Posted by Victor Madril on Jan-7-2021
It’s a happy new year, for sure. With 2020 behind us, 2021 brings with it the hope and promise of normalcy. But the reality is, that normalcy is not imminent. The first half of this brand new year will still be challenging. And as we continue to face the pandemic, the stress and anxiety that comes with it will remain present.
Over the past year, many people have told us they’ve turned to CBD for help as it relates to stress, worry and anxiety. And rightfully so: the benefits of CBD can help relieve all of the above gently and effectively. So how can it help you in 2021, let’s take a closer look.
WHAT IS CBD?
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is one of more than 100 naturally occurring phytocannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant. It is also one of the most abundant and heavily researched cannabinoids and does not produce any intoxicating effects. CBD is typically derived from hemp, which is a species of Cannabis that yields high CBD and low THC (the cannabinoid that induces an intoxicating effect). CBD provides an abundance of health-enhancing benefits without the high.
HOW DOES CBD WORK WITH YOUR BODY?
We have a vast network of cell receptors throughout our body and brain that help regulate everything from appetite and pain to memory and mood. It’s called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and it plays a key modulating role in our bodies—to help us reach and maintain homeostasis or balance. Our bodies naturally produce endocannabinoids to support this system, but like any nutrient, we can become deficient in endocannabinoids, which results in an imbalance of our ECS. Because CBD is a cannabinoid, it synergistically interacts and stimulates our ECS to help bring our bodies back to homeostasis.
BUT HOW DOES CBD RELIEVE STRESS AND ANXIETY?
As mentioned above, CBD interacts with our ECS, more technically by binding to specific receptors (CB1 receptors in our central nervous system and CB2 receptors in our peripheral nervous system) which are located throughout the body. When this binding action occurs, it sends a direct signal to the nervous system to activate the appropriate cellular response.
DOES IT WORK INSTANTLY?
The thing about CBD is that it affects everyone differently. You may take it and feel nothing, while your best friend may feel like a zen goddess 30 minutes later. Not only does everybody experience the benefits differently and at different rates, but how you dose it and the strength of your CBD are variables, too. The best and most effective way to dose CBD (Oil) is under the tongue. Under the tongue, or sublingual dosing, provides a direct line to the bloodstream, which delivers quicker results. That said, someone may feel more relaxed one hour after dosing, while others may need to continuously dose for days or weeks before feeling the effects. The strength of the CBD may play a role in how quickly you reap the benefits, as well. Like any supplement, it’s often advised to start low and slow, and work your way up as needed—or until you find the perfect dose that makes you feel exactly how you want to feel. For many, that dosage is one full dropper taken 2x daily.
WHAT ABOUT QUALITY OF THE CBD?
The quality of your CBD is absolutely critical. Be sure to buy CBD from a reputable brand (that is transparent with test results) or retailer. There have been reports of CBD products purchased from non-reputable retailers that actually contained no CBD whatsoever.
IS ORAL CBD MORE EFFECTIVE THAN A TOPICAL TO RELIEVE STRESS AND ANXIETY?
Topical CBD, like our Rubs and Roll-Ons, is incredibly powerful when it comes to pinpointed pain relief—it targets the exact location you apply. For stress and anxiety, oral CBD (in liquid form) is your best bet. CBD dosed directly under the tongue provides a more systemic response. Many people enjoy adding a topical CBD, like our Lavender Oil rolled up the back of the neck, simultaneously for enhanced benefits.
