Why Trying CBD Makes Sense

My mission as a Health Coach is to provide simple, sustainable health solutions to people so they can have the quality of life they deserve. When I find something that fits that description, you can best believe I will be talking about it. CBD meets my requirements. CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a component of the Cannabis Sativa plant. The minute the word “cannabis” is muttered, sphincters all over the world pucker! Relax and let me provide some basic education here.

The concept of medical marijuana has been talked about for ages. It’s finally evolved and there are ways to use it legally, however the process of doing so isn’t that easy. While access can be a roadblock, another reason people aren’t using it is because of the THC it contains. THC is a cannabinoid that is present in high levels in the marijuana plant and has mind-altering effects. Credit goes to THC for the stigma that accompanies marijuana regarding drug abuse. Is this the only option we have to experience the health benefits that cannabis provides? The good news, it’s not. 

Enter industrial hemp. Many people use the words marijuana and hemp interchangeably when they are in fact different plants, although from the same family. Marijuana is high in THC and low in CBD while hemp is high in CBD and low in THC. Industrial hemp makes it possible to get the benefits of CBD without the need to use medical marijuana and experiencing the concerning effects of THC, and it is legal in all 50 states.

Why does the use of CBD make sense? We already addressed accessibility. Next, all mammals have an Endocannabinoid System. This system naturally produces cannabinoids (Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol) which bind to cannabinoid receptors also found in our body (CB1 and CB2) and they have specific roles. Think about vitamins for example. Each vitamin is responsible for assisting in certain bodily functions. When they are in alignment with the levels we need, these bodily functions work properly. While our body "produces" vitamins, we also need to consume them, preferably from natural sources. As a result of not producing or consuming enough, nutritional supplements play a key role in our health.

Cannabinoids are no different in respect to the body’s need for them to allow the systems, in this case the Endocannibinoid System, to work properly. The difference is that we can’t easily consume them because they aren’t found in our everyday foods and the main source, cannabis, was demonized in the 1930s because of the ability for marijuana to be misused and alter the mind.

Keep in mind that it was originally used for its health benefits!

According to an article on draxe.com “Research shows that CBD benefits include acting as an anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antiemetic, anxiolytic and antipsychotic agent, and is therefore a potential medicine for the treatment of neuroinflammation, epilepsy, oxidative injury, vomiting and nausea, anxiety and schizophrenia.” It’s not often that we find so many significant benefits with the use of just one thing.

Getting back to the puckered sphincters. Many people immediately shut down when they hear that CBD is a form of cannabis. They whip off reasons why it’s a terrible idea and not safe, which are commonly invalid when compared to the research. I understand being cautious about putting something new into your body. I was cautious too, but I did my homework. The thing that kills me is that often these are the same people who smoke, drink alcohol, take medications that they can’t explain anything about, use chemical laden products without batting an eyelash, etc. Now that a natural, God-given substance has been rediscovered that can allow the body to return to homeostasis which has countless health benefits instead of a chemical that treats symptoms and not root causes, suddenly everyone is a cautious health nut. I don’t buy it. At least not from those who haven’t done the research. Being close-minded could be costing you a quality of life.  

CBD is available in a wide variety of products made from industrial hemp. Be advised, not all CBD is created equal. It is important to research the manufacturer to be sure they are producing a quality product. There are some very specific pieces of information you should look for. Use a product that has the least amount of ingredients, which means it is free from unnecessary fillers. Organic, non-GMO CBD is ideal because the hemp plant is very absorbent and takes on what is in the soil where it grows. Always use a product that is being third-party tested and provides certificates of analysis. This provides peace of mind that what you are using has the concentration of CBD that is advertised, is clean from heavy metals, bacteria and fungus, and does not contain other toxins or chemicals. Be wary of brands that are not transparent.

Full spectrum CBD packs the most bang for your buck, however it most commonly contains a trace amount of THC. It is required to be less than .3% THC and will NOT get you high. THC-free forms of CBD are commonly a CBD isolate which still provides many benefits, but it has gone through a stripping process that removes many beneficial properties, therefore not including benefits from all the other cannabinoids and terpenoids that it contains.

Trying something new can be concerning, however if you do the research you just might find the answer you have been looking for. By keeping an open mind and being educated on your options, it’s possible to unlock the key to having the quality of life you deserve. 

Jill Sodini, Founder of Habitual Health By Jill, is a Certified Health Coach, author and speaker. She provides realistic strategies for sustainable habit change regardless of the topic. With over 20 years of work experience and education in the field of health and wellness, Jill is an expert in providing the right system, support and accountability to obtain desired health.  Contact Jill to take control of your life.