I reached out to my followers on Instagram and asked, “What do you want to know about CBD oil?” and received hundreds of questions and responses. WOW. I think this has been the most engagement for a single topic EVER on my page haha! I’m SO excited to share this blog post with you, and can’t wait to shed some light on this super interesting, mysterious, and somewhat controversial supplement!
Today I’m sharing part one of a blog post series on CBD.. “What Is CBD + How To Use It”. In a few weeks I’ll be sharing Part 2: “The Endocannabinoid System”. I’m also planning to have my favorite CBD company on my podcast in the near future so we can rapid-fire the questions you all asked! Stay tuned 🙂
Lets start with the basics…
WHAT IS CBD?
According to Beam, CBD stands for cannabidiol – an essential oil that is extracted from the hemp plant. CBD can be derived from two different places, either the Hemp plant or the Marijuana plant. Marijuana and Hemp are two different species of the cannabis plant. Marijuana contains higher levels of THC (the compound the can lead to a ‘high’, the type of cannabis you would smoke, dab, etc.) while Hemp naturally contains little to no THC, which is why it has no psychoactive properties.
Simply put: CBD oil will NOT get you high.
Is it legal?
CBD is legal in all 50 states! Thanks to the Farm Bill that passed in December of 2018, you can easily order CBD oil online or locally in most areas (especially in Colorado if you live here like we do!). You do not need to be worried about traveling with it, consuming it, having it in your home, or having it anywhere. CBD is 100% LEGAL!
What are the benefits?
If you’re familiar with adaptogens or adapotgenic herbs, CBD functions in a similar manner by balancing body systems and bringing the body back into homeostasis- but it does this through the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. In simple terms, CBD helps the body maintain homeostasis. By tapping into how we function biologically, CBD may provide relief for chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, depression and many other health challenges. There’s still a ton of research going on about the ECS and how CBD can affect the human body, but most research is pointing to:
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory: Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with our neurotransmitters.
- Anxiety and depression reduction: CBD has the ability to act on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and social behavior.
- Improved sleep: With the ability to reduce anxiety, CBD may be helpful in reducing sleep difficulties and improving sleep quality. It may increase overall sleep amounts and improve insomnia, according to recent research. CBD has also been shown to reduce insomnia in people who suffer from chronic pain. Talk about a one-two punch!
- Reduce acne: CBD oil may help get rid of acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce sebum production, which is commonly associated with acne.
Is it Safe?
CBD is non-toxic for humans – even in high doses. It does not produce the psychoactive effects as THC and CBD from marijuana- the feeling of ‘getting high’. Most CBD Products on the market naturally contain a low level of THC. These trace amounts are low enough that they should not affect your mind or body. However, it is important to check every CBD product you purchase to monitor the level of THC.
How do I find a reputable brand I can trust?
When shopping for a CBD product, there’s a few things to keep in mind. First off, be sure to look at the AMOUNT of CBD in the tincture, and not just at how big the bottle is. Potency is important, and everyone responds differently to different potencies- just because your friend started taking single servings from a bottle containing 1000mg/day doesn’t mean that you have to or should. Secondly, be sure to get a pure CBD product with no THC or other random ingredients. There’s a ton of flakey products out on the market since the CBD industry is largely unregulated at the moment, so researching quality is EVERYTHING! Third, I think its extremely important to find full-spectrum CBD oil if you’re going to use it. Full-spectrum means the CBD is made from the hemp flower and not just a CBD-only product. By using a product made from the hemp flower, you are getting all of the natural co-factors and synergistic elements of the hemp plant, making it more effective and in it’s most natural state. Lastly and most obvious, be sure to use a brand that has a high-quality reputation.
How much should I take each day?
When first starting to use CBD, it can be beneficial to slowly titrate up in potency and amount. It honestly depends on your individual needs. For example, Beam suggests starting with 1-3 servings (1 dropper full) of the 500mg bottle per day. This does NOT mean you are consuming 500mg/day. This means you are taking a small amount (about 16.67mg per serving) from a bottle that holds 500mg in its entirety. You could start at this amount for a month and then move up to using the 1000mg bottle -which has about 33.33mg per serving. This is more practical than jumping straight to 1000mg/day as you’ll give your body the chance to get used to the CBD being in your system.
What Brand Does Cait Use and Why?
SURPRISE! From local brands, to national brands- I’ve been dabbling with CBD oil behind the scenes for about two years now! It’s something I haven’t shared much on Instagram because it’s been intertwined with my chaotic history of panic attacks and anxiety, and I didn’t want to share a product with you guys that I wasn’t 100% sure of.
After some serious trial and error, (hellloooo nasty tasting, ineffective CBD oils in the past!) I’ve finally found a product I can stand behind, feel confident using daily, and am excited to share with you guys!
My CBD oil of choice is hands down Beam. This company stands out among the rest in so many ways..
From athletes to entrepreneurs, beam was founded on the spirit of pushing limits and pursuing passions. The company brings that mindset to everything they do. My friends Matt and Kevin created beam with the idea that when your inner world is great, your outer world will be great. They’re reimagining the path to feeling your absolute best by pairing high-quality ingredients with innovative products to seamlessly become part of your lifestyle and routines. Each beam product is truly THC-free. Meaning it’s 100% non-psychoactive. Their organic pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil is of the highest purity – with no binders, excipients, dyes, or unknown substances.
The best part? IT TASTES AMAZING! My favorite kind is their Fresh Mint flavor– tastes great straight up under the tongue, in smoothies, mixed into fat bombs, dropped in your morning coffee, and so much more! My favorite way to use it is to put a dropper-full under my tongue and hold it there for 1-2 minutes. Quick and effective!
What are my favorite Beam products + How to use them
- The One: Beam’s most popular product – this 1oz tincture allows you to elevate your everyday with 100% organic CBD oil. This multi-purpose product helps improve focus, ease anxiety, and fight inflammation—so you can be your best self, always. Fill dropper and place under tongue for 1-2 minutes. Adults take 1-2 servings per day. Take alone, add to your morning smoothie or coffee! Available in 3 strengths (250mg, 500mg, 1000mg) and 2 flavors (natural and mint)
- The Fixer: Relax and restore with 100% organic CBD salve. With CBD, lavender, and eucalyptus, this his multi-purpose product can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and soothe skin—so you can feel your best, every day. Massage a small amount of salve wherever needs attention. Repeat as needed throughout the day
Whatever products you end up buying, be sure to use code cait15 to get 15% of your ENTIRE purchase!!
Lastly- If you have any other questions about CBD in regards to safety, legality, and the science behind CBD, check out Beam’s FAQ page to learn more!
**This post is sponsored and paid for by Beam, a CBD company I use frequently and truly love! All opinions are my own. The materials and content within this blog post are intended as general information only, and are not to be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.**
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