The Basics: CBD
Post previously published on, and in collaboration, with E+Rose Wellness Cafe. Edited for reposting purposes.
CBD, aka cannabidiol, is a compound sourced from the cannabis plant that’s gaining quick popularity among the wellness community with specialized stores popping up and CBD infused products like juices, coffees, teas, in edible form as gummies or in sweet treats, or as a capsule, tincture or topical treatment.
HEMP vs. MARIJUANA
The cannabis plant has two strains – hemp (<0.3% THC to be considered hemp) and marijuana (>0.3% THC to be considered marijuana). THC is the euphoric producing compound found in the cannabis plant, however CBD doesn’t result in a high due to it’s low THC content. CBD derived from the hemp plant is federally legal!
THE (potential) BENEFITS
Like most compounds, products or foods in the wellness world, more research is needed to prove the impacts CBD can have but what we know now is that it may be beneficial for inflammation, anxiety, sleep and even help with certain digestive disorders and epilepsy. I use Kyoto Botanicals* tinctures and have noticed my sleep has benefited the most – easier time getting and staying asleep (major win!).
SAFETY FIRST
As with all supplements, CBD is not regulated by the FDA, so you need to do your research and make sure you’re getting the highest quality product and not something that’s tainted with contaminants or doesn’t even contain the CBD it’s claiming to contain! Most reputable companies will have testing information available to their consumers, and you should be looking for full spectrum hemp extract versus a product that’s just labeled with the buzzwords mentioned above.
One last important thing to note is that hemp seed oil you may find at the grocery store is not the same as hemp oil. Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the plant whereas hemp oil, aka hemp extract or CBD oil, is derived from CBD containing parts of the plant – leaves, stems, and flowers.
TRY IT
PHEW that’s a lot to sort through, but the benefits could be worth it! Hopefully you feel more up to speed on this “on trend” compound making major moves in the wellness industry.
