There’s a lot of buzz about CBD right now, and I don’t mean the heady buzz that some might think it brings. “CBD Sold Here!” signs are popping up everywhere, from your local wellness shop (hello!) to the gas station counter (say what?). With the boom of CBD products, it’s not surprising that everyone and their brother is looking to cash in, and it can be hard to know where to turn for reliable information. One thing’s for sure - the CBD trend is here to stay so it’s worthwhile to understand where it comes from and what it can do for you.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a natural compound found in the flower of cannabis plants (which includes hemp and marijuanna). While there are many other phytocannabinoids and components of cannabis, CBD contains some of the most therapeutically healing properties. The CBD products that are all the rage right now come from hemp, which is legal to grow and consume throughout the US. Hemp is super high in CBD and really low in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the component that gets you high for which cannabis is well known. Marijuanna is high in THC and low in CBD. Both CBD and THC have significant therapeutic properties, but they work in different ways on receptors in the brain and body.
Most notably, CBD can positively impact the recently discovered endocannabinoid system (ECS). Research has found that the ECS plays a vital role in regulating a range of processes that affect everyday life, including mood, energy levels, intestinal health, immune system, blood pressure, pain threshold, stress and more. What happens if the ECS gets out of whack? DIS-EASE. By helping to regulate the ECS, CBD can help slow or even stop disease progression in some cases. CBD has been shown to provide relief from chronic pain, arthritis, anxiety, inflammation and depression and has even been found to have anti-cancer properties. Sounds great, right? So what’s the worry?
Since there’s no federal regulation, some products have misleading labels, and poorly processed products could be tainted with toxins, pesticides and other contaminants. Knowing where CBD is sourced and how it’s processed are crucial in making sure you’re getting a quality product that’s worth the price tag. Choose organically grown, full-spectrum, hemp-derived CBD extract for best results. If you’re still stumped or wondering if CBD might be helpful for you, pop by Island Wellness and I’ll be happy to offer more guidance. Stay happy, healthy and high on life.
