CBD, All the Hype Right Now Cannabidiol-WTF is it ?!

CBD, also known as cannabidiol (say that three times over) is all the rage right now. Quite literally I was walking down the street in Hoboken just the other day, and all of a sudden I was blinded by a large neon sign displaying “CBD” directing me into a store—sounds safe right!?!

CBD. It’s here and it’s important to realize what it is and where you should get it from, as it’s currently not federally regulated. Therefore, it’s important to do your due diligence!

Let’s Play Trivia!!

Did you know that our very own Declaration of Independence was drafted on Hemp paper, and that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, all grew Hemp? Hemp-based cannabis was viewed as a very common and DESIRABLE crop, so much so that it was even used to pay taxes!

 Or WAIT…

How about that 90% of all medicines were derived from Hemp in the 1800’s and early 1900’s? Or how about the fact that the prominent source of feed for poultry and livestock was also Hemp in the early 1900’s?!?!

YEP, HEMP was in our DIETS for many, many years.

What Happened?!?

Hemp was outlawed due to the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act, and not until the Farm Bill (2018), was

CBD derived from Hemp legalized. Upon the outlawing in 1937, and the removal of Hemp/CBD from our daily diets, this led to an Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome. WAIT AN ENDO WHAT?

The Endocannabinoid System, or “ECS”, is your body’s largest self-regulatory system, which balances mood, sleep, appetite, and hormone production. It influences homeostasis and harmony of all bodily functions.

Keeping this simple:

Essentially within your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) you have three receptors:

1. CB1: Controls the brain/central nervous system (think mood stability) and even includes your skin (your largest organ!)
2. CB2: Regulates and maintains your immune system (think gut health!)
3. CB3: Affects cancer cells within your body. When ECS is at homeostasis, it coats every cancer cell. Research shows that the Hemp plant has been known to feed this system and over 28,000 studies have shown that as a result of the outlawing of Hemp within our diets in 1937, we are seeing a depletion within our ECS systems.

UMMMMMMMMM WHAT!??!!?

Check out this link to see for yourself at ECHO Connection.

Essentially, we’re seeing trends of unregulated ECS systems, and in studies are finding CBD may successfully help regulate our CB receptors by feeding them, through CBD/HEMP. As a result, many study results show that CBD can be used to help **alleviate** irregularities within our ECS (Endocannabinoid System), such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, gut health and inflammation to name a few!

Don’t Assume

Let’s just get this cleared up quick because I would say that this is the #1 biggest misconception about CBD. CBD DOES NOT get you HIGH, if it did this shit would be FLYING off the shelves even more than it already is, lol.

CBD vs. Marijuana

CBD and Marijuana both stem from the “Cannabis” plant family. Within this “family” you have the “Hemp plant” and the “Marijuana Plant.” CBD is derived from the Hemp plant and extracted of THC while Marijuana contains THC which is the psychoactive ingredient that gets you, you guessed it HIGH!

Think of it like this: Just because you’re related to someone does not mean that you’re made to do the same things in life, so the Cannabis family is no different, they all serve their own purposes!

 Broad Spectrum vs. Full Spectrum

You will notice this terminology as you begin to research CBD, so let’s break down what it means!

• Broad Spectrum CBD: Contains non-detectable levels of THC
• Full Spectrum CBD: Contain non-intoxicating trace levels of THC

**Essentially the legal limit of THC extracted from hemp (not marijuana) is .03%, therefore for “Full Spectrum” CBD products you may still have trace levels, but nothing that is mind altering.**

Safety First!

As I mentioned previously, at this time CBD is not federally regulated meaning that while yes you’re seeing “CBD” everywhere it’s important to know what to look for when making your purchase!

Safety

As I mentioned previously, at this time CBD is not federally regulated meaning that while you’re seeing “CBD” everywhere it’s important to know what to look for when making your purchase!

Key tips when researching CBD brands and products:

1. Does the CBD company triple lab test its products?
   All this means is that the CBD product was examined and tested throughout the manufacturing process. Typically, it first undergoes testing following harvesting, then again by an accredited lab and then one final time before landing in the pretty packaging at your fingertips!!!

2. Is the CBD independently lab tested?
   This means that an outside company, not internal employees of the company are performing the testing. AKA they are not on the company’s payroll, catch my drift?!?!

3. Certifications
   Lastly, there are other certifications to think about (I know I’m sounding crazy) such as US Hemp Safety& Purity Certification that recognizes safety measures!

I know all of this sounds so crazy, but think about it, most of us are looking for an alternative solution in order to alleviate medical issues without having to take medicine therefore you should know what you’re putting into your body!!

Tips & Tricks

Ingredient Label:

 This is key, because it will tell you EXACTLY what the product contains. Basically, when purchasing CBD, you want to make sure that you are getting QUALITY and QUANTITY. Within the FIRST LINE of ingredients, you should see that CBD is the main ingredient, and the MG’s per serving should also be listed right next to CBD.

For example, the CBD that I take lists the ingredients as: Cannanbidiol,(CBD) *50 MGs per serving **

The only other ingredient listed on my bottle is “MCT” Medium Chain Triglycerides (extracted from coconut oil) which is fine! You will see that this is often another ingredient found within CBD products, and is a completely safe and natural ingredient. What’s most important is that the main ingredient is listed as CBD, and that you’re getting the recommended daily amount.

What is not GOOD is:

If you see a string of other ingredients within this product. If you are seeing “CBD”, down on line three this is not quality or quantity CBD. Essentially you want to ensure that your CBD product contains “CBD” as the main ingredient and that there isn’t a bunch of “filler ingredients”.

Homeostasis:

Studies suggest that in order for our ECS to be properly regulated or at “homeostasis” we should be feeding it 50 MG’s of CBD per day, minimum. This is important and from my personal experience this is VERY ACCURATE. Additionally, in order to get best results, you will want to ensure that you take it EVERYDAY!

Like most things in life it can take time to build up in your system; therefore allow a few weeks for the best results. In my opinion, as long as you take the minimum amount (50 MGS) every day you will see RESULTS!

Serving Size:

Another key element to be mindful of when reading a label for a CBD product is MG’s per serving and within the total bottle.

For example, within the bottle I use, Kannaway Pure Gold CBD it says 1500 MG for the whole bottle and 30 serving sizes- which means 50 MG daily!!

Kannaway Pure Gold CBD is also considered a “Broad Spectrum” product meaning that there are also no detectable trace amounts of THC.

 CBD Salves, Gummies, and Vapes:

As we are all mostly aware, CBD is not only everywhere, it comes in all different forms! Understanding that many people cannot tolerate a liquid CBD taste, there are alternatives, such as capsules or other products that we see in the form of gummies, chocolates and topical salves.

A few things to point out…

Salves:
Salves are amazing, I would recommend that with any CBD purchase that you also get a topical product. Salves can help with almost anything, they are geared towards temporary relief for joint pain, but can also be used for chapped skin, chapped lips or I’ve even thrown on a pimple and know people who have used when they have a toothache (apply on outside of skin not inside of mouth!)

Myself personally, I have a jar in almost every room of my condo, and never leave the house without a travel salve, however I want to note that a salve will not suffice for your daily CBD intake (50 MG) as it’s not being consumed.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that it’s temporary relief as well, therefore you will not see the same consistent results if you are only using a topical salve verse actually consuming a CBD product! I like to think they go hand in hand.

Gummies:
I mean who doesn’t love a gummy bear!?!? I remember when I was in high school I would buy gummie vitamins pretending I was helping myself out but really because I wanted the gummies “guilt free.” Now we see a trend in “ CBD Gummies” as well. I know people who have seen a lot of success with gummies and again it’s important to do your research.

With gummies be mindful that they may contain a low concentration of MG’s of CBD, therefore to get you to the amount you need daily, you may need to take much more. Also, it’s important to check the ingredients to make sure you are getting pure CBD as they are typically made with synthetics and fillers.

CBD Vapes:
I know that recently with all of the vaping scares, people are very concerned with the harms of vaping. I am a big fan of vaping CBD specifically if I feel like a panic attack is coming on, as it’s a good way of distracting myself.

Before you lecture me here, let’s discuss!

As mentioned above, it’s important to ensure that you’re buying from a reputable company. I personally use Kannaway, as I know that they triple lab test and independently test all of their products to ensure they are free of pollutants, pesticides and other diluents prior to getting in my hands!

However, there are so many different companies out there, it’s just important to do your research and to know what to be looking for!

Another thing you should look out for is if the CBD Vape contains synthetic Vitamin E, which is the ingredient that was linked to many of the cases that were causing illnesses among people vaping. And, END SCENE.

Personally, I have been able to experience many positive benefits from CBD, such as helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety which has in return regulated my sleep tremendously. I have also seen a significant reduction in my joint pain and inflammation, which has been a game changer for me and that is why I am so passionate about CBD and all of its many NATURAL benefits.

Ballin on a Budget

I understand that we’re all on budgets, and that we want to get the best BANG FOR OUR BUCK however this is not where you want to SKIMP! This is something that you are CONSUMING and looking for as a NATURAL way to regulate your body. Therefore, you do not want to buy something that has very little actual CBD with a lot of other filler and unhealthy stuff, right?!

Essentially, you get what you pay for, and with CBD, be mindful and do your research. I truly think the benefits are impeccable but it’s important to understand how this works and what you should be looking for!

I have linked all my favorite CBD products to my “Merey’s Must Have’s Page” but I also wanted to provide you with some additional information to assist with any research you may do!

Vibes
Xo,

 

**Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or a scientist. The info I’ve provided is simply based on my own personal research and experience.**