Whether it’s CBD-infused beers, gummies, cocktails, chocolates or lotions, CBD is now everywhere. But what exactly is CBD and what does it do? Despite the soaring popularity, there’s still so much consumers don’t know about the cannabis compound.
The cannabis plant is made up of two main compounds: CBD and THC. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is the non-psychoactive component of the plant. In other words, its effects aren’t euphoric. On the other hand, THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the best-known compound in cannabis. It’s the compound that does gets you high.
So is CBD legal? CBD is found in both marijuana (illegal under Federal law, but legal in 33 states for medicinal use and now 10 states plus Washington D.C. for recreational use) and industrial hemp. Hemp is now legal under Federal law thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill if it has less than 0.3% THC. Hemp and products derived from industrial hemp can be shipped to all 50 states if ordered online. Now that you know what CBD is, let’s talk about why CBD use is on the rise.
Numerous articles, testimonials and even some research indicates that CBD does help with reducing anxiety, inflammation, depression, pain and insomnia. And according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety affects 40 million people in this country. (It’s no wonder people are looking for alternative methods to help them!) However, CBD is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), therefore products containing the compound cannot legally guarantee curing these symptoms in the U.S. And if you have any health conditions or are using any medication please consult your doctor before using any CBD-infused products.
Unfortunately, I’m one of the Americans who suffers from anxiety. I have also been diagnosed with chronic insomnia and depression. I’ve used many medications prescribed by my doctor. Some worked, but stopped over time. So after consulting with my doctor, I decided to try the miracle compound and see what the hype is all about. It’s important to do some research for yourself, but here are a few vapes and tinctures I’ve tried and really liked.
Extract Labs Full Spectrum CBD Tincture
Based out of Colorado, Extract Labs tinctures are made from American-grown hemp and contain 1000mg of CBD extracted from full spectrum hemp oil. Extract Labs Full Spectrum CBD Tinctures come in multiple flavors — I tried the raspberry flavored tincture and it actually tastes like raspberry. Consume by placing under the tongue for approximately 1 minute and then swallow. Holding the CBD oil under your tongue allows for the most active ingredients in CBD oil supplements to absorb in the capillaries in your mouth. You can then swallow the remaining hemp oil to allow any leftover compounds to enter the bloodstream through the digestive tract. You can increase or decrease the dosage as necessary. I started to feel relaxed about 15 minutes after I used it. Extract Label tinctures can also be applied topically on the skin to areas of inflammation or pain.
Select CBD Blends Vapes & Tinctures
Based out of Oregon, Select CBD Blends combine pure hemp-derived extract with the benefits of essential oils. Consumers are able to customize their routine with Select CBD’s Relax, Focus, and Revive varieties. Their vape pens are 250mg of CBD; sleek, disposable and available with four essential blends: lavender, grapefruit, spearmint and cinnamon. Many CBD consumers say vaping allows you to feel the effects quicker. I found this to be true for me. The Select CBD drops are 1000mg and are available in lavender, peppermint, lemon ginger and unflavored.
Poplar Wellness Brand
Based in Brooklyn and founded by an entrepreneur named Beryl Soloman, Poplar is an online wellness store with a curated assortment of high quality CBD brands, including disposable pens, creams, soaps and tinctures. I’m always excited about supporting women entrepreneurs breaking ground in male-dominated industries. I sampled the Juna Nude Daily Hemp Drops. It’s a tincture with 300mg of CBD. The tincture claims to reduce anxiety and promote balance within the body and mind. It definitely reduced my anxiety. I felt extremely calm after consuming this tincture.
White Label CBD Market
White Label is a curated online CBD market. They offer edibles, pet CBD, vapes and beauty products. I sampled the Wildflower vape pen and cooling stick. The Wildflower vape pen is 500mg of CBD and specifically designed to help with aches, pains and inflammation. I also received the Wildflower Cooling Stick. I have to admit, I didn’t actually believe a topical CBD product would help. I was pleasantly surprised. The cooling stick provided quick comfort to my muscles and joints. It helped with my back pain, my recurring carpal tunnel pains and menstrual cramps.
MINERAL Sleep Tincture
An Austin-based wellness company, MINERAL offers an assortment of CBD-based products. I tried their Sleep tincture. It’s a tincture high in CBD and naturally occurring CBN, with calculated doses of terpenes associated with sedation. Terpenes are the fragrant essential oils found in the cannabis plant. The SLEEP tincture also aids sleep by reducing inflammation in the body and relaxing the mind. This tincture was one of my favorites because of the terpenes blend. MINERAL also offers a balance tincture for improve your mood during the day.
