While still in its infancy of scientific studies, CBD has been regarded as a safe remedy with few side effects that is able to assist the body’s natural processes of decreasing inflammation and reducing pain. CBD is the acronym for cannabinoid, which is a scientific term for the compound derived from the cannabis plant. Ironically, cannabinoids are also produced in our bodies to help the nervous system run smoothly. Over the last few decades, CBD has been extensively researched as a possible alternative to prescription drugs because of its versatility in treating a multitude of issues including chronic minor body aches, sleep disorders, stress reduction, PTSD, and many more.
There are two main categories of CBD products. One category is full spectrum, which includes all the elements of the cannabis plant, including up to 0.3% THC (the chemical known for giving users a “high”). But the most common category of in-demand CBD products is known as broad spectrum. These products also include all the elements of the cannabis plant, minus the THC contents. Eliminating the “high,” makes it very appealing for users who are seeking the benefits of the cannabis plant that exist beyond the stereotypical mind-altering effects.
As stated, CBD is an effective treatment method for issues including sleep disorders, stress, and chronic body aches. But how do you know the appropriate dose for treating a specific issue? Let us assist you in deriving the recommended doses for each.
CBD Options for Sleep
There are several options for CBD products to aid with sleep-related issues. Of all the products that are currently available on the market, the recommended options for sleep are tinctures. These are application methods where users put the oil under their tongue, with the CBD taking effect in 60-90 seconds after being absorbed through the mucus membrane.
Unlike a sedative, CBD reacts with the brain receptors to change the body’s reaction to stress. In simple terms, it reroutes a stressful thought into a more manageable thought, in turn calming the stressors and providing the relaxation required to achieve optimal sleep. While each individual will respond differently to CBD, a safe and easy way to test the product is to start out taking about 1-2 mg/per 10 lbs of body weight. If you are not feeling any sort of change or relief from your treatment efforts after a few days, increase the dose roughly 10-15 mg until you find the optimal dose that works best for you. We recommend the Can-i-Sleep 13.5 mL Oral Spray or Can-i-Sleep Sublingual Oil Extra as amazing products to incorporate into your nightly sleeping routine.
Stress Relief and CBD
All across the globe, millions of people suffer from stress. Feeling stressed from work and our daily lives and is completely normal for many. But when the feeling lingers for days or weeks on end, it can cause serious health issues ranging from elevated heart rate and social anxiety to an overall feeling of dread that can become physically debilitating. In most cases, overwhelming stress is caused by low serotonin.
Serotonin is a chemical found in our body that naturally stabilizes our mood and acts as a messenger that carries signals between brain cells. It is also needed to help aid in functions like eating, digestion, and sleep. People suffering from low serotonin levels are given medications like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), better known by their more popular product names like Zoloft or Prozac.
SSRIs work by blocking the absorption of serotonin back into the body, helping to raise available serotonin levels in the body by improving messages passed between brain cells. This results in a stabilized mood. But though SSRIs have been found to show positive outcomes, they can only currently be accessed with a prescription from a doctor, and have also been shown to have some negative side effects including sexual dysfunction, sleep-related issues, and possible weight gain.
CBD has undergone several preclinical studies that have initially shown possible positive results in reducing anxiety. Though larger clinical trials are still needed to establish CBD’s true value beyond these initial findings, as a force for various treatments an interesting study was published in 2018 by The Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry.
The study gave 57 males a simulated public speaking test, where the participants were given a dose of CBD beforehand. The participants were given doses in 150 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg increments, with some participants simply dosing a placebo. During the public speaking test, which was conducted in six different time-intervals, the subject’s blood pressure and heart rate were measured. The results showed that the subjects who were given the 300 mg dose achieved the best results on the test, displaying the least amount of detectable anxiety and actually decreasing their blood pressure and heart rate. Interestingly enough, there were no significant changes with the subjects that took 600 mg, 150 mg, and the placebo.
While this may be a small sample size, it is an interesting result to monitor as it pertains to CBD dosing for stress disorders. For those looking to try CBD for the first time to help relieve their stress, it is recommended that you still use the baseline of 1-6 mg/per 10lb of body weight per day, raising your dosage in 10-15 mg increments for users who experience little to no change within a week. It is always appropriate to consult with your doctor before starting or stopping any medication. We recommend the Can-i-Fresh 13.5 mL Oral Spray for stress relief, because of its fast-acting formula and added mental clarity and focus.
Better Recovery with CBD
When it comes to recovery, CBD can offer a low-risk, high-reward alternative for both athletes and the general public who are looking to enhance their relief and achieve a better workout. Working out can cause higher stress on the body, which can lead to minor muscle aches. Chronic pain can often lead to higher use of NSAIDs like Advil, and in severe cases lead to more potent treatments such as opioids like Norco and Vicodin. Long-term use of these medications has been shown to have many negative side effects, ranging from minor symptoms like digestive issues to more serious issues like increased dependence.
Finding a natural low-risk option to help with physical recovery is leading to increased use of CBD products such as softgels, tinctures, balms, and creams. The use of CBD balm or creams like the Can-i-Mend Soothing Relief Cream Extra can be rubbed onto muscles after a workout to provide quicker recovery time. Reduced recovery time and decreased pain lead to a better night’s sleep, which in itself is likely to also lead to better workouts. Talk about a win-win.
Similar to other CBD application methods, there is not a recommended dose due to the fact that each individual has different results. Stick with trying a lower dose at first, and gradually increasing the dosage if the first week doesn’t produce noticeable changes or results.