5 CBD Basics You Need to Know
CBD. It’s all over the news. Your friends are talking about it. It’s taking over your social media feed. But how much do you actually know about CBD? And in an uncontrolled market, how do you start knowing what’s best for you? We’ve listed 5 CBD basics you need to know in beginning your journey to a healthier YOU.
#1 – What exactly is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is one of over 150 naturally-occurring compounds (aka “cannabinoids”) found in the Cannabis Sativa plant.
The Cannabis Sativa plant is bred and grown in two different ways:
As “industrial hemp” with less than 0.3% THC content. Which makes it a completely federally legal agricultural crop in the U.S.
As “marijuana” with up to 30% THC content. THC is the psychoactive part of cannabis. And in higher amounts, it causes the intoxicating “high” effect.
#2 – What exactly are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with receptors in our Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating sleep, inflammation, mood, and overall homeostasis (a body’s state of balance).
Our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids called endocannabinoids. CBD and cannabinoids from the Cannabis Sativa plant are called phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids enhance our ability to make more of our OWN endocannabinoids!
Bonus Fact: When women breastfeed, they produce and pass endocannabinoids on to their newborns to help with suckling and immune system function! Over time, we lose these endocannabinoids, which is why phytocannabinoids are so powerful!
#3 – Is there scientific CBD research?
Yes! CBD is in hundreds of independent research studies. From its effects on regulating mood and substance-abuse disorders, and improving chronic insomnia, to the hardening of a bone after a fracture. Clinical CBD research in the U.S. is still pretty recent, but new studies are published often. In fact, more uses for cannabinoids are discovered every day!
#4 – What are “full-spectrum” products?
CBD helps decrease discomfort and improve mood. But it’s just one of 140 cannabinoids available from the hard-working Cannabis Sativa plant. Other examples are CBN, CBG, CBC, CBDa, THC, and THCv — all found in our industrial hemp strain giving it the “full-spectrum” label.
Full-spectrum products are more effective problem-solvers than pure CBD alone. This is because CBD works best when surrounded by other cannabinoids found in the plant, including its more well-known sister THC (even in small amounts). The combined chemical reaction is known as “the ensemble effect” or “the entourage effect.” This means the cannabinoids boost each other and work together to achieve their goal.
Full-spectrum products are more effective problem-solvers than pure CBD alone.
#5 – How can I use CBD effectively?
CBD works best when you use it every single day. Think of it as a vitamin — Consistency is key! Just remember that every woman’s body is different. And it may take some experimenting to find your perfect dose.
One way to think of your CBD journey is to imagine you’re climbing a hill. The goal is to reach the top of the hill (or your peak desired result) without going too far and heading back down the hill (losing the desired feeling). With that in mind, we suggest starting with a 10mg dose of CBD using our Daily Drops or Softgel capsule in the evening. Then increase your daily dose as needed to achieve your “sweet spot” or peak result.
Some of the effects of CBD can be subtle, so keeping a journal is highly suggested. It’s helpful to note your starting point. And that way you know when and how your body reacts to dosage changes.
It’s also important to know that different delivery methods produce different results.
Oil drops are held under the tongue for only a few seconds. In a few minutes, they absorb into your bloodstream and you feel the effects. But they tend to move quickly out of your system 3-8 hours later.
Ingested softgel capsules absorb more slowly since they need to pass through your digestive system. But that means they also last longer: between 5-12 hours!
Topically-applied creams and balms absorb in minutes. And the effect can last several hours.
Bonus Fact: CBD can sometimes be energizing in small amounts and relaxing in larger amounts. Figuring out what “small” and “large” mean for you and your body is part of the journey!
