What is CBD and how do you incorporate it into your daily life?
by Brianna Newton-Jackson, outreach lead at Hashtag Cannabis
The Lite by Raven Grass is a high-CBD flower strain, also available in pre rolled joints & concentrate. These hand-blown glass pipes were made locally by Green-Eyed Glass (photo by Kim Bevington).
CBD, also known by its scientific name of cannabidiol, has recently found its way into the hearts and bodies of many. Its popularity continues to increase with ongoing consumer education and the proliferation of individuals’ stories of how CBD has helped their daily routines and overall wellbeing. Between the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis, as well as the recent legalization of hemp farming, CBD is quickly gaining fame within the United States and beyond.
This incredible cannabinoid is a psychoactive but non-intoxicating, highly therapeutic compound found in all cannabis plants, both cultivated as marijuana (cannabis plants containing at least or more than 0.3% THC) & cultivated as hemp (cannabis plants containing no more than 0.3% THC). CBD is a unique phytocannabinoid that attaches like a perfect lock and key into our endocannabinoid system, working to balance both our physical and mental well-being.
“Whoa, phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoid system, what is all of that?” I can hear you asking!
Don’t worry, I’ll break it down, but first let’s address the most important question ...
Why all the hype for CBD, though?
CBD’s widespread use among many is due to its wide range of uses and therapeutic effects. Some people love to use CBD to help them unwind after a long day, to just “ahhh, relax” without feeling high or intoxicated. Others, like myself, enjoy CBD for managing chronic pain and injury-related inflammation, which in turn also affects my mood positively (less pain equals less anxiety for me).
Relief 250, a 50:1 CBD water-based tincture from Green Revolution (photo by Kim Bevington).
Green Revolution’s PM Relief 1000, a 20:1 CBD tincture for nighttime relief (photo by Kim Bevington).
CBD the Phytocannabinoid
CBD is a phytocannabinoid, a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant that interacts with receptors in the brain and body to create a variety of effects.
Cannabis, in both Hemp and Marijuana plants, contains a rich profile of cannabinoids that interact with our bodies in unique and sophisticated ways to allow us to all feel the benefits of cannabis and CBD in different ways. These receptor sites for cannabinoids belong to a complex, newly understood body system, the endocannabinoid system.
Your Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Every mammal has one! This incredible system was discovered in 1992. It’s a biological system within all mammals that receives the input of various chemical compounds (called endocannabinoids) produced by our own bodies, as well as chemicals from cannabis (aka cannabinoids) like THC and CBD, among many others.
For example, endocannabinoids in the brain such as anandamide, also known as the “bliss molecule”, are naturally produced within the body.
Anandamide interacts with various receptors within our endocannabinoid system, just like cannabis-derived phytocannabinoids.
The endocannabinoid system’s primary function is to keep our body in balance and operating as optimally as possible. It is this system that is in charge of regulating
mood,
pain,
immune response,
inflammation processes, and
many other tasks within our body.
The ECS works extremely hard to keep us internally stable despite constant fluctuations within our external environment.
Both our naturally occurring neurotransmitters (endocannabinoids) and those found in cannabis (phytocannabinoids) work with our ECS as a team to help maintain stability.
The most popular ECS helper (besides THC, of course) is CBD. When CBD binds to receptor sites along this system, it is almost like magic.
Solace High CBD 100:1 ratio topical lotion, from Green Revolution. Photo by Kim Bevington.
Cannabidiol helps our ECS send signals out to the rest of the body to repair, regulate, and support whatever may be out of balance.
Many studies have suggested and demonstrated CBD’s benefits in treating a variety of ailments, including epilepsy, cancer, pain, arthritis, and anxiety disorders.
CBD can also be used to help alleviate everyday stressors, making it the best remedy to help boost relaxation after a long day in my opinion.
Okay, that’s neat, but …
how could using CBD apply to my daily life?
In honor of CBD day, August 8th, as well as my curiosity stemming from my own positive experiences with CBD use, I asked my fellow Hashtag Cannabis co-workers how they incorporate and use CBD in their lives.
We got some pretty neat responses!
Ceres Dragon Balm 1:1 CBD:THC Salve, photo by Kim Bervington
The Lite pre rolled joint from Raven Grass, photo by Kim Bevington.
Curious to try out a CBD product for yourself?
Enjoy self-care this summer, and stop by either Hashtag location to chose from a wide selection of CBD products.. from edibles to smoke-ables to topicals, Hashtag Cannabis has some awesome CBD options for you!
Not sure what to get? Browse our CBD products online, then stop by and ask your local #budtender what some of their favorite CBD products and uses are!