Maintaining good mental health is an important part of your overall health, and anxiety seems to be at an all-time high these days. Therapists report a sharp increase in new patients, as well as more sessions for existing clients. As a result, the widespread use of CBD has become more common in the wellness space. So what is CBD, and how does it reduce stress?
What is CBD?
CBD is one of almost 150 cannabinoids found in the flowers of the hemp plant, along with THC.1 When extracted from hemp, CBD is legal to be infused into a variety of products including gummies, tinctures, topicals, and more. As long as the end products contain less than 0.3% THC, they are fully legal under federal law and can be shipped to all 50 states.
How does CBD work?
The phytocannabinoids produced by the hemp plant have varying effects on the human body. By mimicking the endocannabinoids that our body already produces, full spectrum CBD products can have a positive effect on aches and pains. The phytocannabinoids produced by the hemp plant bind with receptors of your endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate balance and homeostasis across the major systems of your body. This includes the central nervous system, which is responsible for feelings of pain and discomfort.
How long does CBD take to relieve stress?
Depending on why you are experiencing stress, it can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks to begin experiencing stress relief from taking CBD. That’s because some folks are experience stress that is more easily managed than others, like a stressful day at work versus a chronic period of stress. Additionally, CBD takes time to build up in the body before it begins to have an impact.2
Give yourself at least two weeks of consistent daily use before evaluating how you feel. Keep a daily journal so that you can remember exactly how you felt each day, and then make a decision on whether to go up or down in dosage at the end of the first two weeks.
How to find the best CBD for pain relief?
It might sound simple, but finding quality CBD that will improve your quality of life can actually be very difficult. That’s because most CBD products aren’t made with quality and efficacy in mind. In fact, most CBD brands are focused on making the cheapest product to sell for the highest price. To be sure you find an authentic CBD product that is worth your money, look for these clear indicators of a quality product:
- The product is full spectrum, which contains a legal amount of THC along with the CBD.
- The product is USDA certified organic. It’s safer and higher quality.
- The product is third-party lab tested, with a lab report for every product you purchase.
- The company offers a 30-day money back guarantee.
If all of these conditions have been met, odds are that you found a quality CBD product that is worth your investment. We hope you find relief soon!
REFERENCES
- “Anxiolytic Effects of Repeated Cannabidiol Treatment in Teenagers With Social Anxiety Disorders.” Frontiers in Psychology. November 8, 2019. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02466/full
- “CBD as a Sleep Aid.” Sleep Foundation. May 6, 2021 https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/cbd-and-sleep
