Is hemp the new kale? Like it’s leafy green predecessor or any indie band with a handsome, weepy lead singer, hemp has ditched its Birkenstocks and gone mainstream. Why? Hemp’s not-so-secret superpower: CBD. It’s a literal chill pill that will not get you high. Seriously.
First off, I talked to my doctor about incorporating this into my daily routine. You 100% have to talk to yours before starting anything new. I needed some extra help falling asleep and she recommended a Hemp oil supplement and taking Twitter off my phone (Twitter can cause some insomnia these days, amiright?)
If you’re wondering why CBD seems to be everywhere these days or curious about trying it, you’re in the right place. As someone who’s found their go-to product, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about the current rockstar of the wellness world.
What is CBD anyway?
The abbreviation CBD comes from cannabidiol, an active chemical compound that’s found in both hemp and its groovier cousin, marijuana. (Can we still say groovy?) Both are varieties of the Cannabis sativa species.
Check any health food store or website and you’re bound to find a variety of hemp products. How can you tell which ones contain CBD? It all comes down to production. CBD is found in the flowers, leaves and stems of the hemp plant. Once extracted, it can be sold as a wellness supplement. Any CBD product should be clearly labeled and they’re now widely available throughout the U.S. from reputable retailers large and small.
The seeds of the hemp plant do not contain any CBD. Hemp seed oil and shelled hemp seeds (known as hemp hearts) are a great source of vitamins, minerals, protein and essential fatty acids. Pro Tip: Hemp hearts actually make a great salad topping.
What are we getting wrong about CBD?
As I said, the biggest misconception about CBD is that you’ll end up going full-on Pineapple Express and zoning out on the couch for hours. (Well, we’re all doing a bit of that right now, but CBD has nothing to do with it.) CBD is not the same as THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) which is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. The high quality CBD products available to purchase cannot contain more than 0.3% THC, so they won’t keep you from being active or productive.
Another bonus? It is non-addictive and not shown to cause any health problems. That being said, again, it’s always important to consult with your doctor before adding any type of holistic treatment to your routine, especially if you’re taking medication(s). They can go over potential interactions and side effects with you.
How will it make you feel?
CBD has a lot of claimed benefits, but what it’s best known for is reducing stress and anxiety. Ingesting it can make you feel more relaxed throughout the day and sleep better at night. If you’re a wife and/or mother like me, CBD can help with that list we’re always writing in our heads at night when we should be falling asleep.
CBD has also been hailed for reducing pain and inflammation, making it a popular remedy for arthritis when applied topically. It can also help with sore muscles after exercise.
How can I use CBD?
If you’re interested in taking an oral CBD product, two of the most common forms are gummies and tinctures, sold in a variety of flavors and strengths. Candy that makes you feel better, not worse? Get me my wallet. When it comes to tinctures, you don’t need to mix them with anything — just use the dropper to place the desired dosage into your mouth.
For those who would rather use CBD topically, more and more options are popping up every day. A solid stick is a convenient, portable option for aches and pains that can be reapplied as needed. You can also find creams and even luxe serums if you’re feeling fancy.
Remember, just like designer handbags, there are a lot of knockoffs out there. Be sure to research any CBD manufacturer before making a purchase and follow usage instructions carefully. And again, always talk to your doctor to make sure nothing would interfere with medications you’re taking. It may take some time to determine the best dosage for you. Your body (and whoever you’ve been snapping at) will thank you.
Have you tried any CBD products? Let me know what’s worked for you in the comments.
