You’ve most likely heard the CBD buzz. Maybe you’ve not only heard the buzz, but you’ve experienced it. And those two sentences are a bit misleading because, spoiler alert, CBD shouldn’t actually give you a buzz. Now, CBD with THC could be buzz worthy or NBD (no big deal) depending on the amount of THC. But that’s not the CBD we’re talking about, FTR (for the record). Sorry for the buzz kill. RIP buzz.
“IT’S LIKE THE “WILD WEST” WITH CBD RIGHT NOW AS THERE ARE NO REGULATIONS AS TO WHAT COMPANIES HAVE TO DISCLOSE ON THEIR WEBSITES OR PUT ON THEIR LABELS.”
So what have we found?
ALLISON
I have taken a 10mg gummy each morning for the past year and seen a noticeable difference in my anxiety. A more quiet mind is how I would describe it. Not dulled at all, but I find it easier to take one task at a time and move easily through my typically busy days.
LAURA
I have dabbled in the gummies and oil that you put under your tongue and have found that it helps “take the edge off,” during the witching hours (4-7 pm) when I’m with my young kids. I was finding myself overreacting when my kids were just being “kids,” i.e., splashing in the tub, making a mess, coloring on themselves instead of paper. I didn’t like the way I was acting but after a long day, wasn’t sure how to let some of these things go. I wasn’t loving the idea of having a glass of wine every night of the week. Taking a CBD gummy has really helped me with this. I don’t take one every day, but I can anticipate when I will be in a stressful situation or without my husband’s help, and take one. Now, I don’t need that glass of wine!
GRETCHEN
I have always been hesitant to take CBD because I don’t have the time to not feel like myself. About two months ago, my husband began taking CBD oil for his chronic back pain - something he’s been suffering from for 10+ years. The results were astonishing. His pain was and has reduced significantly from taking CBD. I have watched him take it every day for two months and go to work, drive, parent our children and do everything he normally does without any negative effects that he or I can see. I decided to give it a try (one 10 mg gummy) and was pleasantly surprised that I did still feel like myself, but felt more present, aware and calm.
LINDSEY
I was also a little nervous about taking CBD because I didn’t really want it to make me feel weird during the day. I was anticipating that it would make me feel like a more mellow and relaxed version of myself, but think it actually made me feel the opposite. While the effect was really minimal, I think if anything, I was more alert, focused and clearheaded. Instead of taking it before bed, I think I might try starting my morning routine with it! My next stop...CBD with my morning coffee!
All in all, we’re into CBD. We’ve seen positive results in various areas throughout ourselves, families and/or friends. Having said that, we are still exploring the nuances of CBD. The time of day, dosage and form taken differ for each individual and what works for them. We are all still working to figure out this “formula.” Brands we have researched, tried and liked are: Highline, Lord Jones and Ellis & Jane. Stay tuned for more as we learn more about CBD. Suzanne Watts of Ellis & Jane was kind enough to offer a discount code for 20% off their products. Use discount code: justtryit20
Q & A WITH SUZANNE WATTS
Owner, Ellis & Jane
Q: What exactly is CBD?
A: CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating, naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis (hemp) plant. CBD works by activating your endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or chemical balance in your body. CBD does not have the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
Q: What is hemp?
A: Hemp and Marijuana are both varieties of the Cannabis plant. The difference is that hemp is low in THC and high in CBD, whereas Marijuana is high in THC and low in CBD. THC is what gives you the psychoactive or euphoric feeling of being high. CBD is what activates your endocannbinoid system and is helpful with stress/anxiety, sleep and inflammation.
Q: Is CBD legal?
A: The important part about the legality of CBD involves the explicit percentage of THC in the product: less than 0.3% by weight. However, residents of South Dakota and Idaho should be aware that state laws are more restrictive. Current South Dakota state law makes industrial hemp and all forms of CBD illegal.
Q: Can I fly with CBD?
A: In May of 2019, the TSA released a policy on CBD that says as long as the CBD contains no more than 0.3 % THC it is legal to fly with it in either your carry-on or your checked bags. We do not recommend traveling with it internationally as US Customs and Border Patrol does not allow the importation of CBD.
Q: Will I feel “high” when I take CBD?
A: No, not even with 0.3% THC. Most people compare it to taking an aspirin - you don’t feel anything - instead you notice things are different, like you don’t have anxiety.
Q: Can I get CBD with no THC? How will I know?
A: Yes. All Ellis & Jane products have zero THC. It should say that on the packaging or website. It’s important to do your homework on the product you are interested in.
Q: What effect does CBD have on the body?
A: Taken orally, it can help quiet the mind and reduce any inflammation present. Applied topically, it can help reduce pain or inflammation in a concentrated area.
Q: What are examples of how CBD can help TOPICALLY?
A: The salve or oil can be rubbed on the body and help with: diaper rash, tennis elbow, mosquito bites, sore feet from high heels, joint, foot or hand pain, bruises, headaches (rub a little on each temple), growing pains, muscle or body aches, arthritis.
Q: What are examples of how it can help when taken ORALLY?
A: You can take in oil form sublingually (under the tongue), which is great for anxiety because it is quick acting. You can also take a softgel. The softgels take about 45 minutes to start working, but they use an oil with a smaller molecule (nanoemulsified) so more of it is absorbed into the body. You could take the nanoemulsified oil sublingually, except it has a strong hemp taste. With the softgels there is no taste. The other benefit of the softgels is that you get an exact dose every time. We recommend the 10mg softgels daily every morning for anxiety or the 25mg softgels an hour before bed for a great sleep. There is no drowsy effect.
Q: How much should I take?
A: It depends what you are using it for, and it is different for everyone. Most people start with between 10 mg and 25 mg per day and adjust from there. Some people take 10 mg in the morning and 10 mg before bed. Others will take it throughout the day as needed.
Q: Is it possible to overdose?
A: According to the World Health Organization, CBD is non-addictive and you cannot overdose.
Q: What is the best way to take CBD?
A: There are a few. The most popular is the oil, sublingually. If you place it there and hold it for a few minutes, it absorbs into the bloodstream and you will feel its effects in a few minutes. There are also gummies and soft gels, both to be taken orally, as well as a salve, which is applied topically.
Q: Is CBD FDA approved?
A: It is for autism and epilepsy, but nothing else at this time.
Q: What is important to know when taking a non FDA approved product?
A: It’s like the “wild west” with CBD right now as there are no regulations as to what companies have to disclose on their websites or put on their labels. They do not have to disclose where they grow their plants or show evidence of lab reports and data as to what is in their product. They should, but they are not required to.
Q: What should I know before I buy?
A: Do your research. Websites/companies should be proud of where they grow or get their plants and disclose that information (you want it to be inside the U.S. as there is more regulation). You also want to look for evidence of lab testing. It is important for lab tests not only to confirm amounts of CBD and THC in the product, but also to make sure no pesticides or heavy metals are present. These lab reports should be easily accessible to all customers.
*Please note: the FDA does not regulate CBD and as with most things, we advise you talk to your Doctor before taking. Medicine mixing with CBD should also be evaluated by a professional.
Thank you to Suzanne and Adam Watts of Ellis & Jane for their expertise on this subject.