People of all walks of life are waking up to the potential benefits of CBD for a wide range of issues like pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
At The Hemp People, our mission is to inform and empower you to take control of your health and happiness. Here are our top five things to know before you try CBD:
1. What CBD is & where it comes from:
CBD stands for Cannabidiol (pronounced cann-a-bid-EYE-ol). Cannabidiol is one of dozens of cannabinoids found in the cannabis family. CBD is non-psychotropic, meaning it won’t get you high—unlike THC, which is actually the only cannabinoid that will. So what exactly does it do?
2. What it does:
While we’re still in the early stages of understanding CBD’s effects on the body, studies so far have pointed primarily to its anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties. It also appears to have benefits for those with cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, as well as addiction. But how is it possible for one molecule to do so much?
3. How & why it works:
Our bodies have a natural receptor system that helps our cells communicate with each other to self-regulate. It’s called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and it’s made up of two types of receptors found in our brains, immune, and central and peripheral nervous systems. CBD binds to these receptors.
While scientists are still figuring out exactly how the whole process works, what we do know is that CBD promotes the normal function of our own ECS, which is why it may have such wide-ranging benefits. How do we know how much we need, though?
4. How much to take:
Everybody is different, so CBD affects us all differently. Different kinds of CBD products also have different levels of potency. Generally, as long as you’re taking CBD from a trusted brand, it really comes down to experimentation with the amount and type of CBD that works best for your body. If you want to use it to treat a specific condition, it's best to talk to your doctor first as there are some contraindications as well as potential drug interactions. However, we shouldn’t think of CBD as a prescription drug, and here’s why:
5. CBD is not a "Quick Fix"
Any meaningful change takes time and consistency, and the same is true of CBD.
Balance looks different for everybody and it can take time to work out your optimal dosage and to start to feel the benefits, though many people experience it immediately.
Like yoga, meditation, or any holistic practice or supplement, CBD is a lifestyle shift with whole body benefits. It’s important to take a look at other aspects of your lifestyle, and commit to making positive changes all round.
News supplied by The Hemp People.