Over the past several decades, technology has advanced at an incredible rate. For example, if you are 30 years old or younger, you likely can’t imagine a world without a cell phone. But look back just a few years before you were born, and the average consumer had no such access to this technology. An equally astounding fact is that during this same period of technological advancement, food sources rapidly began to decline from their traditionally natural sources to a more highly processed, mass-produced approach.
There was a growing demand for quicker, more portable meals for a consumer market increasingly on-the-go. Companies answered this challenge by supplying the market with easily prepared processed foods. But as the decades have passed, we have come to learn about the damage that consuming these processed foods and supplements can have on the human body. In turn, this shift in food production has created an epidemic of health problems for Americans.
The reason we bring this up is that the growing rate of obesity and diabetes in Americans is off the charts. This is the result of consuming processed foods and seed oils that can cause inflammation in the body, and inflammation is the primary cause of pain. Add in the fact that while making ourselves more unhealthy by consuming these processed foods, a market for pain medication has simultaneously exploded, bringing with it addiction and substance abuse problems the likes of which have never been seen.
Fortunately, there have been positive changes and initiatives put in place to help achieve better health. The advent of establishments like Whole Foods have provided consumers with healthier, all-natural options for their food, and medications are slowly being left behind in place of natural, holistic remedies.
In the 90s, research took place that looked for medicinal products to assist in pain control and healing. One of the most common alternative plant-based products was cannabis. The fact that cannabis use was illegal created the stigma and negative reputation associated with its use. Scientists turned to the plants’ cannabinoid cousin, CBD, to see if it could deliver beneficial properties without the risk of addiction.
CBD vs. Marijuana and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Learning the difference between CBD and marijuana helps in understanding the source for the cannabinoids themselves, and the effect they have on the human body. The human body manufactures endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body, regulating the internal and peripheral nervous system. This system in our body is called the endocannabinoid system or ECS.
While our body mass produces endocannabinoids, they are also quickly broken down in the system before the body can fully utilize them all. The search for a natural cannabinoid that can supplement the ones already naturally produced in the body has helped assist in cannabis research progress.
The cannabis plant is full of hundreds of types of cannabinoids. Two of the most familiar cannabinoids produced are THC and CBD. The marijuana plant contains THC, and THC is still not legal for use in many states, because it is a psychoactive compound that is known to cause mind-altering effects; or the “high” for which it is best known.
The hemp plant produces CBD, which, unlike marijuana, does not contain any mind-altering properties and has been shown to be safe in large doses. Furthermore, it has been shown to have no addictive properties. The cultivation of hemp has been federally legalized in all 50 states, as long as the final product it produces contains less than .03% of the THC compound. CBD is a healthy alternative to THC.
What Can CBD Do for Me?
The addition of exogenous cannabinoids can boost the body’s natural endocannabinoid system, reducing inflammation and pain while increasing energy and focus, calming, and helping provide a better night’s sleep. While the hemp plant’s cultivation is now legal in all 50 states, it is critical to understand that the plant is very vulnerable to the environment where it is grown. The soil itself can compromise the end product produced.
If you want to add CBD to your daily regime to improve health, search for a company that uses a professional third party lab that is capable of certifying its consistency and potency. Using CBD from a reputable source will eliminate the compound containing any mind-altering properties and also eliminate any apprehensions of becoming addicted. Always consult with a medical professional before adding a new supplement to your routine.
CaniBrands CBD Product Line
CaniBrands, a highly respected CBD company, uses only the highest-quality sources for its CBD products, and utilizes the services of top-quality third-party testing labs to test and certify their products. A great CBD company should guarantee a consistently high-quality product 100% of the time.
There are several different delivery systems for CBD which allows the user to customize the experience. Tinctures, oils, and sprays are delivered orally for the fastest absorption into the bloodstream. Some topical creams and balms can offer pain relief to a specific area by applying it directly to the area of the body where you are experiencing discomfort.
In Closing
CBD can be used for improved focus, boosted energy, to provide calm, and as a natural sleep aid. But if you have concerns regarding the addictiveness of CBD, you can rest easy knowing that CBD is a non-habit forming substance. Most CBD oil side effects — such as drowsiness and fatigue — are similar to that of hemp oil side effects. With its extremely low potential for addiction and abuse, CBD is a wonderful option for those seeking a more holistic remedy for their ailments. However, each person must weigh the potential risk versus benefits for themselves before embarking on a CBD journey.