Supporting total mind and body wellness
Every mammal has what’s called an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) which was a discovery made in the 1990's. The ECS is a vast signaling network of receptors interconnected throughout our brain and organs throughout 90% of our body, responsible for most of our most critical bodily functions. It's main goal is to maintain homeostasis - or balance - throughout the systems in our body.
Our body produces endocannibinoids, which are neurotransmitters that signal these receptors to help promote balance throughout our body with sleep, hormones, inflammation, blood sugar, neurological function, pain, sleep, memory, immune function, reproduction, and skin conditions. Endocannibinoids are produced when we work out and it's even produced in breastmilk.
Yet, most of us are massively deficient. Stress, trauma, and environmental toxins all deplete us and lead to an imbalance in our Endocannibinoid System (ECS).
CBD, cannabidiol, is a natural solution to replenish our ECS and supports rebalancing of the body. As a phytocannibinoid, (a plant based version of what our body is naturally creating), CBD supplements what our body is not producing to aid in the function of the ECS system, restoring homeostasis in the areas out of balance. Think of CBD as a super smart supplement that can target your bodies specific area of need.
CBD vs Marijuana
CBD comes from the hemp plant which is not the same as the marijuana plant. Hemp contains very low levels of THC (0.3% or less) and high levels of CBD. Marijuana is just the opposite: high THC. THC is tetrahydrocannabiol and it's most commonly known for getting "high", or altering the state of consciousness for a state of relaxation. Hemp and CBD on the other hand, can not get you high because of the extremely low levels of THC.
The health benefits to CBD
CBD is a plant cannibinoid, also known as a phytocannibinoid that offers health benefits to humans and animals. In 2018 the Farm Bill passed, legalizing hemp in in all 50 states and since then, research has taken off on all the ways CBD can support human health.
Research has begun to show its effectiveness in supporting a number of conditions and imbalances including: anxiety, stress, mood, pain, gut imbalances, digestive issues, blood sugar imbalances, seizures, ADHD and more.There is a growing amount of research showing how and why CBD works and the benefits many have experienced in their physical and mental health and wellness. Read the research on the top health topics.
CBD has been proven to be non-addictive, safe without intoxicating physiological or psychotic effects.
"There is currently no evidence that recreational use of CBD is connected to any health problems. In fact, it is considered to have many health benefits and is used to treat many health difficulties including stress, sleep difficulties, anxiety, other mental health difficulties, and chronic pain. The New England Journal of Medicine has run controlled studies on both humans and animals that suggest CBD has a valuable therapeutic use for epilepsy, seizures and spasms." - World Health Organization
Not all CBD is equal.
Most CBD sold in the US today has a high chance of:
being mislabeled (containing a different amount of CBD or THC than what is marketed). Studies have found 70-90% of CBD doesn't match packaging. In 2022 the FDA did their own study and found 76% of CBD they tested was mislabelled.
being contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, bacterias, and even mold.
Hemp is a scavenger plant which means it absorbs the toxins in the ground, air, and soil it's grown in. 80-90% of CBD sold in America today comes from China, where they use the hemp plant to clean their soil and air. They then sell that to companies in the US who "white label" the CBD, without any oversight to the farming, harvesting or extracting of the CBD.
What to look for in a safe CBD product
USDA Certified Organic. The plants are grown in soil without pesticides, (known carcinogens) and the seeds have not been genetically modified (non- GMO).
Third Party Testing on every product to ensure no pesticides or heavy metals in the final product. Pesticides are known carcinogens and heavy metals have been found to lower IQ levels and cause other neurological harm.
Verified level of potency. The product is tested to ensure levels of CBD and THC.
CO2 extraction: The safest way to extract CBD from the hemp flower without contamination. The alternative method is a health compromising process using butane.
Organic MTC Oil: the most effective and bio-available carrier oil to deliver CBD to your body.
Hemp flower only: The hemp flower contains the healing properties and cannabinoids, where as the stems and stalks do not. Yet many CBD products on the market today are created using all of it, diluting the efficacy. For best results, go for a product made solely from the hemp flower.
The CBD company doing all of this and more is Green Compass. A US based company with 6th generation farmers thoughtfully growing hemp while also owning the manufacturing and fulfillment process offering a CBD that can be trusted. Every product comes with a QR code on the bottom that can be scanned, showing you a Certificate of Analysis telling you everything that's in your bottle (CBD and THC levels) and everything that is not (heavy metals and pesticides). They also offer CBD with trace levels of THC of 0.3% as well as CBD without THC, for those who may have a job that requires drug testing or feels more comfortable with a product without any THC.
The best way to get started with Green Compass CBD is with the Balance and Restore set. It comes with THC free nano jellies with a 90% absorption rate plus a 750mg bottle of CBD oil in either Full Spectrum peppermint (contains 0.3% THC) or Broad spectrum blood orange and vanilla (THC free). Select your set here and get $100 off your first purchase.
Full = contains 0.3% THC
Broad = THC free
For specific recommendations, please connect with the advocate who shared this article with you.
CBD research by health topic
CBD for Hormone Support
A survey done by Harvard found 86% of women (both in perimenopause and who had passed menopause) were using cannabis. 79% reported it alleviated menopause related symptoms. 67% found help with sleep disturbance. 46% found help with mood and anxiety. Read more
Another study found CBD to balance glucose levels, improve bone density, reduce inflammation in gut, reduce inflammation in bone tissues when estrogen levels were low. Read more
CBD has been shown to have a potential regulatory effect on hormone levels, particularly cortisol. Read more
CBD for Anxiety and Sleep
CBD calms the nervous system making it helpful with anxious feelings and trouble sleeping. One large case study found 80% of participants found relief from anxiety after one month of use. And sleep improved immediately in over 65% of participants. Read more
This review article suggests that CBD may have anxiolytic effects, which could be beneficial for people with anxiety-related hormonal imbalances. Read more
CBD demonstrated improved clinical outcomes in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder; in social anxiety disorder; and in the anxiety component of post traumatic stress syndrome. Read more
CBD for ADHD
Read: Is it safe for kids?
A 2020 scientific review gave a grade B, or moderate, recommendation supporting CBD for ADHD treatment.
A small 2020 study of 112 adult medical cannabis patients with ADHD found that those who took a higher dose of CBD took fewer other ADHD medications.
A small 2017 study involving 30 individuals found that those who used a CBD nasal spray had a small reduction in hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. However, the improvement was not big enough for researchers to definitely say that CBD spray was more effective than a placebo. The researchers called for further investigation. Read more
Contact Sally to discuss how CBD may fit in your wellness protocol.
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