Let's Talk About CBD

What is all the hype about regarding CBD? How does it work? What does it treat? Why or when should it be used? These are all common question. Lets break it down.

CBD is one of many compounds, known as cannabanoids, in the cannabis plant. Cannabis (aka Marijuana) contains both THC and CBD, and these compounds have different effects. THC is the component that gives you a mind-altering "high" when a person smokes it or uses it in cooking. CBD is different. Unlike THC, it is not psychoactive. This means that CBD does not change a person's state of mind when they use it.

So how does it work in your body? Our bodies all have a cannabinoid system. Similar to our lymphatic system, cardiovascular system and so on. The cannabinoid system has 2 receptors: CB1 (in the brain) & CB2 (in our immune system). As we age our body produces less and less of our own cannabinoids. That is when supplementing with medical cannabis and/or CBD comes into play. A great example of how this works in our bodies naturally is using the example of testosterone. As men age their testosterone levels naturally decrease. When men go on hormone therapy to get their testosterone levels back to normal they feel much better. That is how the cannabinoid system works as well.

Why do people prefer to obtain their medical cannabis card to medicate? There are several reasons. However, a HUGE reason is consistency & quality of THC / CBD levels. THC acts like a valve in your body opening up the receptors to absorb CBD. It allows you to receive the full benefits of the plant. When you visit a dispensary you will notice a variety of THC to CBD ratios in their products.

If you are like many people who can not obtain a medical cannabis card for whatever reason you have the option of purchasing high quality CBD over the counter. The THC levels are extremely low which is what makes it legal to purchase without a card. There is some speculation around testing positive for THC when using full or broad spectrum CBD. If you do not wish to take any chances of testing positive for THC go with a CBD Isolate.

A few tips when purchasing CBD: 1- look for how its manufactured. Good companies make use of organic and pharmaceutical-grade ethanol (essentially grain alcohol) for processing. CBD oil can also be extracted and manufactured through the supercritical CO2 extraction method. 2- The use of whole plants ensures that the CBD oil includes not just Cannabidiols but also the full range of hemp plant’s primary and secondary constituents (such as flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids). If you are concerned about testing positive for THC look for CBS isolate. This is 100% CBD with NO traces of THC.

3- Check for third party lab results. Ensure that EACH batch is tested and free of pesticides, heavy metals or bacteria

There is so much information being discovered on a continual basis about the many health benefits of CBD. Here is a list of common benefits:

1- Reduces inflammation 2- Improves sleep 3- Pain relief 4- Treatment for Neurological disorders 5- Combats cancer 6- Helps with anxiety

We are just scratching the surface of discovering all its benefits. There are risks as with any type of medicine. After discussing dosages and risks with a doctor, and researching local laws, it is important to compare different brands of CBD. Take charge of your health and be your own advocate.

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