CBD 101

January is National CBD month which serves to spread knowledge and create awareness of CBD and its surprising benefits. In honor of National CBD month we asked our partner ​​Remedy+ Products, to share with us a little more about what CBD is, what to be aware of when purchasing and some of the potential benefits on one’s health and wellness. 

In order to understand CBD and its potential benefits, it’s helpful to first review the cannabis family of plants. Cannabis is a broad term that is used to refer to both hemp and marijuana, which can be thought of as cousins. Hemp, marijuana, and cannabis all refer to the same plant, Cannabis sativa, or Cannabis indica. The distinction between the terms refers to the plant’s use, cultivation, and chemical content. Hemp is a strain of Cannabis sativa that historically has been grown for industrial uses. It contains very low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, and is used to produce a variety of products, including rope, fabric, paper, and biofuels. Marijuana is a strain of either Cannabis sativa or indica that is grown for medicinal or recreational use. It contains higher levels of THC and is used to produce a variety of products, including edibles, concentrates, and tinctures.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. It is believed to have potential health benefits, such as reducing anxiety and inflammation. People use CBD to help manage conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. However, the effectiveness of CBD as a treatment for these conditions has not been definitively proven, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD for any medical use. With that said, there are thousands of brands developing products containing CBD. You should always look for third-party test results on any product you may purchase online. It is also important to note that CBD can interact with certain medications, so it is important to discuss the use of CBD with a healthcare provider before starting any treatment or usage.

Types of CBD

Lastly, it should be noted that there are two types of CBD that manufacturers can use in products – broad spectrum and full spectrum. Full spectrum can have trace amounts of THC (up to 0.3%), while broad spectrum doesn’t have any trace amounts of THC.  Essentially, broad spectrum involves a filtering process to remove any trace amounts of THC. Anyone concerned with THC should look for products that use broad-spectrum CBD. While more studies are needed, people are continuing to try CBD products and are experiencing different benefits. Please make sure to purchase from a reputable company whose website provides the test results and doesn’t make any medical claims. 

Potential Benefits of CBD

• Reduction of anxiety symptoms – According to a study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, a benefit of CBD oil is its effectiveness on symptoms of anxiety. CBD oil was found to be significantly more effective than a placebo in lowering anxiety levels in people with a social anxiety disorder (SAD). It works by reducing the activity of the brain’s serotonin system, which is responsible for regulating mood and social behavior.  A 2019 study also found that CBD was effective in reducing PTSD-related symptoms, including nightmares, in adults.

• Relief of Pain & Inflammation – CBD can increase the body’s levels of anandamide, this compound is associated with regulating pain, which can reduce how you perceive pain. CBD may also limit inflammation in the brain and nervous system, which may benefit people experiencing pain, insomnia, and certain immune system responses.

• Sleep Health – While there aren’t studies yet that show the effects of CBD for insomnia, CBD may indirectly help you sleep by alleviating other conditions, said Ryan Vandrey, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and principal investigator at the university’s Cannabis Science Laboratory. He did say that CBD may help you sleep better if you can’t sleep due to pain or anxiety-related issues, two factors that may make it difficult for someone to fall or stay asleep. 

There is more and more research done every day on the benefits and effects that CBD can have on one’s health and wellness. As always, if you’re currently on any medications or have any health conditions, be sure to check with your doctor before taking CBD to avoid any potential drug interactions. 

For now, we hope you were able to learn a little more about CBD and if you’re curious about experiencing some of these potential benefits you can check out all of the CBD products that ​​Remedy+ Products has to offer and take advantage of your 20% off HealthKick discount.

Disclaimer: Although various studies have shown that CBD can have various health benefits, commercially sold CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your doctor/physician before starting to use any of these products, ESPECIALLY if you’re already on medication. CBD products can potentially interact with many pharmaceutical drugs.