double-check that it won’t interact with any medications you may be on.
This is a very uncertain time, so it’s important that we all work together to develop new, responsible routines that will keep all of us healthy and lessen the spread of this virus. We love our 1937 Hemp Store family and sincerely hope that all of you are staying safe and staying healthy. Contact us today if you have any questions, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for the latest updates.
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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Many studies have shown that CBD may help you get to sleep faster and even experience deeper and more restful sleep. This is likely because of such factors as CBD’s anxiety and pain-reducing properties.
Keep reading to learn more about how CBD can help you sleep, and to find out why we love The Brothers Apothecary Blue Moon Milk + CBD.
CBD has been analyzed in research studies for its effect on sleep. Because CBD is known to help promote relaxation and even help calm nerves and anxious thoughts, it’s also shown to be beneficial with helping you get better sleep.
One 2019 clinical study found that CBD helped to improve sleep in addition to reducing anxiety levels. In the first month of the study, 67% of patients reported improved sleep and 79% reported decreased anxiety. While more studies are needed before we can claim anything definitively regarding CBD and anxiety, these results are extremely promising.
Many people find themselves staying up at night worrying about every little thing. Stressing about their to-do lists, their social interactions, and much more. This anxiousness is one of the biggest contributing factors to insomnia. Thankfully, CBD has shown promising results in studies on anxiety, and may even help to reduce anxious thoughts. Taking CBD shortly before bedtime may help you to feel more relaxed and at ease – ultimately helping you to fall asleep faster and rest longer.
Other studies demonstrate that CBD affects the sleep-wake cycle, and may increase the overall amount of sleep that people achieve at night. This is likely because of CBD’s interaction with both gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin receptors in the brain.
Serotonin is responsible for managing your anxiety levels and mood, and GABA is a neurotransmitter that calms excessive activity in the brain to promote relaxation. CBD works with the receptors to help the body utilize them better and experience less anxiety.
Another big cause of insomnia and other sleep issues is chronic pain. If you’re experiencing pain, it can be nearly impossible to feel comfortable enough to fall asleep. Thankfully, CBD may help with this as well. Studies have shown that CBD may be able to reduce many forms of chronic pain which, in the end, could help you get a better night’s sleep.
One of the most popular methods for taking CBD for sleep is a CBD oil tincture. You can simply place a few drops under your tongue, and you’ll feel the effects within the hour
Other methods for taking CBD include gummies or capsules. All of these methods work great, but we think you should try a CBD-infused drink.
CBD drinks are beverages that have been infused with cannabidiol. They often include other sleep-inducing herbs as well. There are quite a few different CBD drinks and teas on the market, but they are not all created equally. Certain types are more effective when it comes to helping you get better sleep.
One of the best CBD drinks that you can enjoy is this Blue Moon Milk CBD Latte. Learn more about this unique drink in the sections below.
If you’re wondering, “What on earth is a Blue Moon Milk CBD Latte?” you’re in for a treat. This drink is similar to a tea, but instead of brewing tea bags, you simply add the powder to milk or a milk alternative.
This drink consists of an elixir packed with superfoods and 100mg of CBD per serving. The blend is especially helpful before bed because of its calming and anxiety-reducing benefits. One glass and you’re likely to feel relaxed and ready to drift off to sleep in no time.
It’s super easy to make and includes all-natural ingredients so you can rest assured that nothing harmful or artificial is being put into your body. Plus, as a huge bonus, the drink is naturally-colored blue!
This Blue Moon Milk blend is made from simple ingredients. Coconut milk powder is the base, joined by hemp CBD isolate, coconut sugar. On top of that, the Apothecary Moon Blend of Jujube, Chamomile, and Polygala. Plus, for added flavor, the blend also includes five autumnal spices: vanilla bean, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove.
The CBD is responsible for a large portion of the calming and sleep-inducing qualities of this drink, but it doesn’t do the job alone. The Apothecary Moon Blend is also responsible for helping you to feel more relaxed after drinking it as well. The blend consists of the following:
Jujube: The jujube fruit resembles a date, and is also known as a red date, Chinese date, or Indian date. It’s primarily cultivated in South Asia and is known for the many health benefits it provides. One of the most common benefits is that it helps to promote sleep.
In fact, jujubes were traditionally used in Chinese medicine to help treat sleeping issues like insomnia. This is because the fruit is rich in saponins and polysaccharides, both of which help to induce sleep with their soothing effects on the nervous system.
Chamomile: Chamomile has been used for years and years to help promote sleep. It’s one of the primary ingredients in most sleep-promoting teas. Many of its calming effects can probably be attributed to the antioxidant “apigenin,” which has been shown to work in your brain to decrease anxiety. One study found that those who took chamomile daily slept better than those who did not.
Polygala: Lastly, the herb polygala has also been found to have many sleep-promoting qualities as well. One study found that this herb helped promote sleep by shortening the sleep induction time and increasing the quality of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.
Once you receive your Blue Moon Milk, you can enjoy a cup of the blend within minutes. To make the drink, all you have to do is follow these steps:
1. Combine 1 tbsp of Blue Moon Milk powder with 8-10oz of milk or milk alternative
2. Add 1 tbsp of coconut oil or butter for extra strength
Note: CBD performs best in drink form when it is combined with some type of fat. So, adding a little coconut oil or melted butter can help improve the effects you experience from the CBD.
Also, note that you can enjoy this drink warm or cold. Simply add the Blue Moon Milk to warm milk or cold milk as it can be enjoyed either way.
Our Blue Moon Milk blend also has other benefits you should be aware of as well. For example, the entire product is completely vegan. The “milk” part of this drink is freshly pressed coconut milk powder. It’s also recommended that you make the drink by combining the blend with a milk alternative, although you could use cow’s milk as well. You could also make the drink with water, although we recommend using your favorite type of milk for the best results and flavor.
This drink mix is also completely gluten-free. Because it is both vegan and gluten-free, basically anyone can enjoy a cup of this soothing blend, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Another fun fact: this drink is blue! Now, if the color makes you weary of artificial coloring, it’s great to know that this cool color is achieved naturally. There are absolutely no artificial colors used in the ingredients. The blue color that gives this drink its namesake comes from the blue pea flower. Try some today!
Jessica has been a freelance writer for four years, with a passion for science and health-related topics. She is also a lover of doing research and genuinely enjoys reading clinical studies, especially if it has anything to do with the emerging research on the health benefits of CBD. Jessica has a degree in behavioral science. She is a travel addict and an avid League of Legends player. She is also a proud dog mom to a Husky and an Australian Shepherd, so she’s frequently covered in dog fur and utterly exhausted from their constant shenanigans.
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In the most basic sense, adaptogens are non-toxic plants that may help our bodies combat stress. They each have their list of potential benefits, but many of them help with energy, focus, anxiety, and may even help balance hormones. Considering that CBD can help with several of those items, it makes sense to wonder whether it belongs on the Adaptogen list too.
So, if you’re curious about the world of adaptogens, get ready to take some notes. Welcome to Adaptogens 101!
Adaptogens are different plants, herbs, roots, and even mushrooms that may help us combat different types of stress. Some of them can be added to your meals, while others are more easily available as supplements or teas.
A mixture of anecdotal and scientific evidence indicates that adaptogens work by balancing the adrenal, pituitary, and hypothalamic glands. All of these are involved in the way our bodies respond to stress, so adaptogens are “training” these areas to develop more balanced stress responses. However, stress is a surprisingly normal part of our lives.
As an example, say you’ve started lifting weights. You struggle at first, but then the adrenalin gets pumping and you start feeling good. That’s the “Alarm Phase” of stress switching over to the “Resistance Phase.” Your body resisted the stress by releasing adrenaline to improve physical performance and increase concentration. After that, though, we hit the “Exhaustion Phase.”
Adaptogens, however, may enable us to lengthen the “Resistance Phase,” so we’re able to accomplish more. This is true for different kinds of stressors too. For someone using adaptogens to fight anxiety, they may find they’re able to endure stressful tasks for longer and without as much emotional strain.
Researchers have found that adaptogens can have many different effects on the body. Other than the increased focus and physical performance, adaptogens may also have neuroprotective elements, anti-depressive effects, central nervous system stimulus, and neuroprotective properties.
Sounds pretty sweet to us!
Adaptogens go back thousands and thousands of years. We only started calling them “adaptogens” in 1957 when a Russian toxicologist coined the term, but Chinese herbalists and ayurvedic practices have been harnessing the power of mother nature’s natural pharmacy far longer.
Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine are two of the oldest healing practices known to utilize adaptogens, and they’ve been doing it since approximately 3000 BCE. Certain plants and herbs were prized for their healing powers and were often reserved solely for royalty.
As time passed and medical practices improved, more cultures began documenting different plants and their healing potential. During the Cold War, however, research into adaptogens became more prevalent as Soviet researchers discovered that certain plants enhanced performance. In the late 70s, certain adaptogens were used by athletes during the Olympic games, which became a trend that continues to this day.
Today you’ll find adaptogens are available for EVERYONE and not just reserved for professional athletes or royalty.
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but here are a few of the more common adaptogens you may find. But just because they’re “common” doesn’t mean you’ll have heard of them before.
A root that’s been used for thousands of years to reduce stress, increase energy, and improve focus. There’s also evidence that it may lower blood sugar, reduce cortisol levels, and that it may reduce symptoms of depression.
This is one of many adaptogenic mushrooms that was used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat kidney disease, fatigue, and low libido. Newer research indicates they may improve oxygenation, have anti-aging properties, and may reduce inflammation.
Also known as “Siberian Ginseng,” this adaptogen has been used widely by athletes to improve physical performance. It may also boost metabolism, and improve both cardiovascular health and blood pressure.
There are several different varieties of Ginseng, most notably the Asian and American varieties of ginseng. This staple of traditional Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years as an antioxidant, and as a mood, memory, immunity and energy booster.
Native to Southeast Asia, this herb has been widely used in many Indian medicines. This plant is quite a powerhouse because different parts of the plant can be utilized for different medicinal properties. The whole plant, however, has been used to reduce stress and anxiety, as a powerful antioxidant, as an antibacterial, and as an antifungal.
This mushroom has grown in popularity over the last several years, due, in part, to its availability as a powder. This makes it easy to mix into a variety of drinks and smoothies. One of its most notable effects is its ability to boost immunity, however, it’s also good for fighting fatigue and improving heart health.
So, does Hemp qualify as an adaptogen? Let’s review some basic hemp info:
That sounds like an adaptogen to us!
An ethnobotanist named Chris Kilham even said, “Cannabinoids regulate the cannabinoid system, and the cannabinoid system is a master regulating system of systems. That implies all the balancing and harmonizing activities of an adaptogen.” At this point, whether or not you consider hemp an adaptogen is just semantics.
Considering that CBD is responsible for so many of the stress-fighting properties of hemp, we’d say YES. But that’s not all. As we continue to research the different cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, each of those cannabinoids will likely possess unique stress-fighting properties. So, this is just the start!
We hope this information gave you a solid introduction to the world of adaptogens. Plus, now you know that both Hemp and CBD should definitely be considered adaptogens. Let us know in the comments what your favorite adaptogens are and don’t forget to give us a shoutout on Instagram for a chance to be featured on one of our stories!
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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About 1-2% of mushrooms are poisonous, like the deadly “death cap mushroom” boasting a death rate of 10-30%. Other types of mushrooms are hallucinogenic, meaning that they cause psychoactive effects after being ingested. Others still are used for their medicinal properties.
Mushrooms are truly very cool organisms. In fact, most edible mushrooms are considered a superfood because of the health benefits they provide. Researchers have discovered that mushroom consumption can provide over a hundred different beneficial effects to your body.
So, before you pick the mushrooms off of your pizza, read on to learn the details of their awesomeness, including our favorite mushroom and CBD-infused hot cocoa!
As mentioned above, there are thousands of different types of mushrooms out there, and they all have different effects. While some are poisonous, many provide important health benefits if eaten as well.
In fact, mushrooms have been used by nearly every ancient civilization around the world for their immense healing properties. They were even called the “plant of immortality” by ancient Egyptians. They're incorporated into holistic medicines because of their many benefits.
So, what exactly are the benefits of mushrooms? A few of the beneficial properties include the following:
Nutritional Value
Mushrooms are naturally low in calories, sodium, and fat. Plus, they contain all sorts of nutrients, including:
Antioxidant Properties
Most mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants like selenium and L-ergothioneine. These antioxidants help to lower inflammation in the body. The reishi mushroom, in particular, has been the star of many research studies because of its anti-inflammatory effects. The studies have shown that reishi mushrooms may help lower inflammation, reduce tumor growth, fight disease, and more. This is largely due to the powerful antioxidants found in this type of mushroom.
Digestive Benefits
Most mushrooms are also prebiotic, which means that they help good bacteria thrive in your gut. This can improve your overall digestive health.
Increased Immunity
Mushrooms have also been found to boost your immune system! Two major components of most mushrooms are lentinan and beta-glucan. Both are known for their ability to help your immune system work more efficiently.
Cancer-fighting Properties
Yes, you read that right. Some mushrooms have been found to have cancer-fighting properties! A study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology and Medicine researched five different types of mushrooms (crimini, portabella, oyster, white button, and maitake) and found that they suppressed breast cancer cell growth and reproduction. This suggested that certain mushrooms may be “chemoprotective against breast cancer.”
A study was also completed on over 36,000 Japanese men for over 10 years, to see how mushroom consumption affected prostate cancer rates. The study found that the men who regularly ate mushrooms three or more times per week had a 17% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who ate mushrooms less than once per week.
Cholesterol-lowering Properties
Not only are most mushrooms cholesterol-free, but they may also help lower your cholesterol as well! Mushrooms are a good source of both beta-glucan and chitin, both of which are fibers that help lower LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels. A study completed a few years ago on rats found that hypercholesterolemic rats who consumed pink oyster mushrooms had lower levels of total cholesterol.
Also, shiitake mushrooms have been found to contain a compound that helps the liver process and remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. This was discovered by Andrew Weil, M.D. director and founder of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.
After looking through that long list of benefits, you’re probably beginning to think, “Okay, now how to do I access these medicinal mushroom benefits?” One way is to simply stock up on fresh mushrooms at your local grocery store next time you go shopping. Most stores have white button, cremini, portobello, and shiitake mushrooms in their produce section.
But if you want to try out some of the less-common medicinal mushrooms like reishi, you may need to purchase a product like a special powder that contains them. If you’re looking for a unique and delicious way to enjoy the benefits from a variety of different medicinal mushrooms, you should try The Brothers Apothecary's Chocodelic Trip CBD Hot Cocoa.
Learn more about this yummy drink below.
While you can certainly buy powders and teas that contain medicinal mushrooms, perhaps the best way to access the benefits of fungi is in a hot chocolate drink. You may not immediately think of mushrooms when you think about hot chocolate, but the mushroom and CBD-infused Chocodelic Hot Chocolate drink is sure to change that perception.
Loaded with cannabidiol (CBD) and 10 different medicinal mushrooms, this is one of the most beneficial hot chocolate drinks you could possibly enjoy. You can experience both the soothing benefits from the CBD and the health benefits from the mushrooms, all while enjoying a sweet drink infused with rich Dutch chocolate. Exquisite!
The Chocadelic Trip CBD Hot Chocolate drink not only has a full dose of CBD, but it also includes a variety of different adaptogenic mushrooms as well! The medicinal mushrooms included in the drink are:
The reishi mushroom is typically grown in hot and humid locations in Asia and has been used as an important ingredient in Eastern medicine for many years. There are several molecules found in the mushroom that are primarily responsible for its health benefits, including polysaccharides, peptidoglycans, and triterpenoids. This mushroom has been shown to improve the immune system, potentially fight certain cancers, reduce fatigue, and even improve heart health.
This fungus has also been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for years. A few of its potential benefits include improving exercise performance, promoting anti-aging, and even helping to manage blood sugar levels.
This mushroom gets its name from its shaggy lion-like appearance. It’s famous for its potential to protect against dementia; relieve mild symptoms of anxiety and depression; and protect against ulcers, among other things.
The chaga mushroom has been used for many years in parts of Asia as a method to boost overall health and immunity. Many people are enjoying cups of tea made from chaga because of its many antioxidants. This mushroom has many benefits. It may potentially lower blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and it may even prevent and fight cancer as well.
The colorful quality of these mushrooms is what gives them the “turkey tail” name. Like the other mushrooms on this list, this type has been used for centuries to treat a variety of different conditions. It is primarily known for its immune-boosting abilities thanks to the antioxidants and other powerful compounds that it contains.
The word “maitake” means dancing mushroom in Japanese. This is said to be because people would dance with happiness after finding this mushroom in the wild because of its many healing properties. This fungus is rich in antioxidants, vitamins B and C, amino acids, fiber, and more.
Out of all the mushrooms in this list, the shiitake mushrooms are one of the most popular worldwide. They are known for their rich taste and their many health benefits. These benefits include
The blazei mushroom, also known as the Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom, is a type of medicinal mushroom that is has been used in folk medicine to treat a variety of different diseases, including allergies, infections, and cancers.
This rare and hard-to-find mushroom has many antibacterial and antiviral properties. Some studies have even found that this fungus may effectively work to treat tuberculosis!
An orange mushroom that typically grows on mulberry trees, this fungus has been taken by people to treat allergies, diabetes, arthritis and more.
Don’t worry, our Chocadelic drink doesn’t contain any psychedelic mushrooms. It only includes safe and completely non-psychoactive types of medicinal mushrooms. However, since we’re on the topic of mushrooms, you may be interested to learn two fun facts about psychedelic fungi.
1. Magic mushrooms may be partly responsible for Santa Claus.
There is a theory that shamans and priests in Siberia, who frequently used the A. muscaria mushroom, may have started the story of Santa Claus. They often gifted those “shrooms” in late December, and usually entered homes through the roof because of the deep snow. They also typically dressed up like the A. muscaria shroom – in red suits with white spots. This could have certainly contributed to the story of Santa Claus, although this is just one speculation about where the story of Santa began.
2. Shrooms have been used by humans for millennia.
While we don’t know exactly when humans discovered and started experimenting with magic mushrooms, we have found some evidence that suggests that shrooms were used in religious rituals thousands of years ago. As one example, artwork has been discovered from ancient Mayas that show that mushrooms were likely an important part of Mesoamerican cultures.
Don't forget to check out our entire line of The Brothers Apothecary CBD teas and other drinks here.
Jessica has been a freelance writer for four years, with a passion for science and health-related topics. She is also a lover of doing research and genuinely enjoys reading clinical studies, especially if it has anything to do with the emerging research on the health benefits of CBD. Jessica has a degree in behavioral science. She is a travel addict and an avid League of Legends player. She is also a proud dog mom to a Husky and an Australian Shepherd, so she’s frequently covered in dog fur and utterly exhausted from their constant shenanigans.
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While benzodiazepines help those suffering from anxiety or insomnia, they’re shockingly easy to become dependent on. However, CBD may help people taper off and get back to living benzo-free.
Benzos, or benzodiazepines, are a group of prescription sedatives meant to help those with anxiety, insomnia, and sometimes seizure disorders. They’re one of the most widely prescribed drugs and are designed for short-term use. However, the risk of becoming dependent on them is incredibly high. Even when taken under a physician's care and with carefully prescribed dosages, addiction is still a possibility. Luckily, CBD (cannabidiol) may offer a lifeline to those wishing to taper off of benzos and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepines are prescribed to address several different issues. Someone experiencing mild to severe anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, epilepsy, or even someone withdrawing from alcohol addiction may be prescribed a benzodiazepine. Common benzos include Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Klonopin, and more--not to mention the many generic versions of those prescriptions.
They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid). The job of that particular neurotransmitter is to inhibit certain brain signals and decrease nervous system activity. GABA reduces mental and physical stress, helps us sleep, and plays an important role when it comes to muscle tone. So someone taking a benzodiazepine will experience sedation, reduced anxiety, and muscle relaxation.
When used short-term and with careful monitoring by a healthcare provider, benzos can be a tool to help people develop coping mechanisms for anxiety or to normalize sleep patterns. But these drugs are being prescribed more often and for longer amounts of time. From 1996 and 2013, benzo prescriptions rose a whopping sixty-seven percent.
What complicates the matter even more, and what makes addiction so common, is that as time goes on the drugs will become less effective. The brain adjusts to the drugs which means someone will end up needing higher and higher dosages to feel the same effects.
Even when taken exactly as prescribed, there are side-effects. Some common side-effects of benzodiazepines include:
As someone’s regular use evolves into abuse, side-effects can worsen during use or just after the effects have subsided. Someone going through this may experience:
Long-term use of benzodiazepines can induce some of the following more severe effects:
Because the brain adapts to the drugs, when someone stops taking them, the brain has a hard time coping. This can lead to uncomfortable, and often painful, withdrawal experiences. American Addiction Centers even says, “About 10 percent of people who abuse benzos still feel withdrawal symptoms years after they have stopped taking the drugs.”
This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to consult with a medical professional before stopping. Often doctors will taper off the dosage to avoid intense withdrawal symptoms. Other times they’ll switch patients to a longer-acting equivalent benzodiazepine so that they can take it less often. These measures are necessary though, because of the changes that the brain experiences as a result of benzos--specifically, there’s a massive imbalance of neurotransmitters.
We know that GABA helps us stay calm, regulates sleep, and generally helps us relax. Dopamine, another neurotransmitter, plays a big role in how we experience pleasure and happiness. But even more than that it helps us learn, get motivated, stay focused, regulates mood, and affect the way we process pain. Benzos boost GABA and give us a rush of dopamine. However, as our brains get used to the benzos they lower the natural production of both GABA and dopamine. That’s why so many people experience anxiety and depression when trying to get off of benzos.
Getting off of these medications can be physically and psychologically painful. Withdrawals often occur in three main phases: early withdrawal, acute withdrawal, and protracted withdrawal.
Early Withdrawal can begin as soon as a few hours or as late as a few days of stopping benzos. Anxiety and insomnia may return as the brain adjusts to functioning without the drugs. This phase can last for several days.
Acute Withdrawal usually makes up the majority of the withdrawal process. Symptoms can vary but may include:
Having a support system during this phase is paramount because of the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. Therapy and support groups can help people cope with some of these symptoms, but it’s still important to work with a healthcare professional during this phase as it can last from two weeks to several months.
Protracted Withdrawal symptoms don’t happen to everyone, but according to research published by ABC News, around ten percent of benzo users can experience symptoms that last for several months or even years after they stop. Symptoms can appear randomly, without warning and can include tingling in the arms and legs, difficult mood swings, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and muscle twitches.
Ultimately, there isn’t a specific time frame that withdrawal symptoms adhere to. Everyone is different and responds to benzodiazepines differently. There are so many variables that can affect this process--from age, duration of use, dosage, and any underlying physical or psychological issues.
CBD, however, may provide a lifeline for people who want to reduce their benzo use, taper off, or help manage withdrawal symptoms.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid harvested from the industrial hemp plant. The reason why CBD has such massive therapeutic potential is because of the way it interacts with our bodies.
Mammals all have an ECS (endocannabinoid system) which acts as a series of checks and balances for various other systems in the body. When a system gets out of balance, the ECS will use its own naturally occurring endocannabinoids to help restore balance. There’s still a lot of research being done, but it’s thought that the ECS plays an important role in the immune system, endocrine system, nervous system, and many more.
Because certain cannabinoids, like CBD, mimic the structure of the natural endocannabinoids, essentially they’re able to give the ECS a power boost. This is particularly helpful for people who’s neurotransmitters have become unbalanced due to benzodiazepine use. Specifically, this means that GABA and Dopamine levels have plummeted.
We’ve already covered how truly terrible withdrawals can be, but how can CBD help?
CBD can help in several different ways:
According to one 2011 study, when GABA levels get too low the ECS may have a backup system in place designed to boost GABA levels. On certain GABA receptors, there are modulatory sites for an endocannabinoid called 2-AG. CBD may help the ECS be more effective at the task of re-balancing GABA levels.
CBD may have the potential to enhance or inhibit the way that certain neuron receptors transmit signals. It does that by changing the shape of the receptor. Ultimately, this change in receptor shape makes GABA more effective. So, the GABA that someone already has (even if their levels are low) will be able to do its job better.
For people who are thinking about reducing or stopping benzo use completely, one of their biggest fears is that the anxiety they were treating will come right back. Unfortunately, that’s often the case. Unbalanced neurotransmitters can lead to a variety of mental health issues, anxiety just being one of them. A study published by the Journal of Psychopharmacology, however, found that when patients experiencing social anxiety disorders used CBD oil, they had significantly reduced anxiety.
Even if someone wasn’t experiencing insomnia before being prescribed benzos, sleeplessness and insomnia are common withdrawal symptoms. Luckily, one of the systems that the ECS helps to balance is the Sleep/Wake cycle, so CBD can boost that balancing power. One study even examined whether or not CBD could help improve sleep and found that 79.2 percent of the patients had less anxiety and 66.7 percent slept better.
Leaving benzodiazepines behind isn’t just psychologically painful, it can be physically painful too. For some, it’s just aching muscles, but others may experience painful muscle spasms. Luckily, CBD can help in two ways. First, CBD can relax muscles because it can reduce inflammation and, secondly, it can mitigate our natural pain response. For maximum pain relief, oils and tinctures are recommended, but topicals can also offer relief if the pain is localized.
We are not doctors and would never recommend that anyone deviate from their doctor's orders without consulting with them first. Benzodiazepines are incredibly powerful and quitting them cold turkey can be dangerous for many reasons. If you believe it’s time to start living benzo free, then consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes.
If you, or anyone you know, are abusing these drugs, you are not alone and you still have options.
We believe that CBD may be a tool to help people in recovery, but joining a community that knows what you’re going through can be immensely helpful. Please reach out to a nearby Recovery Center today or join an online recovery community.
We’re still in the early phases of understanding all the different ways that CBD can help us. But for people who are struggling with benzodiazepine related issues, anything that can help is worth looking into. Benzos often just mask symptoms without actually addressing any underlying issues, so the moment that you stop taking them all those problems come right back. And sometimes they come back worse.
CBD may not be right for everyone, but it has already helped some people reduce or leave benzodiazepines behind. One woman who wanted to reduce her reliance on Xanax said,
“The effect was hard to describe; it wasn’t so much a particular feeling, but the absence of a feeling–the ever-present anxiety that’s just always there for me….The CBD made my body feel calm and quiet. That quiet feeling was mental too. My need to multitask and inability to concentrate on anything for longer than 5 minutes gave way to intense focus. I worried that CBD, like Xanax, would render me useless, but I’ve actually found that taking CBD helps me with work–unlike the Xanax, which I’d always have to time around bedtime, I feel comfortable taking CBD any time of the day.”
We want that feeling for everyone, but especially for those who have suffered from benzodiazepine use. If you, or someone you know, are struggling to cope with benzo use then consider whether CBD could provide relief. If you’ve managed to improve your benzo use with CBD then tell us your story in a comment below or let us know on Instagram! Your story could help inspire someone else to reach out and get help. The more we talk about these issues, the more people can live normal, benzo-free lives.
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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So if you're tired of daily aches, spasms, or soreness, then you should consider using CBD to help manage your chronic pain.
]]>Tired of daily aches, spasms, or soreness? Then you should consider using CBD to help manage your chronic pain.
We all experience pain at some point or another. Maybe it’s a sprained ankle, a headache, or even just muscle soreness from an intense workout. Chronic pain, however, is a completely different beast. The physical and mental toll that chronic pain causes can be debilitating and isolating. However, CBD could improve the quality of life for millions of chronic pain sufferers.
CBD isn’t a miracle cure, and we won’t pretend it is. But it can give you better access to the tools you need to help manage chronic pain. Read more to find out how!
Acute pain occurs when you stub your toe or pull a muscle. This type of pain is a message from your nervous system saying that you're injured or have some other problem you need to take care of. Once the injury is healed or irritation removed, the acute pain should lessen. Chronic pain isn’t like that.
Sometimes chronic pain begins as acute pain that wasn’t treated properly. The National Pharmaceutical Council says, “The adverse consequences of undertreated pain are considerable. Poorly managed acute pain may cause serious medical complications, impair recovery from injury or procedures, and can progress to chronic pain. Undertreated chronic pain can impair an individual's ability to carry out daily activities and diminish quality of life.”
Chronic pain can last weeks, months, or even years after an injury or illness. Sometimes ongoing conditions like cancer or arthritis can cause chronic pain. But oftentimes there’s no definitive cause because the physiological mechanisms of pain are poorly understood.
In 2016, the CDC found that roughly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. suffers from chronic pain. That’s almost 50 million people, and 19.6 million of them experience debilitating pain that interferes with their day-to-day activities.
When chronic pain becomes debilitating, it takes a mental toll. According to WebMD, “About 25% of people with chronic pain will go on to have a condition called chronic pain syndrome (CPS).” This is when chronic pain starts to affect a person’s mental health and can include moderate to severe depression and anxiety.
Often, many chronic pain sufferers resort to prescription benzodiazepines or opioids to help manage both pain and the accompanying anxiety. While these prescriptions do provide relief for some, their high risk for dependency makes them problematic. They’re only meant to be taken for a short time, and when people stop taking them, the pain and anxiety can intensify.
Those with chronic pain desperately need tools and resources to help them complete day to day tasks. However, these resources aren’t available to everyone and they’re not always comprehensive enough to be successful.
So, how can CBD help?
CBD (cannabidiol) is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid produced by the industrial hemp plant. It’s legal in all fifty states, and with the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, it’s finally widely available.
But what does CBD do? Well, it’s less about what CBD does, and more about what it helps your body do. Specifically, your ECS (endocannabinoid system).
The ECS is a regulatory system that acts as a series of checks-and-balances for other bodily systems, promoting homeostasis throughout the body. When part of your body is thrown out of balance, the ECS sends naturally occurring endocannabinoids to re-balance things.
Say you’re stressed, for example, and it’s starting to affect the quality of your sleep. As a response, that extra stress probably made your adrenal glands produce more cortisol, but because your sleep isn’t great, your body isn’t able to reduce the cortisol levels once the stress is gone. This can lead to metabolism problems and weight gain.
This is where the ECS would kick on, and it might work in many different ways. It could balance your sleep cycle so you’re able to break down cortisol. Or it could help to lower your fight-or-flight response. There’s still research being done to discover all of the different mechanisms of the ECS, but suffice to say, it helps out in a ton of different ways.
But what about CBD?
Structurally, CBD is very similar to the natural endocannabinoids your body is already producing. So when you take a CBD supplement, you’re essentially giving your ECS more tools with which to complete its many tasks!
Plus, because the ECS affects so many different parts of the body, CBD helps out in novel ways, too. It’s particularly good at helping people manage pain.
Just like with acute pain, acute inflammation is a normal response during an injury, illness, or infection. Once the issue clears up, the inflammation should subside. Sometimes that’s not always the case though, and it ends up developing into chronic inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is almost always associated with chronic pain, so finding tools to help manage inflammation is the first step in managing chronic pain. Luckily, CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
For severe pain and inflammation, we would recommend a sublingual CBD oil. It’s the most bioavailable of all the different options and will provide you with maximum relief.
A review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology says, “The mechanisms of the analgesic effect of cannabinoids include inhibition of the release of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides from presynaptic nerve endings, modulation of postsynaptic neuron excitability, activation of descending inhibitory pain pathways, and reduction of neural inflammation.”
This means different cannabinoids (like CBD) can reduce the messengers in your brain that communicate pain. This has applications for a wide variety of medical conditions, but for those with chronic pain, it means CBD could make day-to-day activities more manageable.
This might not sound like it has anything to do with pain, but it does! When you’re constantly in pain, it can make it hard to fall into a deep, restful sleep. Plus, sleep deprivation can make chronic pain even worse. SPINE Health says, “Among those with chronic pain, an estimated 50% to 80% have ongoing sleep difficulties.”
One of the reasons many people use CBD is to help with sleep issues, but it helps people sleep through distinct mechanisms. Consumer Reports says that it could be due to the receptors CBD binds to, “At least one of those type of receptors is thought to affect the body’s sleep/wake cycle.”
The other reason CBD gives people better sleep is reduced pain and reduced anxiety. We already covered how it may help reduce pain, and it’s pretty obvious that when people are physically more comfortable they’re more likely to sleep better.
The same is true for anxiety. Racing thoughts and worries can keep anyone up at night. So, when your mind is calm and relaxed your more likely to fall into a relaxed sleep. In fact...
CBD can help with anxiety throughout the day. Many people with chronic pain don’t engage fully in activities because of fear and anxiety related to their condition. Sometimes it means being too anxious to run errands, to leave your house, or even get out of bed. Even if your anxiety isn’t that severe, CBD can help promote a more calm, relaxed mental state.
In one study it was discovered that CBD improves serotonin signals in the brain. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, regulates emotions and is one of the neurotransmitters responsible for elevated moods and lowered anxiety. In some cases, CBD might be more effective than SSRIs at treating anxiety.
Plus, because of the many different ways you can use CBD, it’s easy to find the method that works best for you. Many people use oil or gummies in the morning, but decide to carry a CBD vape pen with them to use throughout the day as needed. For those with anxiety that pops up randomly throughout the day, this option is a total lifesaver.
For those with severe chronic pain, opioids can seem like the only solution. Prescription pain killers, however, while helpful in the short-term, often cause more problems than they solve.
We don’t want you to think that we don’t want people to use pain killers when necessary. Severe injuries often require short-term pain killers just to make day-to-day life bearable. However, the power of these drugs can’t be denied and between 1999 and 2015 more than 183,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses.
Making CBD a part of your routine may help reduce chronic pain to the point that opioids don’t need to become an option.
For those already using prescription opioids to manage chronic pain, consult with your doctor before reducing your opioid use and/or before adding CBD. The withdrawals from opioids can be debilitating, and discussing any changes with your doctor is non-negotiable.
You may have guessed it already, but we strongly emphasize the need to discuss any of these changes with your doctor. This is particularly important for anyone who is already taking ANY prescriptions because CBD has been known to interact with certain drugs.
Chronic pain is difficult to understand until you’ve experienced it. Physical pain is only one aspect of it. The mental and emotional toll it can take often have long-lasting impacts. However, taking control is the first step to pain management, and CBD can help you get started.
If you, or someone you know, are using CBD to manage chronic pain, tell us about it in the comments below! It can be so isolating and knowing others are experiencing the same things can make all the difference to someone who might be suffering alone.
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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The opioid epidemic is complex--both from a physiological and a socio-political perspective. These drugs are insanely powerful, and when they first started getting prescribed, people didn’t understand the extent of that power. It can have long-lasting physical and psychological effects, and we must not abandon those suffering from them. We won’t pretend that CBD will miraculously cure people of opioid addictions, but it may provide a tool to help people overcome some of the hurdles.
Opioids are essentially pain-killers. Opium, the drug that many opioids are derived from, is a depressant that has been used for thousands of years to relieve pain, help people sleep, and was sometimes used recreationally. Its use has even been traced back to 2100 BC where ancient Sumerians utilized the sap from the Opium Poppy flower. They called the flower hul gil which means “joy plant.”
As its use spread across the world, over time the sap from the poppy flower was used to create many different opiates, from morphine and laudanum to methadone and heroin. Some of the more familiar opiates doctors prescribe are Vicodin, Oxycontin, and Percocet.
They work by attaching to one or more of the four opiate brain receptors. Once those receptors are stimulated, they reduce pain, depress respiration, and promote sleepiness and euphoria. They also slow down the digestive system which can end up leading to constipation.
When used under strict management from a doctor, and for a short period, these drugs can be a safe option to combat moderate to severe pain. However, several factors cause it to be highly addictive and life-threatening.
Very addictive. Someone could be using them exactly as their doctor prescribed and still become dependent on them. Plus, because they interact with so many other substances, the line between a safe opioid dose and an overdose is incredibly thin.
Opioids can actually “rewire” our brains. Normally, when we’re engaging in pleasurable activities (laughing, eating, sex, etc.) the brain releases neurotransmitters that bind to particular receptors. When that happens, chemicals are released that elevate our mood and decrease our perception of pain. Opioids work much the same way, but their effects are much more intense.
Opioids are converted into morphine by enzymes in the brain, so they can easily bind to those same brain receptors. This floods the brain with massive amounts of dopamine which is why opioids reduce pain and induce euphoria. But the dopamine levels are much higher than what the body could ever naturally produce on its own, and over time the brain develops a tolerance and requires more opioids to create the same rush.
Once someone has developed a tolerance, they’ve technically become addicted already. Their brains need opioids to normalize their dopamine levels. One rehab center even says, “Long-term use of opioids causes changes to the prefrontal cortex and medial temporal lobe of the brain. These areas control and regulate long-term memory, decision-making, thought processes and social behaviors.”
Withdrawal symptoms can vary due to the type of opioid used, the duration of use, and dosage. But as quickly as twenty-four hours after their last dose, someone may begin to experience:
There are different stages of withdrawals, but post-acute withdrawal symptoms can sometimes last years after opioid use is stopped. Plus, the pain they were experiencing before opioid use will return--sometimes even worse than it was originally. When opioid withdrawals are too severe they can even become life-threatening.
While opioids have been a problem for decades, the immense increase in opioid-related deaths was particularly noted in 1991. These drugs were being prescribed more and more as doctors were reassured by pharmaceutical companies that addiction risks were low. Where these drugs were liberally prescribed were some of the first places to experience opioid abuse.
Around 2010 there was a huge increase in heroin-related deaths. This was due, in part, because the medical community began prescribing opioids less and less. With prescription opioids harder to come by, many who’d become addicted turned to heroin because it was inexpensive, also a potent pain-killer, and widely available. For those who were addicted to opiates, the fact that it was illegal was of little consequence at that point.
The rise in heroin use wasn’t specific to any particular demographic either. Men and women of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds were affected by this, but roughly eighty percent of heroin users, “admitted to misusing prescription opioids before turning to heroin.”
Between 2002 and 2013 heroin-related overdoses rose 286%, but with the introduction of synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, things got worse. According to the CDC, fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Legal fentanyl is heavily monitored and prescribed primarily for severe pain often related to cancer and end-of-life care. However, non-pharmaceutical (illegal) fentanyl poses extra risks for opioid addicts because they may, unknowingly, be using heroin laced with fentanyl.
Comprehensive guidelines for prescribing opioids were created to minimize the risks, but a lot of these changes have been indirectly opposed by the pharmaceutical industry via lobbying and advocacy groups.
According to a report from the U.S. Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee, financial ties exist between opioid manufacturers, medical professional societies, and advocacy groups that create massive conflicts of interest. Poison.org even says, “Researchers from two universities found that the opposition to the CDC guidelines was significantly more common among organizations that received funding from opioid manufacturers.”
We all know that opioids are highly addictive and damaging, but the manufacturers don’t want to lose money because of stricter prescription regulations. Regardless of how or why the opioid epidemic started though, people are suffering.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid harvested from industrial hemp. When we use CBD, it binds to receptors in our ECS (endocannabinoid system) and gives that system a boost in functioning power. The purpose of the ECS is to act as a series of checks-and-balances on other systems in the body. The extent of its mechanisms is still being studied, but right now there’s research indicating it helps to maintain homeostasis in many different bodily systems.
When it comes to using CBD as a possible treatment for opioid abuse, it may prove helpful on two fronts: pain management and cravings & anxiety.
The whole reason we’re in this mess is that we don’t like pain. That’s why people resort to opioids and why they keep using them even when they know they’re addicted--because with withdrawals all of that pain comes back and more. But with the legalization of CBD in all fifty states, many people are using CBD to manage mild, chronic, and some severe pain.
Psychiatric Times has said, “In animal models, CBD applied on the skin can help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis. Another study by Li and colleagues confirmed that CBD inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult types of chronic pain to treat.”
In November of 2019, another study evaluating the use of CBD on chronic pain with opioid use found that, “Over half of chronic pain patients (53%) reduced or eliminated their opioids within 8 weeks after adding CBD-rich hemp extract to their regimens….CBD could significantly reduce opioid use and improve chronic pain and sleep quality among patients who are currently using opioids for pain management.”
What we don’t know is what the appropriate dose of CBD would be. Everyone responds to substances differently, so more research is needed to come to a definitive conclusion.
Once the brain is “rewired” and used to the massive rush of dopamine that opioids provide, it’s painful to adjust to life without that. When the brain is dopamine deficient, people may experience:
All of this can cause people to crave the opioids that used to give them that rush of dopamine. But CBD may be able to help with both anxiety and opioid cravings.
In one study, forty-two people with heroin use problems between the ages of twenty-one and sixty-five were administered a controlled amount of CBD over four weeks. During the study, they were required to abstain from heroin use, and their cravings and anxiety were monitored. Compared to the placebo group, those who took CBD had significantly fewer cravings and anxiety and the effects lasted up to a week after the first dose. Also, “CBD reduced the environmental cue-induced physiological measures of increased heart rate and salivary cortisol levels. Importantly, researchers found no significant effects on cognition and no serious side effects.”
NBC News even published an article detailing the importance of that same study. Yasmin Hurd, the lead author of the study, said in one interview, “The specific effects of CBD on cue-induced drug craving and anxiety are particularly important in the development of addiction therapeutics because environmental cues are one of the strongest triggers for relapse and continued drug use.”
Making sure that people have tools and systems in place to help them combat cravings and anxiety will ultimately help people overcome opioid addiction.
We are not doctors and would never recommend that anyone deviate from their doctor's orders without consulting with them first. Opioids are incredibly powerful and quitting them cold turkey can be dangerous. If you believe it’s time to start living opioid-free, then consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes. Also...
If you, or anyone you know, are abusing these drugs, you are not alone and you still have options.
We believe that CBD may be a tool to help people in recovery, but joining a community that knows what you’re going through can be immensely helpful. Please reach out to a nearby Recovery Center today or join an online recovery community.
People suffering from opioid addictions need our help. Often they did everything they were told to, but because of the intensity of these drugs, they were helpless in the face of their potent effects. We know that more research is needed so we can discover the different ways that CBD interacts with our bodies, but the information we have thus far is so promising.
We said it before, but we want to re-emphasize how important it is that you consult with a doctor if you are struggling with an opioid problem. We seriously believe that CBD has massive therapeutic potential, but your doctor will be able to tell you if it’ll interact with any medications or if you have any underlying conditions that CBD may exacerbate.
It’s also important to make sure that any CBD you’re using is high-quality. The effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) with opioid use is complex, and the psychoactive effects of that particular cannabinoid can sometimes make anxiety worse. To be safe, always check the Certificate of Analysis of any CBD product, and if you have questions about our products always contact us with questions.
Remember, everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes it’s taking that one extra dose that tips you over into addiction, sometimes it’s overprescribing something because you thought it was safe. It doesn’t matter who’s fault any of this is, it just matters that we continue to work towards a solution.
Let us know in the comments if CBD has helped you, or someone you know, overcome an opioid problem, and don’t forget to tag us the next time you post a pic of your 1937 Hemp products.
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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Inflammation can sound pretty scary, but it’s your body's natural response to several different situations. When your body doesn’t STOP being inflamed though, it can be very painful and uncomfortable. Luckily, CBD can help! Whether or not you’re dealing with minor aches caused by inflammation or painful chronic inflammation, keep reading to decide whether or not CBD is right for you.
]]>If you haven’t tried CBD for your inflammation, you could be living with unnecessary pain and discomfort.
Inflammation can sound pretty scary, but it’s your body's natural response to several different situations. When your body doesn’t STOP being inflamed though, it can be very painful and uncomfortable. Luckily, CBD can help!
Unlike its cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD mostly interacts with our immune system. If you weren’t aware, our immune system is pretty powerful and affects almost all other aspects of our bodies, including inflammation!
Whether or not you’re dealing with minor aches caused by inflammation or painful chronic inflammation, keep reading to decide whether or not CBD is right for you.
Picture this. You’re an avid runner and one day you decide to push yourself to run farther or faster than you’ve ever run before. Obviously, you crush that goal because you’re awesome. However, the next day your knees ache and you can't get up out of bed.
Or maybe, at the last second, your sister needs you to babysit your nephew. He’s got the sniffles, but it doesn’t seem too bad. The next day, though, you’ve got a sore throat; it hurts to swallow. Both of these are examples of inflammation!
LifeScience says, “Inflammation is a vital part of the immune system's response to injury and infection. It is the body's way of signaling the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue, as well as defend itself against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria.” Without this natural response, our bodies wouldn’t heal.
When our bodies detect foreign organisms (like bacteria or viruses) or even foreign objects (like splinters), white blood cells are sent to protect us. The release of white blood cells means more blood flow to the area, which can cause redness, warmth, and sometimes swelling. Often this can be irritating or painful. WebMD even says, “The increased number of cells and inflammatory substances within the joint cause irritation, swelling of the joint lining and, eventually, wearing down of cartilage (cushions at the end of bones).”
So, while inflammation is a natural response, too much of it is NOT good.
There are, however, two different types of inflammation to be aware of. The two scenarios we described above are both considered acute inflammation.
This is the type of inflammation that everyone deals with. Anytime you get a cut, sprain a knee, or even just get a sore throat, your body creates short-term, localized inflammation to help the healing process. The National Library of Medicine says that this type of inflammation can be recognized by swelling, redness, heat, and sometimes pain and loss of function.
Think about the last time you sprained your ankle. Did your ankle swell, hurt, become red and warm, and lose some function? That’s acute inflammation.
Once the injury is sufficiently healed, any acute inflammation should subside in a day or so. But what if you have inflammation all the time? What if you deal with inflammation even when you haven’t experienced an injury or minor illness?
That’s the other type of inflammation. When that happens, it’s considered chronic inflammation.
When a healthy individual develops chronic inflammation, it can sometimes mean that they had acute inflammation that went on too long. Because of that, it developed into chronic inflammation. This can often happen with sports injuries that weren’t treated properly or that were re-injured.
Sometimes the immune system will trigger an inflammatory response even when there aren’t any “foreign invaders” around. This is often seen in autoimmune disorders where a person's immune system can start attacking healthy cells.
Chronic inflammation isn’t short-lived and it doesn’t necessarily have to be localized. Many individuals with autoimmune disorders experience inflammation all over their bodies and it can have a huge impact on their lives.
A shortlist of some disorders involving chronic inflammation are:
Seriously, this list could go on and on. Part of that reason is that disorders can cause inflammation... but when inflammation goes on for too long, inflammation can be what causes the disorders. It’s a disheartening chicken vs. egg scenario. Luckily, CBD can offer temporary relief for both chronic and acute inflammation.
Like we said earlier, CBD interacts with your immune system. It does that through your ECS (endocannabinoid system). This is a vast communication system with receptors throughout your body, and its purpose is to help your body achieve homeostasis.
Your ECS accomplishes homeostasis by regulating several different areas of your body. Some items include your pain responses, your sleep cycle, appetite, adrenal system, mood, memory, and even your immune system.
When your body detects an imbalance, it binds endocannabinoids (the natural ones your body produces) with ECS receptors. This creates a chemical response that balances whatever physiological process was out of balance. All of this happens without you even realizing it!
There is, however, a possibility that some people have a condition called clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. Essentially, the body doesn’t naturally create enough endocannabinoids for the ECS to be effective. This could explain why two people with the same condition have completely different responses to medical treatments.
Regardless of whether or not you have clinical endocannabinoid deficiency, CBD will still function the same way.
For anyone who’s hoping that CBD will help decrease their inflammation, or even just make their inflammation more manageable, the process will work the same way.
Once CBD is in your system and binds to receptors in the ECS, CBD helps your body by flushing cells it doesn’t need anymore, stopping harmful cells from multiplying, and making it harder for certain immune cells to cause harmful reactions.
Basically, it boosts the balancing power already within the ECS. Balance is the natural state, and CBD just helps your body find balance again.
That’s the best part. CBD comes in many different shapes and sizes, so you can use whatever method works best for you!
Want to eat a few CBD gummies throughout the day? Go for it. Do you like the idea of taking a CBD Vape break at work? Then invest in high-quality vape juice and vape away! If you have localized inflammation from an athletic injury, then find a soothing CBD balm and massage it into sore or stiff muscles.
You don’t have to drastically change your personality or lifestyle to use CBD, so use whatever method is the most practical for you.
If, however, you deal with severe, chronic inflammation, then you should consider opting for the most powerful, bioavailable option: sublingual oils and tinctures.
Anything you eat has to pass through your digestive tract. That means the effects can take several hours to kick in, and your liver may only process a fraction of the CBD. So unless it has a high dose, it may not be powerful enough to ease your inflammation.
Inhalants are popular because the effects can be felt within a minute or two. The downside is that the effects last the shortest amount of time. If you’re struggling with painful inflammation that makes it hard to get around, you don’t want your CBD wearing off at an inopportune moment.
Topicals are great for localized pain (think stiff joints, muscles, or inflamed skin), but the effects can take hours to kick in. Plus, if you have chronic inflammation, fighting it from the inside-out is like fighting with one arm tied behind your back.
That’s why sublingual oils and tinctures are ideal for fighting chronic inflammation.
By placing a few drops (sometimes a full dropper) underneath your tongue and holding it there for a few minutes, CBD is absorbed straight into your bloodstream via your mucous membrane. This bypasses the digestive tract and liver, meaning your body absorbs the maximum amount of CBD. Plus, the effects can be felt within 20-30 minutes and last for several hours.
If your quality of life is diminished by painful, chronic inflammation, adding a sublingual oil or tincture to your morning or evening routine can be a game-changer.
As always, we recommend consulting with your doctor before adding any CBD supplements to your regimen. Side-effects are rare, but it’s best to be cautious. This is especially important for those who are already on prescription medications, as CBD can interact with certain blood thinners.
If you’re ready to improve your quality of life with a CBD Oil or Tincture then check out our products and find something that fits your lifestyle. Nervous about finding the right dose with oils and tinctures? Read our CBD Oil Dosage How-To Guide. It may take some trial-and-error to see what works best, but once you’ve got it figured out you’ll quickly make CBD a permanent part of your routine.
We’re incredibly passionate about improving people's lives with CBD. So please let us know in the comments if you or someone you know has had a positive experience using any of our products. The more we communicate and share our CBD success stories, the more people we can help!
Don’t forget to give us a shoutout on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our story or in one of our blogs!
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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In the most basic sense, this document tells you what’s in a CBD product. But, if you’re not familiar with it, it can seem pretty daunting. First, there’s the task of hunting it down. Then when you find it, you see it’s jam-packed full of data that you may or may not understand. It can definitely be overwhelming. So, we’re going to explain what this document is and give you some key pieces of info to be on the lookout for.
A COA (certificate of analysis) is a document verifying that a third-party lab has analyzed a product and the details of their analysis. These documents exist for all sorts of products, but it’s particularly important to look at this document for CBD products.
The reason YOU should look at a COA is to make sure the product contains what it advertises. There are so many CBD products on the market, and this is the easiest way to make sure you’re getting what you paid for.
Legally, CBD products must have less than 0.3 percent THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) by weight. So the easiest way to verify that is by checking the Cannabinoid Profile section of this document. But these documents are important for several other reasons...
CBD has only been legal for so long, and it’s only just now entering mainstream wellness culture. Basically, there are lots of people hopping on the CBD trend train and they may or may not be making products of good quality.
Sometimes these products will even claim to have a specific amount of CBD when the actual amounts are VERY different.
One study determined that almost seventy percent of CBD sold online was mislabeled in some way. Sometimes the CBD levels were much higher than advertised, and sometimes they were much lower. Regardless, people didn’t end up buying what they thought they had.
For those who are avoiding specific compounds for any reason, this presents a problem. People who purchase CBD isolates are often avoiding THC. Whether it’s for health reasons, personal preference, or legal purposes, their products must contain precisely what they advertise.
We’d like to imagine that in 2020, with more states creating stricter regulations, companies would adhere to stricter manufacturing policies. But even in the most veteran of industries, there’s room for error. Labels don’t always tell the whole story, so it’s necessary to do a bit of detective work.
When a company makes their COA documents easy to access, that’s generally a good sign. It means they don’t have anything to hide and they want you to have access to that information if you need it.
The more reliable a company is, the easier it is to find the COA for their products. Easy as that. When a manufacturer knows they’ve created a good product, they’re proud of the lab results. We definitely are!
Check out our product pages and look for a link that says, “View Lab Results.” Can’t find it? Contact us and we’ll help you find the information you’re looking for.
The majority of CBD sold online will display a link to the COA somewhere near the product description. However, more and more states are requiring that a QR code be placed on the packaging that directly links to this information. This means you just scan the code with your phone for immediate access.
If you can’t easily find the information you can always contact the company, but that’s honestly a bit of a red flag. Like we said, if they didn’t have anything to hide they would make the document easier to access.
As a general rule of thumb though, don’t use a CBD product until after you’ve seen the COA.
Once you find the document, do your best to keep your eyes from glazing over. There’s a LOT of information on there and it tends to be in tiny fon. But here are the key items you should be on the lookout for.
This section is one of the most important parts of this document because it’s where you verify how much CBD and how much THC is in the product.
If you have allergies or are sensitive to particular compounds, then checking this document is even more important.
Some people are sensitive to certain terpenes (aromatic compounds), but not every COA will list the terpene profile of their products. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, always contact the company to verify. Safety first.
You may not be ready to don your white lab coat and microscope, but we hope this gives you a little more confidence when it comes to reading a COA. That’s kind of the point of this document. Companies that feel confident about this report want you to see it. That way you’re confident that the products you’re using only contain what's advertised.
While we’re becoming more and more comfortable with CBD in mainstream culture, we need to support brands that create high-quality products. There are so many products available, and when we buy from companies that are transparent with their lab analyses, it makes it more likely that clean products will become the norm.
If you ever have a question or concern about one of our products, then please contact us as soon as possible. Also, don’t forget to tag us the next time you post a pic of your 1937Hemp Store purchases for a chance to be featured on our stories!
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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Most people get pretty hyped up about CBD, but did you know there are several OTHER cannabinoids? Let's check them out in our ultimate guide!
If you’re not familiar with the COA (Certificate of Analysis) of your favorite CBD brand, you will be after this. This document should be from a third-party lab, and it should be an in-depth analysis of everything inside the product. There’s lots of information on there, but after reading about the other cannabinoids, you might want to take a peek.
Specifically, you should consider checking out the cannabinoid section. You can expect to see CBD (obviously), and you may even see the tiniest bit of THC. But you may be surprised to see several other cannabinoids! The hemp plant is jam packed full of them, and since industrial hemp became legalized in 2018, we’re now able to really dive in and discover all this plant has to offer.
We imagine that we’ll have even more to say on this topic in the future, but for now here’s the lowdown on the other cannabinoids you may see on a COA.
It’s important to remember that the whole reason we’re able to experience any effects from the many cannabinoids is because we have a system in place designed to do so. The ECS helps regulate several different functions like appetite, immune function, sleep, mood, and some neuro-protection. It does this by utilizing cannabinoids endogenous to our bodies -- we call these endocannabinoids.
One such endocannabinoid is Anandamide, aka the “Bliss Molecule.” This neurotransmitter interacts with the ECS in much the same way that cannabinoids like CBD do. It was discovered when a chemist was trying to figure out why the human body has cannabinoid receptors in the first place. Oddly enough, it was the same chemist that first discovered the ECS, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam--thanks, Doc!
When parts of our body start to shift away from homeostasis, or balance, the ECS kicks on to restore homeostasis through the use of endocannabinoids like Anandamide. But honestly, we’re still in the early stages of research when it comes to the ECS.
An editor for the scientific journal, Cerebrum, even said:
The endogenous cannabinoid system—named for the plant that led to its discovery—is one of the most important physiologic systems involved in establishing and maintaining human health. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body: in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. With its complex actions in our immune system, nervous system, and virtually all of the body’s organs, the endocannabinoids are literally a bridge between body and mind. By understanding this system, we begin to see a mechanism that could connect brain activity and states of physical health and disease. (Getting High on the Endocannabinoid System)
That’s why ECS and cannabinoid research is so important! When you consider the complexity of the ECS with its naturally occurring endocannabinoids combined with cannabinoids from the hemp plant, the possibilities are endless.
But you know what? We haven’t even begun to blow your mind! We know that CBD can boost the ECS and has massive potential as an anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, analgesic, and even as a possible neuro-protective compound. But what about the “other” cannabinoids?
Depending on the genetic strain of the hemp plant, specific farming techniques, soil quality, and even weather, the cannabinoid profile of a plant can vary. That’s why checking a products COA is so important! It’s also a good way to make sure that the CBD levels the product is advertising are accurate.
Luckily, with more modern farming techniques, cultivators can grow hemp strains with specific cannabinoid profiles. For those looking for specific cannabinoids, this is very good news.
There is a natural chemical process that changes cannabinoids from one chemical structure to another. So, during certain points of the hemp plant's life, certain cannabinoids will be more prevalent than others. We don’t know about you, but we think that’s pretty cool!
While there are hundreds of cannabinoids (and more being discovered all the time), here are a few of the most important ones.
We wanted to start here out of respect for the Granddaddy of all cannabinoids. You heard that right! Without CBGa, none of the other cannabinoids would exist. This non-psychoactive cannabinoid turns into other cannabinoids when it goes through decarboxylation (whenever it’s heated).
Chemical reactions can cause CBGa to produce three very important cannabinoid lines: THCA (which can then become THC), CBDA (which can then become CBD), and CBCA (which can become CBC). But we wouldn’t have ANY of these beautiful cannabinoids without CBGa!
The majority of the research into this cannabinoid has been into how it changes into other cannabinoids, but there are been some studies indicating it may fight cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders.
This is another “parent” of several other cannabinoids, specifically CBD. It’s mainly considered as the precursor to other cannabinoids, but it does have potential therapeutic benefits. In January of 2015, the journal Neurotherapeutics published a study where mice with Huntington’s disease were treated with CBG with positive results.
Huntington’s is a progressive brain disease that can cause uncontrollable movement, emotional instability, and loss of cognition. Considering the debilitating and fatal nature of the disease, research into CBG is vital. The study, however, focused on Huntington’s symptoms and less on the development of the actual disease.
This cannabinoid is the main precursor to CBD! CBGa turns into CBDA, and when CBDA decarboxylates, it turns into CBD. Because this cannabinoid is so sensitive to heat, you’re not going to find it in any products that require heating, like vapes. The only way to access this cannabinoid is in its raw form.
This cannabinoid activates serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, anxiety, nausea, and sleep. In the 2017 edition of European Neuropsychopharmacology, research indicated that CBDA might have even more antidepressant properties than CBD. More research is needed, but the initial findings are promising.
While its name is reminiscent of THC, this cannabinoid has no psychoactive effects. THCA is the acidic form of THC, but it doesn’t actually become THC until decarboxylation (the same way that CBDA becomes CBD).
Because hemp plants are so low in THC, it makes sense that there’s little to no THCA in them either. Plus, even if you acquire the actual hemp bud to try and smoke it, the second you heat it any THCA becomes THC. And with hemp, there’s not much of that anyway.
With little to no research done on this cannabinoid, much of the information surrounding it is speculative. However, some studies indicate it has potential as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and as an immune-booster.
We can’t talk about “other” cannabinoids without addressing this guy. Also called Delta 9-THC, this is the cannabinoid that puts so many people in a tizzy. That’s because this is the one with all the psychoactive properties--basically, it gets you high.
THC directly binds with CB1 receptors of the ECS, and there are a LOT of those receptors in the brain. When this happens, dopamine is released which explains the euphoric, relaxed feeling that many experience. While industrial hemp mainly has CBD, it does have a tiny bit of THC in it. However, for legal purposes, any CBD products made from industrial hemp can’t contain more than .3 percent THC.
Aside from the psychoactive effects of THC, people have been utilizing this cannabinoid to treat pain, muscle spasticity, glaucoma, nausea, insomnia, low appetite, and even anxiety. Too much, however, can actually increase anxiety and paranoia.
This is another psychoactive cannabinoid, but it’s usually found in VERY small doses. When it does show up in CBD products, the amount is almost always negligible. One of the most interesting things about this cannabinoid is actually how it interacts with THC.
In one small study, subjects were given either 10mg of THCV or a placebo over the course of five days. The last day, however, they were given 1mg of THC. Out of the ten subjects, nine of them said the THC was weaker and those who were given THCV didn’t experience some of the negative side-effects of THC. This indicates that THCV may interact with the way that THC binds to ECS receptors. However, this study was very small and more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Also, there's been some research into THCV as a treatment for obesity, as an anticonvulsant, and as a way to decrease glucose intolerance in those with diagnosed type 2 diabetes.
Until this cannabinoid is available as an isolate, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to reap the benefits of it because it’s found in such negligible amounts in hemp plants.
You’re much more likely to come across CBDV in your CBD products because this cannabinoid is often found wherever CBD is found--like industrial hemp! Its chemical structure is similar to CBD, meaning it’s also non-psychoactive, and it has many of the same potential benefits of CBD.
Recent research indicates this cannabinoid could be an anticonvulsant and an antinausea compound. Plus, because it’s non-psychoactive there’s greater potential for it to be used in medical research involving children.
First discovered in 1966, this cannabinoid is one of the most prevalent in hemp plants. This non-psychoactive compound has the same chemical formula as CBD and THC, but the molecular arrangement is different. That difference in structure is what makes some cannabinoids bind directly with ECS receptors while others only partially bind (if at all).
Like CBD, CBC doesn’t bind directly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but it can bind with receptors outside of the ECS. When those receptors are activated, it stimulates the production of endocannabinoids, like Anandamide, and improves ECS receptor activity. So it boosts your ECS, helps create more endocannabinoids, AND makes it possible for other cannabinoids to be more effective.
While CBC does have a few potential benefits of its own, the fact that it makes other cannabinoids more effective makes it a great addition to any CBD product.
This cannabinoid is interesting because even though it’s non-psychoactive, it’s formed when THC is oxidized. Some farmers will even put off harvesting their plants in the hope that more of the THC will oxidize and become CBN. Because industrial hemp plants only have trace amounts of THC, there is minimal to no CBN in most CBD products.
Research into this cannabinoid is minimal at best, but the most promising studies indicate that CBN could be an excellent option for those suffering from insomnia. Research with mice has shown that it may prolong and deepen sleep, but more studies are needed for definitive answers.
It’s kind of crazy when you consider that there are hundreds of cannabinoids, and that we’re still discovering more and more all the time. Plus, the hemp plant isn’t the only plant that creates cannabinoid. Echinacea, black pepper, and cocoa all create cannabinoids!
It’s such an exciting time because we’re finding out more and more that working with our body's natural systems--like the endocannabinoid system--is one of the best ways to improve health and wellness. We hope that this information inspired you to check out the COA of your products so you can see which cannabinoids you’re using and benefiting from.
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
]]>If you want to learn more about CBD tea and its benefits, keep reading the sections below.
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Regular tea pales in comparison to CBD tea. Not only does CBD tea have all of the benefits and taste, but it also has CBD infused into the leaves. This popular ingredient is known to provide a variety of health benefits.
Over the past few decades, cannabidiol (CBD) has been studied for its unique benefits. It has been discovered to play a part in helping to reduce stress and anxiety, manage seizures, promote more restful sleep, and even help manage pain.
Unlike its cousin THC, CBD does not cause you to experience any psychoactive effects. It is completely legal in all 50 U.S. states and is recognized as safe by the World Health Organization. The effects that you may experience from taking CBD include potentially feeling more relaxed and feeling some relief from certain ailments. Who wouldn’t want all of those potential benefits included in their cup of tea?
If you want to learn more about CBD tea and its benefits, keep reading the sections below.
CBD tea is like regular tea made from tea leaves and other therapeutic herbs, but it also includes a very special ingredient: CBD.
Most CBD teas are sold in the form of tea bags that can be steeped in hot water. As the tea leaves and herbs infuse the water, the CBD releases. This creates a beverage that provides you with all of the soothing benefits from both the tea and the cannabidiol.
Just like any other type of tea, there are many different varieties of CBD tea available, from sweet berry to spicy chai. Depending on your preference, you can find a CBD tea that is caffeinated or non-caffeinated.
You’ve probably already heard a lot about cannabidiol; it seems like everywhere you look, there’s another product that, in some way, includes hemp or CBD. So, you may be thinking, “what’s so great about CBD tea?”
CBD works really well in many products because the combination of tea and CBD is soothing and easy to digest. CBD tea boasts many potential benefits, including...
One benefit of CBD is its ability to help you relax. However, this can also make you feel sleepy. Some people experience more of the sedative effects than others. This is why using a CBD tea with some caffeine can be a great option, as the caffeine content can help to offset some of the sleepy effects you may feel from the cannabidiol. This can help you to enjoy the benefits of anxiety reduction without feeling sluggish.
Simply add a teabag to a cup of hot water and you’ll have a warm and relaxing drink ready in minutes. Plus, the tea bags already include the appropriate amount of CBD, so there’s no need for you to worry about how much CBD oil to measure out.
Usually, when CBD is added to a food or drink before being ingested, it typically is released into your body at a slower rate. This may cause the effects to last longer than if you were to use CBD through a different method, such as vaping.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that the length of time that you experience the effects from CBD will vary based on your personal body chemistry and the concentration and potency of the CBD you used.
One of the benefits to taking CBD through CBD tea is that you're likely to feel even more relaxed after drinking your tea, simply because drinking a warm cup of herbal tea is a relaxing act on its own. Although we already mentioned that CBD tea can be more energizing because of the caffeine content in certain teas, CBD tea can also be more relaxing if you choose a blend that doesn’t include caffeine.
Also, many forms of teas have inherent health benefits, including stress relief. A 2006 study found that black tea helped to reduce stress levels in human participants.
Even better, since the tea includes CBD (which is known for its relaxing properties) you’re even more likely to have a soothing and calming experience.
As long as you opt for a cup of CBD tea that does not include any caffeine, the herbs, and the cannabidiol can work together to help you feel calm and less anxious. This makes CBD tea a fantastic option to use if you struggle with insomnia or simply want some help getting more restful sleep.
CBD is a cannabinoid that works with your body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is an important component of your body that helps to regulate and maintain homeostasis among the other systems in your body. It is influenced by chemicals called cannabinoids. The ECS is responsible for helping to manage pain, moods, sleep patterns and more.
CBD binds with receptors in the ECS to influence certain functions in your body. It works with the endocannabinoid system to help reduce pain and anxiety, promote a more relaxed mood, improve sleep and much more.
One way that it does this is by helping your body to produce more of its natural feel-good chemicals, like anandamide. A 2012 study found that CBD can improve the signaling of the anandamide chemical in the body, which in turn helps to improve mood and other functions.
When you drink CBD tea, it binds to the receptors in the ECS, promoting all of the benefits listed above.
As with any CBD method, you must pay attention to the recommended dosage so that you do not ingest too much CBD. While CBD is non-intoxicating, it is still important to only take the recommended dosage so that you can achieve the best results.
If you are new to CBD, you likely don’t need much to feel the effects. So, it is advised that you start with a small dose and then work your way up. If you take too much CBD at once, you could end up wasting the product because usually only small amounts are needed.
There are many different brands of CBD tea out there, but they are not all created equally. It’s very important that you always do your research and only purchase CBD tea from well-known and reputable companies so that you get only the highest-quality product available.
One of our most favorite brands for CBD tea is The Brothers Apothecary. This brand has a large variety of different teas to choose from, like Mellow Mint and Oolong Passion. All ingredients are thoroughly tested for their quality. All of their products undergo testing by certified third-party labs to determine the concentration of CBD and the safety of the ingredients.
If you’re interested in trying out CBD tea, you can choose your favorite flavor here. You’ll be brewing up a relaxing cup of herbal, black, or green tea and experiencing all of its CBD-infused benefits in no time.
Jessica has been a freelance writer for four years, with a passion for science and health-related topics. She is also a lover of doing research and genuinely enjoys reading clinical studies, especially if it has anything to do with the emerging research on the health benefits of CBD. Jessica has a degree in behavioral science. She is a travel addict and an avid League of Legends player. She is also a proud dog mom to a Husky and an Australian Shepherd, so she’s frequently covered in dog fur and utterly exhausted from their constant shenanigans.
]]>But for others, they’re either not the right option...or they’re just not enough. CBD has helped people with a wide variety of issues, but can it help those with mood disorders?
]]>Mood disorders are mental health issues that affect a person's emotional state, and they’re more common than you might think. The National Institute of Mental Health says that 21.4 % of adults in the U.S. will experience some type of mood disorder at some point in their lives. Regardless of severity, CBD (cannabidiol) can offer a lifeline to those who are suffering.
Mood disorders are some of the most misunderstood mental health issues because they’re hard to diagnose. Family history can play a role, but not always. Sometimes they manifest early in life, and sometimes in retirement. There are prescription medications that can help, and for some people, these are exactly what they need!
But for others, they’re either not the right option...or they’re just not enough. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, then consider using CBD to improve your overall quality of life.
If you’re wondering what the heck a mood disorder is, we don’t blame you. We all experience bad moods every once in a while, but when does it evolve into a “disorder?” These are real medical conditions diagnosed by mental health professionals via psychiatric evaluations and medical history analysis.
Some contributing factors with mood disorders are imbalances of certain brain chemicals, stressful life changes, and sometimes a family history of mental health issues. However, you could have all of those things without a mood disorder, and you may have none of those things while having a mood disorder.
The Mayo Clinic says that when you experience a mood disorder, “your general emotional state or mood is distorted or inconsistent with your circumstances and interferes with your ability to function. You may be extremely sad, empty or irritable (depressed), or you may have periods of depression alternating with being excessively happy (mania).” Some common mood disorders are:
What can be even more confusing is that two people could be diagnosed with the same mood disorder, but they may manifest different symptoms.
The following, from Johns Hopkins Medicine, lists common symptoms associated with mood disorders:
These disorders are often treated with medication, psychotherapy, and family therapy. When these methods fail, however, feelings of hopelessness can worsen. That’s when many people turn to alternative options--like CBD.
One of the best parts about CBD is that it interacts with a naturally occurring communication system in your body known as your ECS (endocannabinoid system). The purpose of your ECS is to help maintain balance throughout the rest of your body. It can help balance your sleep/wake cycle, hormones, immune system, and so much more. There are ECS receptors throughout your body, which is why CBD can help with so many different issues.
What does that mean for people with mood disorders?
In a scientific review by the CNS & Neurological Disorders Journal, they found that most of the research about the ECS indicates that its presence in the limbic regions of the human brain makes it the ideal system to help regulate emotions, mood, and stress responses. However, when the ECS isn’t signaling properly as a result of a lack of natural endocannabinoids, it may result in depression and anxiety responses.
When you supplement with CBD, it provides your ECS with the necessary cannabinoids. This is what gives CBD it’s antidepressant and anxiolytic properties and what makes it a potential therapy for mood disorders.
There is still ongoing research as to whether or not we can definitively say that CBD can “help” mood disorders, but preliminary research and anecdotal evidence is very compelling. At the very least, it can help mitigate some of the symptoms associated with these disorders.
Luckily, there are several different ways you can integrate CBD into your life, so do some research and figure out which option is best for you!
We would always recommend starting with CBD Oils or Tinctures so that you can figure out what dosage works best for you. Once you figure out what dosage gives you the most relief, you can check out some alternatives. Many choose to stick with oils, however, because they’re more bioavailable via the sublingual method.
Sublingual administration means holding the CBD Oil under your tongue for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. When you take CBD sublingually, your body absorbs the CBD through the mucous membranes in your mouth. This completely bypasses the need for your liver to process anything, meaning you’ll get the most CBD and the effects will kick in faster and last longer than vaping.
If taking CBD Oil isn’t convenient, you can use CBD Vapes or CBD Gummies. Vaping is convenient because you can carry a discreet vaping pen around with you wherever you go. So, if you need a puff of CBD, you can get it right then and there. Make sure to read our Vaping How-To Guide if this sounds like your thing!
Not only are edibles tasty, but they’re also pretty inconspicuous. You can take your dose at whatever time of day suits you. And if you need another after lunch, your coworkers won't look twice.
The effects of edibles, like gummies, last the longest but they also take the longest to kick in. Vaping is the opposite. The effects kick in VERY quickly, but they last the shortest amount of time.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re in love with CBD. It’s helped so many people and we hope it can help YOU! But if you’re already taking a prescription medication to help with any mental health issues, then we highly recommend caution.
We would never recommend that someone ditch their prescription medications in favor of CBD without consulting with their doctor first. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking prescription medications for mental health issues, but if you want to combine or swap them with CBD there are a few things you should know.
Antidepressants, anti-anxieties, and antipsychotics are incredibly powerful, and they can also take a while to build up enough in your system to be effective. So not taking those meds for a day or two doesn’t mean they’re out of your system. Depending on your exact medication, CBD may even interact with it.
A large portion of medications on the market today get metabolized by specific enzymes in the liver. Those enzymes are also the same ones that break down CBD. There’s a distinct possibility that CBD may inhibit the CYP450 enzyme, which is what breaks down those other medications. This means that if you take CBD with those medications, your liver may let too much of them into your system.
This is particularly important for those who are on blood-thinners or benzodiazepines (like Xanax). So if you have any preexisting medical conditions, and especially if you’re already on any prescriptions, consult with your doctor before trying CBD.
Living with a mood disorder can make everyday tasks feel insurmountable. They can strain your relationships and make it harder to live your best life. But there ARE options.
Maybe talking to a mental health professional can alleviate your symptoms and maybe taking a prescription will help. It’s also possible that CBD could provide you with the relief you’re looking for.
Honestly, we don’t care which method you choose; we just want people to be happy and healthy. We think that CBD can help, so we want to spread the word about CBD. But everyone has to decide for themselves whether or not it’s right for them.
If you think CBD is right for you then check out some of the products we have to offer and feel free to contact us to ask any questions. And if you’ve had a particularly great experience with CBD, definitely give us a shout-out on Instagram for a chance to be featured on one of our stories or even in one of our blogs!
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
]]>If you need the maximum healing benefits of CBD, then you should be using CBD Oil. Don’t believe us? Here are 5 reasons why you should!
]]>Hopefully, by now you know that CBD (cannabidiol) is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid that promotes health benefits without the side-effects of prescription drugs. Some are taking it to help them sleep, to lessen anxiety and pain, and some are even using it to soothe neurological issues. For maximum CBD perks, however, you should consider using CBD Oil.
We know those CBD gummies are tasty and that CBD vape pen is convenient, but compared to all other options, CBD oils and tinctures have the highest bioavailability. You absorb more CBD by using these options as opposed to others. Plus, the effects of oils are long-lasting.
So if you’re intimidated by CBD Oils and Tinctures, then here are five reasons why you should consider them.
Some types of pain can be managed by gritting your teeth and plastering a smile on while at work. Other pain can make your day to day tasks feel impossible and sometimes they are impossible. Over time, pain can wear you down; it can affect your mental health just as much as your physical health.
Luckily, CBD has been shown to reduce chronic pain and inflammation. The Journal of Experimental Medicine even conducted a study that showed significantly reduced pain and chronic inflammation in rats. Plus, the number of people who swear by CBD for their chronic pain problems speaks for itself.
If you’re wondering why we keep mentioning inflammation, it’s because it has a lot to do with chronic pain; too much inflammation can lead to a whole host of other health problems. So relieving inflammation will naturally relieve pain and lessen your chances of developing other health issues.
Anxiety can be a lot of different things. Sometimes it’s hyperventilating, crying, and shaking. Other times it’s numbness and indecisiveness. Regardless of how your anxiety manifests, it’s scary. You can feel like you’re not in control of your life.
CBD Oil, however, can help you regain some of that control.
This is good news for those who suffer from both mild and severe anxiety. In 2015, the Journal of Neurotherapeutics reviewed experimental research, clinical trials, and epidemiological studies to find that CBD Oil has the potential to relieve anxiety associated with:
The term “neurological issues” is vague because it encompasses such a wide variety of illnesses. Neurological disorders are characterized by their effects on the central and peripheral nervous system and are degenerative, which means there’s no cure. Here are just some of the issues we’re talking about:
Not only do these diseases come with a wide variety of painful, irreversible symptoms, but the lack of a cure can cause major depression in sufferers. While CBD Oil is NOT a cure, it can help improve the quality of life for those living with these issues.
There’s still a TON of research being done, but a lot of the preliminary results indicate that CBD has neuroprotective properties. While this doesn’t mean that CBD can reverse nerve damage that’s already happened, it does have the potential to protect against further damage.
So for those who are genetically predisposed to certain neurological issues, CBD Oil has the potential to be used as a preventative measure. If someone is already suffering from any of these issues, CBD Oil can ease pain, lessen inflammation, ease anxiety, and generally improve their quality of life.
Some people are more prone to heart disease than others. Sometimes it’s genetic, stress-related, or even just from poor diet and exercise. Luckily, there are a lot of steps you can take to improve your overall heart health, and one of those things is CBD Oil.
In a 2017 CBD study with nine male volunteers, the non-placebo group showed lower blood-pressure after experiencing a stressful event compared to the placebo group. In general, CBD Oil is thought to reduce artery blockages, cholesterol levels, stress-induced cardiovascular responses, and blood pressure.
So, while we wouldn’t recommend solely relying on CBD to keep your heart healthy, combining it with a healthy diet and moderate exercise seems viable.
If you’ve researched CBD at all, you’ve probably seen a lot of information about how CBD can cure cancer. Well, that’s not true. At least, there’s not enough scientific evidence to make that kind of claim anyway.
However, there is a lot of promising data in terms of ameliorating cancer symptoms, slowing down the spread of cancer, and in relieving symptoms associated with cancer treatments.
On top of helping to reduce the pain and anxiety associated with cancer, CBD Oil can help patients in several other ways. One of which is helping to mitigate the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation
Some of the common effects of these treatments are nausea and vomiting; being more prone to infections; fatigue, and loss of appetite. For some, chemo is the only option. But supplementing with CBD Oil while undergoing chemotherapy can mitigate some of these side-effects.
In an article published earlier this year, Medical News Today even said some research shows, “cannabinoids seem to inhibit the growth of many different types of tumor cell in both test tubes and animal models.”
Realistically though, there’s just not enough evidence to definitively say that CBD can stop cancer growth or that it can cure cancer. It can, however, complement traditional cancer treatments and offer relief for certain symptoms.
When you ingest CBD, it has to pass through your digestive system and only so much of the CBD reaches your bloodstream. Plus, it takes the longest time for those effects to kick in.
Vaping CBD is great if you need relief RIGHT NOW, but the effects last the shortest amount of time.
The key is to make sure you’re taking your CBD Oil or Tincture via the sublingual method.
This means holding the oil under your tongue for a short amount of time before swallowing it. This allows the CBD to travel to your bloodstream via the mucous membranes in your mouth. The effects don’t kick in as quickly as vaping, but they do kick in much faster than eating CBD Gummies; the effects last for several hours.
If you’re sold on the CBD Oil idea, then you’ll want to check out our blogs about how to Calculate Your CBD Oil Dosage and How Long It Takes for CBD Oil to Work.
Remember to consult with your doctor before adding CBD into your life. This goes double for anyone already on any prescriptions or dealing with any of the neurological diseases mentioned above. While we believe in the amazing benefits of CBD, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Feel free to check out our CBD Oil options and definitely reach out to us if you have any questions. Once you make CBD Oil a part of your routine, you’ll notice a huge difference in your quality of life.
Let us know how it goes by commenting below or tagging us on Instagram! We can’t wait to hear about how CBD Oil has helped you get back to feeling like yourself again.
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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This is important information to be aware of. Like maybe you’re worried about CBD showing up on a pre-employment drug screening. Or you don't want CBD to mix with a medication you're about to take.
No matter the reason, read on to discover the key tips to help you figure out how long CBD may stay in your system.
]]>Some of us take CBD (cannabidiol) to combat anxiety, to help us sleep, or to relieve aches and pains. Whatever the reason, we’re just happy it works! But after you stop using it, how long does CBD stay in your system?
This is important information to be aware of for several reasons. For example, if your doctor wants to put you on a prescription drug that may interact with CBD (like blood thinners), then you want to be sure that CBD has completely cleared your system. Or maybe you’re worried about CBD showing up on a pre-employment drug screening.
No matter the reason, here are several key items to help you figure out how long CBD may stay in your system.
Every person is different and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The folks at iSum say, “If you use CBD occasionally, your body should get rid of its metabolites in less than a week.” But even they admit that the answer isn’t that simple.
In one study of individuals who used 700mg of CBD every day for six weeks, their blood plasma CBD levels, in the week following the end of their treatment, only reached 1.5ng/ml. Crazy, right?
After taking such a high dose for an extended amount of time, you might assume that their CBD levels would still be pretty high after just one week of stopping treatment. However, after reviewing their blood plasma, researchers concluded that CBD levels were virtually nonexistent.
While these instances do make it seem like one week is enough for CBD to leave your system, it’s important to note that the previous study only included 14 test subjects. While the results were the same across the board for all subjects, that’s not a wide enough test group to make a definitive statement about their findings.
Therefore, you can estimate that CBD will leave your system in about a week. Below, I list a few other items that can affect that timeline.
One of the things we love about CBD is that there are a lot of different ways you can enjoy it. There are lotions, salves, and edibles; vapes for those on the go; and oils and tinctures for those who want maximum therapeutic effects. Your CBD can be as convenient as you want it to be.
The important thing to remember is that each of these methods will stay in your system for different amounts of time. One study found that the half-life for CBD in the blood system was 3-5 days. That half-life, however, was heavily impacted by the ways people ingested their CBD.
The longer it takes for you to feel the effects of CBD, and how long those effects last, are good indicators of how long CBD will stay in your system. Generally, the longer the effects last the longer CBD will stay in your system. We’ve got an entire blog that goes into those details, so definitely check that out here.
But if you need those answers now, get the basics on your preferred method of ingestion below to help you get a good idea of how long it might be in your system.
This method refers to anything that has to pass through your digestive system to be absorbed. So this includes edibles, beverages, oils that you simply swallow, and capsules. Because the CBD has to pass through the digestive tract, this method has the longest waiting time for you to feel the effects (sometimes 1-2 hours). However, the effects of ingested CBD tend to last the longest. That means they’ll stay in your system for longer too.
While you can ingest some oils, you can get them into your bloodstream faster by taking oils and tinctures sublingually. This means that you place them under your tongue and hold them there for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before swallowing what’s left. This transfers the CBD into your system via mucous membranes as opposed to the digestive tract. The effects of this method can kick in after 15-20 minutes and last almost as long as ingested CBD effects.
CBD that’s inhaled kicks in the fastest, so it leaves your system the fastest too. Those who use a vaporizer can feel the effects in as little as 1-2 minutes. When you inhale CBD into your lungs, it passes through your alveoli to get into the bloodstream, so it makes sense that it would take effect so quickly. Generally, these effects only last a few hours.
Topicals are anything that you apply directly to the skin. This could include lotions, salves, facial mists, and even CBD infused cosmetics. There is, however, a lot of variability in how much CBD gets into your bloodstream with this method. Your skin is meant to be a protective barrier, but when applied in large amounts CBD can be absorbed into the bloodstream. It can take at least an hour before the effects are felt, and they can last for several hours.
Just like with other medications, body mass can determine how much you need to take AND how long certain compounds will remain in your system. Kyro put it best when they said, “people who weigh more tend to have more fat cells, which means they can absorb and store more CBD. So, by definition, heavier people with more fat will get prolonged effects of CBD.”
So if you weigh more, not only will you need to ingest more CBD to feel the effects, CBD could be stored in your system for longer as well. What makes things even more complicated is that your weight can affect things like your metabolism, altering how long CBD can be in your system.
Honestly, lifestyle is a giant umbrella term that covers a wide variety of items. It can include how active you are, your diet, what your sleep cycle is like, if you work in a high-stress environment, etc. And all of those items can affect your metabolism.
The funny thing is, over time CBD can have a positive impact on the different aspects of your lifestyle; it can help you get better sleep, which can then help reduce stress, which could make it easier to eat healthier. You might be so happy with that lifestyle chain reaction that you take up exercising. CBD could do one of those things or all of those things--and it might do them in any order.
It’s important to remember though, that your lifestyle (and the way your body adjusts to your lifestyle) won’t change overnight. It can take an especially long time for our metabolism to adjust to any lifestyle changes. So if you’re trying to determine how long CBD will stay in your system, you need to consider your current metabolism and lifestyle.
Weedmaps says that a person's metabolism determines how fast CBD can be metabolized and excreted. Another factor that impacts how quickly the effects of CBD kick in (and how fast they’ll pass through your system) is the content of your stomach. CBD taken on an empty stomach will kick in faster, and “certain foods could enhance the bioavailability and increase overall CBD concentration in your body.”
This one should be a no-brainer.
Your dose is the amount of CBD you take each time you take your CBD. Frequency is how often you take that dose of CBD. The larger the dose, the more CBD that’s in your system. If you administer your CBD quite often, the longer it will be in your system.
But you must take into consideration other factors. If you’re vaping a low dose of CBD several times a day, for example, it may not be in your system for a very long time. If, however, you live a very sedentary lifestyle and have a slow metabolism, then it may not leave as quickly.
If you’re worried about CBD causing issues for a drug screening, then caution is always best. Most drug tests are looking for THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), but certain CBD products can contain trace amounts of THC in them. While it’s rare, certain CBD products can cause people to test positive for THC. If this is something you’re concerned about then get all the details here.
Regardless of WHY you need CBD to leave your system, give yourself a buffer. The generally accepted time frame for CBD to clear your system is about a week. If your BMI is higher than average though, give yourself a few extra days (possibly an extra week). If you take a particularly high dose of CBD and you take that dose frequently, give yourself more time.
For many of us, we can’t get enough CBD! But if you’ve had any experiences trying to clear CBD out of your system then drop us a comment down below. We’re always eager to hear tips and tricks from our readers, and if you give us some love on Instagram you may even be featured in one of our stories.
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
]]>While mountains of research still need to be tackled, early findings indicate that CBD helps to improve focus and clear away the dreaded brain fog, helping users to maintain a high degree of mental clarity and flexibility.
These benefits aren’t due to any one specific property of CBD, but rather to a combination of many of CBD’s diverse effects. To stimulate your brain, we’ve outlined a few of these factors below.
]]>Compared with many mainstream medicines, CBD offers a uniquely holistic healing effect — in addition to easing physical ailments like aches and pains, this powerful compound also benefits the mind.
While mountains of research still need to be tackled, early findings indicate that CBD helps to improve focus and clear away the dreaded brain fog, helping users to maintain a high degree of mental clarity and flexibility.
These benefits aren’t due to any one specific property of CBD, but rather to a combination of many of CBD’s diverse effects. To stimulate your brain, we’ve outlined a few of these factors below.
If you’ve read our article about the endocannabinoid system, you know that the countless receptors in your brain play a vital role in processing and managing cannabinoids. While CBD doesn’t interact directly with these receptors, it does help to ensure a steady release of brain-altering chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals, which include serotonin and dopamine, regulate your mental functions and create emotional stability.
Thanks to CBD’s ability to optimize the release of neurotransmitters, this powerful compound helps to stabilize your emotional state. We don’t need to tell you that emotions play a big role in your ability to focus. If you’re feeling sad or annoyed, you’re going to have a tough time staying on task. CBD helps you to feel relaxed, let go of negative emotions, and give your attention fully to whatever you’re doing.
Chronic anxiety and depression are debilitating conditions that can affect a person’s entire well-being, including their mental clarity. Feelings of anxiety and depression range from simply distracting to outright paralyzing, and they drastically reduce a person’s ability to think clearly.
As part of holistic treatment, CBD helps to fight the symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is important to note that anxiety and depression are serious conditions, and you should always discuss your options with a qualified medical professional before starting any treatment.
CBD has been well-documented as producing a relaxing effect, which can ease feelings of anxiety or depression. Interestingly, the changes produced by CBD aren’t just emotional. While more research is necessary, some studies have shown physiological changes caused by CBD.
For example, one study found that CBD could restrict blood flow to regions of the brain thought responsible for producing anxiety. CBD has also been shown to improve sleep and decrease inflammation, both attributes that can boost a person’s health and decrease feelings of depression.
Much like negative emotions, aches and pains can also distract the mind and make it difficult to concentrate. Think of how difficult it can be to focus if you have a headache or even just a hangnail. CBD helps to relieve physical pains, in turn boosting your mental clarity.
CBD’s ability to lessen pain is due to its effect on the endocannabinoid system. As discussed previously, one of the primary roles of the endocannabinoid system is optimizing the release of neurotransmitters. Some of these neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, alter the brain’s perception of pain. If you’re feeling achy, CBD not only helps to soothe the ache, but it will also decrease the sensation of pain in your brain.
Interestingly, CBD doesn’t just stop there. Some research indicates that CBD loosely mimics the function of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins interact with the opioid system, the brain’s natural system for providing pain relief.
Researchers claim that CBD stimulates the opioid system to decrease pain, but it doesn’t suppress the body’s natural production of opioids. This stands in stark contrast to opioid-based painkillers and other Big Pharma substances that, after sustained use, typically lead to decreases in opioid production. In short, CBD offers many of the pain-fighting benefits of an opioid-centric treatment, but without the dangers of addiction or increased tolerance.
Between mimicking endorphins and priming neurotransmitters, CBD boasts unique abilities to combat small pains and aches. With your pain out of the way, it’ll be that much easier to focus and maintain a clear mind.
Much like serotonin and dopamine, glutamate is a neurotransmitter found naturally in the body — in fact, it’s the most common type of neurotransmitter around, and it plays a major role in the ability to learn new things and memorize information.
In the simplest terms, glutamate works by determining how strong or weak the connection between two neurons is. Thanks to glutamate, your brain can adapt to new knowledge and environments by prioritizing the connections between the neurons it relies on the most.
It’s possible, however, to accidentally overwork your neurons, which can result in damage or even death of the neuron in a process called excitotoxicity.
CBD figures into the picture because of its ability to combat excitotoxicity. You can think of CBD as acting as a guardrail for glutamate. It doesn’t entirely prevent the production or distribution of glutamate, but it does inhibit it slightly, which reduces the dangers of excitotoxicity. Over time, it’s thought that this effect allows CBD to protect the health of your neurons, leading to increases in learning ability and sharper recall.
Study after study has shown that getting a full night of sleep is not only critical for your physical health, but also for your mind. Sleep offers your brain a chance to reorganize and rest, readying itself for another hard day of work.
For some people, however, getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night can seem like an impossible task. Fortunately, CBD can help those struggling with insomnia or poor sleep.
As you might expect, CBD aids with sleep by prompting a response from the endocannabinoid system. When activated, the ECS causes your muscles to relax, slows your digestive system, and calms your brain. Taken together, these symptoms put your body in a relaxed, contented state, perfect for falling and staying asleep. For some, simply taking CBD creates feelings of sleepiness within 30 minutes.
Getting ample sleep is one of the best investments you can make for your health. Sleep helps to regulate the release of neurotransmitters and hormones throughout your body, which are important for growth and maintaining stable, positive emotions. In addition, sleep suppresses genes in your DNA that can interfere with brain activity and decrease sleep quality.
Although many people aren’t familiar with the term oxidative stress, researchers insist that it plays a major role in mental health. So what exactly is oxidative stress, and how does CBD fit in?
To understand that, we need a bit of background knowledge.
Your brain uses roughly 25% of the oxygen you breathe in. Unfortunately, breathing oxygen also creates free radicals. As you might remember from your intro to chemistry class, a free radical is a molecule with an odd number of electrons in its outer shells. Most molecules have even numbers of electrons, since each electron is paired with another electron. In free radicals, however, one single electron is left without a partner.
Free radicals will do everything in their power to find an extra electron and complete the pair, making them highly reactive. When introduced to a human body, free radicals will rip apart cells, DNA, and other important structures in their quest to pair that last electron.
This process might be violent, but it’s a natural part of life that happens constantly in your body. Free radicals, however, can cause some nasty symptoms. In your brain, they’ve been shown to slow down mental functions and speed up the aging process.
Fortunately, we have a tool to limit the effects of free radicals: antioxidants. These are simply molecules with an extra oxygen atom, which harmlessly binds to and neutralizes free radicals. In a nutshell, oxidative stress describes the balance between free radicals and antioxidants in your brain.
Your body naturally produces some antioxidants, which you can supplement by eating healthy, natural foods like blueberries or walnuts. Some vitamins, particularly vitamins C and E, also have antioxidant properties. Interestingly, CBD also acts as an antioxidant — it’s even thought to be more effective at neutralizing free radicals than vitamins C and E.
Medical talk aside, what do CBD’s antioxidant properties mean for the average user? Well, CBD helps fight against aging in the brain, which is typically associated with a slowdown in mental functions and decreased memory. While CBD isn’t going to suddenly make you remember a forgotten conversation from 15 years ago, it does help to preserve and protect your current mental abilities for as long as possible.
CBD offers a unique and holistic approach to improving mental functions. It promotes short-term mental clarity, decreases distracting emotions and pain, and helps get better sleep. In addition, CBD may play a role in maintaining a healthy brain.
Have you ever used CBD to achieve greater mental clarity or focus? We’d love to hear about it! Please feel free to leave a comment below, reach out to us on social media, or send us an email describing your experience.
Jackson Rockwell is a Los Angeles-based writer with 6+ years of experience creating content for numerous publications, such as Wirecutter and SOVO//Magazine. He specializes in covering travel, outdoors, and science-focused topics. Outside of writing, Jackson also enjoys creating electronic music and wandering in the woods.
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This is phenomenal news for dog breeds prone to anxiety, for older dogs with joint pain, and it’s especially good news for dog owners who don’t want to see their furry friends in pain. But how much CBD Oil does your dog need?
Just like with people, it varies. Different size dogs will require different doses. Plus, some dogs might not need a lot of CBD for them to start feeling better. We’ve put together a few key points to consider to help you figure it out.
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If you’re just now hearing about CBD (cannabidiol), then here’s the rundown: it can alleviate many minor aches and pains, help you sleep better, elevate your mood, and pretty much bring balance back to your life. But did you know that it’s also good for your dog too?
This is phenomenal news for dog breeds prone to anxiety, for older dogs with joint pain, and it’s especially good news for dog owners who don’t want to see their furry friends in pain. But how much CBD Oil does your dog need?
Just like with people, it varies. Different size dogs will require different doses. Plus, some dogs might not need a lot of CBD for them to start feeling better. We’ve put together a few key points to consider to help you figure it out.
The first question on most dog owners' minds is whether or not CBD is safe for their dogs.
Thankfully, the answer is YES. Dogs have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) just like we do. So CBD can offer a wide variety of potential benefits for dogs just like it does for humans!
Dog Time put it best when they said, “...CBD oil is safe for most dogs in the right doses and with the right products. However, you must consult your veterinarian before you give your dog any CBD. Your vet can advise you about your dog and give you more information about administering it safely.”
The biggest risk of giving your dog CBD is THC toxicity; that's when a CBD product has too much THC in it and your dog experiences psychoactive effects. So it's important to do your research and find CBD products with little to no THC in them for your dog.
Just like with humans, most dogs will be fine with CBD. However, even with pure CBD, some dogs may have minor side-effects. While we firmly believe in the potential benefits that CBD can offer your canine companions, we would never recommend trying it without talking to your veterinarian. Even for us humans, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor before trying CBD.
Once your veterinarian gives you the green light, there are still a few items you should take into consideration.
Oddly enough, these are the same tips that we would give for a human trying to find CBD for the first time. At first, you’ll need to do a little bit of detective work. Then once you find a product you trust, you’ll need to tinker with dosages to find what works best. Don’t panic if there’s a little bit of trial-and-error! That’s all part of the process. Once you figure out the correct dosage, you’ll be able to experiment with different types of products.
Until then, however, here are a few tips from the American Kennel Club to get you started.
Once you’ve consulted with your veterinarian and found a high-quality product that you trust, it’s time to figure out exactly how much CBD to give them.
CBD isn’t something that will take effect immediately. Sometimes it can take a week or two for HUMANS to notice a difference. And since your dog won’t be able to tell you they feel better or worse, you’ll have to be very patient and pay special attention to their behavior.
Canine Journal says, “The dosage can also differ depending on the condition you’re trying to treat. For example, higher doses are typically recommended for more serious health conditions and lower doses for occasional anxiety or general well-being. And of course, you have your dog’s weight and underlying health issues to take into consideration.”
To help you determine the precise dosage, you’ll want to consider these items:
The Weight of Your Dog Can Determine CBD Dosage
For midsize or large dogs, we’d recommend 1-5 mg CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight. For particularly small dogs you should consider 0.2mg of CBD per pound.
So if your dog is teacup-sized, you might start with just .5-1 mg. If, however, you have a Tibetan Mastiff that weighs somewhere between 100-160 lbs, you may want to start with 10-20 mg (possibly more).
More Active Dogs Will Metabolize CBD Faster
If you have a high-energy animal with a fast metabolism, they may feel the effects faster and it may not stay in their system as long. Elderly dogs, or particularly sedentary dogs, may not feel the effects as quickly and it might stay in their systems longer. This will help you figure out how often you need to give them CBD (especially if you’re trying to treat any type of pain).
Liver or Kidney Problems Will Affect Dosing
These types of conditions can affect the way your dog reacts and metabolizes CBD. It’s also important to note that CBD can interact with other liver medications. If your dog is taking any medications for a liver issue, consult your veterinarian first.
So you’ve done your research. You know which products are safe for your dog. You’ve consulted with your veterinarian, and you’ve determined what dose you're going to start with...so how do you actually give your dog CBD?
Once you know what dose to give them you can switch to treats if you want. But until then…
Just like with humans, we give our dogs CBD because we want to improve their quality of life. Some prescription medications come with undesirable side-effects, and CBD can be a great way to treat problems without harsh medicines.
Similar to humans, there are a lot of issues that CBD can help your dogs with. PetMD says, “[CBD] oil can be used to treat seizures, nausea, stress, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, symptoms of cancer, and gastrointestinal issues, among other health conditions in dogs.”
We give our dogs CBD because we love them. We want them to live long, healthy lives so they can be part of our families for as long as possible. Consider adding CBD to your dog's regimen with our carefully selected Pet-Friendly CBD products. Let us know about your experiences in the comments below and don’t forget to give us a shoutout on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our stories or in a future blog!
Hannah Walker is a mostly-retired University English instructor who spends her time freelance copywriting. When not doing that, she’s writing articles related to CBD, skincare, and/or media. With an MA in English-Creative Writing she’s probably working on a creative piece at this very moment. See more about Hannah’s work on her website or on Instagram.
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Thankfully, scientists are working to uncover new remedies and methods to mitigate pain. One of the most promising avenues they are exploring deals with Cannabidiol, or CBD.
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Like an obnoxious party guest or your lout of an uncle, pain can be a real pain in the butt. When it shows up, it reduces an otherwise fun, productive, or exciting day into a real disappointment.
The trouble with pain is that it has many sprawling effects. Pain can be debilitating, especially when it becomes continuous or chronic due to injuries, diseases, or disorders. It robs your motivation, saps your productivity, and drains your emotions.
Pain expresses itself in your muscles, your nervous system, and your joints. There’s even emerging evidence that emotional pain, if not dealt with effectively, can translate into physical pain.
Pain is a dangerous game in our healthcare system. Because pain is so uncomfortable, those who experience it regularly often seek relief in prescription medications: fentanyl, codeine, oxycodone, etc. The danger of these opioids was underreported because they came from a pharmacy and are prescribed by a man in a white coat. The result? Over 72,000 overdose deaths in the United States in 2017.
Thankfully, scientists are working to uncover new remedies and methods to mitigate pain. One of the most promising avenues they are exploring deals with Cannabidiol, or CBD.
Cannabidiol is a naturally-occurring compound that can be found in the marijuana plant. Unlike its more well-known counterpart, THC, CBD won’t get you high. Instead, CBD is gaining traction for its near-miraculous capability to reduce pain, soothe anxiety, quiet seizures, and increase the immune system’s capabilities.
Although more research is still needed to fully uncover CBD’s healing potential, the results are pretty clear: CBD can reduce difficult-to-treat pain. But how?
Pain relief starts with how your body reacts when CBD is introduced. Your body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates functions like eating, sleeping, and relaxation. When CBD molecules bind to receptors in certain parts of that ECS, it reduces pain, inflammation, and hyperalgesia, or enhanced pain response. Study after study shows participants finding relief from pain through the use of CBD products.
Let’s take a look at some of the major types of pain, and our recommendation for the best form of CBD to help you find relief.
Definition: Any pain felt in the head region. A headache can occur on the left side of your head, the right side, or both. It may be concentrated into a single region or radiate across the scalp. Headache pain can feel vice-like, with bouts of stabbing and throbbing sensations.
Cause: The Mayo Clinic explains that headaches can be attributed to a whole host of lifestyle, behavioral, and medical causes. Simply put, you get a headache when you experience overactivity or malfunctioning within the pain-sensitive structures in your head. The trigger event for that activity could be deeply seated in your genetics, or it could be a reactionary event due to allergies, alcohol, dehydration, stress, or even poor posture.
CBD Recommendation: Inhalation or Vaporizer. Inhaling CBD vapor from a high-density cartridge is the quickest way to circulate CBD’s healing effects throughout the body. When you’re battling a headache that just won’t quit, or sensing a migraine beginning to develop, you want a fast dose that will directly cut your pain.
Definition: Pain experienced in the connection points between bones. Joint pain can cause sharp, dull, or radiating pain, and often interferes with and is exacerbated by movement. Commonly affected areas include the knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists.
Cause: Many different conditions can lead to joint pain. Joint pain can affect individuals of all ages, especially those who have experienced injuries or accidents. Regardless of the underlying issue, Arthritis.org explains that when joints become inflamed, resulting in “joint swelling, increased joint fluid, cartilage and bone damage, and muscle loss. Nerves in the joints are activated, causing pain.”
CBD Recommendation: Topical, Cream, or Oil. CBD’s healing properties can be absorbed through the skin. Although additional methods of using CBD might also be useful in decreasing your overall pain response, applying a CBD-based cream or oil directly to the affected area can produce powerful spot relief.
Definition: Pain that occurs in any of the muscles in the body, often the back, neck, and shoulders. Muscle pain is characterized by a sensation of “tightness” and is occasionally accompanied by swelling, tenderness, and redness. Because of the interconnectedness of your muscular system, muscle pain might be felt in areas other than the affected site. For example, a pulled muscle in your shoulder could result in referred pain in your neck.
Cause: Most instances of muscle pain occur as a direct result of stress, tension, or physical overexertion. However, Healthline also outlines medical conditions that can result in muscle pain, including:
CBD Recommendation: Edible. CBD comes in edible forms including gummies, chocolates, and other snack items. Eating or drinking your CBD allows your body to process it more slowly – although the onset of relief might come a bit slower, you’ll get longer-lasting results that will take the edge off your pain and help relax the affected areas.
Definition: Unique and often complex pain that can occur throughout the body or in concentrated areas. Nerve pain is associated with sensations like burning, tingling, stabbing, shooting, or prickling, and can be one of the hardest types of pain to address. Those with nerve pain might also experience full or partial numbness, paralysis, or atrophy.
Cause: There are a wide array of causes that can result in nerve pain. According to HealthDirect, a few of these might include brain injury, stroke, cancer, trapped nerves, heavy drinking, and diabetes among others.
When your nervous system is functioning normally, your nerves send messages to your brain as a result of a direct stimulus – accidentally touching a hot stove or banging your bare pinky toe against the corner of a piece of furniture (I’m cringing just thinking about that one). When an individual experiences nerve pain, the nervous system sends pain messages to the brain unprompted.
CBD Recommendation: Dried Flower. Although harder to come by, you can purchase CBD in flower form. It looks like a bud of marijuana, but the plant has been specially cultivated to contain only trace amounts of THC. The plant can be vaporized and then inhaled; it provides full-body soothing effects.
Pain is a complex issue, with many causes and symptoms. There is no magic pill. Finding out what remedies work best for you and your biochemistry is the best way to get yourself on the path to living a pain-free life. In addition to CBD, you might also want to explore mind-body strengthening practices like yoga, meditation, or visualization; or physical care like massage, chiropractic care, or acupuncture. CBD is the perfect complement for any pain management plan because it is so effective and well-tolerated.
No one should have to deal with pain day in and day out, or for weeks or months on end.
I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, pain often becomes an emotional experience laced with fear and anxiety. Will it get worse? When will it stop? How will I get through my day if it doesn’t go away? Knowing that relief is available through the use of CBD products and medications has been a powerful tool for me in managing both my pain and my anxiety. I encourage you to begin exploring your health and your body to find out what works best for you.
How do you find CBD to be most effective? Leave us a comment below letting us know what types of CBD products work best for you, and help our growing community learn more about CBD by sharing your personal experience.
Kyra is a freelance marketing and communications professional and the co-founder of K to Z Careers, a small business that helps individuals and entrepreneurs find their voice their in a busy digital world. Kyra holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in English education. She’s worked in the health and wellness, hospitality, and addiction treatment/behavioral healthcare industries primarily in media, marketing, and content development. When she’s not working, Kyra absolutely loves to cook, and dedicates regular time to researching recipes, experimenting with exciting new ingredients, and generally making a sizeable mess in the kitchen. She also enjoys practicing Yoga, drawing, spending time with her fiance, and walking outdoors. She is a CBD user and advocate.
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