CBD is not a miracle cure, but many people report using CBD for PTSD offers relief of some of its most troubling symptoms.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people worldwide. Some of its main symptoms include anxiety, insomnia and depression. Since it causes rapid fluctuations in mood, PTSD can lead to reckless behavior, issues with concentration and even hypervigilance.

Many PTSD patients have reported CBD as being a very effective alternative to helping with some of these symptoms. CBD shows tremendous potential to reduce the negative impact of PTSD, with minimal adverse reactions. In addition, CBD has very few side effects compared with other PTSD treatment methods.

In this article we will discuss how CBD oil can be a part of safe, effective PTSD treatment. We’ll take a look at the most prevalent symptoms associated with this condition and what CBD does to counteract them.

USING CBD MAY HELP EASE PTSD-INDUCED ANXIETY

Anxiety is sometimes not viewed as a serious condition given how prevalent it is. By definition, it’s just a natural response to stress and other stimuli that we may perceive as threats to our well-being. But there is a distinct difference between a reaction that is necessary to avoid a risky situation and one that is detrimental to our own peace of mind or relationships.

Approximately 40 million adults in the US suffer from anxiety disorders each year. People that are part of this large segment are six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric conditions when compared to those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders. Yet, less than 40% of these people receive treatment.

Conventional options for anxiety include going to therapy or using prescription drugs, which may come with strong side effects. Now, CBD oil is becoming a vital tool for fighting anxiety Studies conducted on both animals and humans indicate that cannabidiol may be effective in significantly reducing anxiety. Its positive impact has been attributed to the influence on receptors responsible for regulating serotonin levels, thereby improving mood. According to a 2013 study, CBD may also play a role in regenerating neurons in the hippocampus region of the brain, which can also aid in reducing anxiety levels.

CBD CAN PROMOTE DEEPER, MOST RESTFUL SLEEP

Sleep is one of our most vital bodily functions, that helps us to heal, recuperate and perform at our best. But, for millions of people worldwide, sleep can be quite difficult to come by.

It is estimated that one in four Americans develop insomnia each year. This prevalent sleep disorder has been associated with other health conditions, a major loss in productivity and even vehicular crashes. Perhaps the most common form of treatment for insomnia is sleeping pills. While some may be effective as sedatives, prolonged use may possibly lead to addiction. To make matters worse, when hopping off the medication, some people experience “rebound insomnia,” which is even worse than when they began taking the drug.

Given these potential hazards, it comes as no surprise that some people are looking for safer forms of treatment. One of the earliest uses of hemp was to help induce sleep. CBD has been the main element associated with this effect and is proven to be useful in managing sleep disorders. Through CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system, it can help to address symptoms that may cause a loss of sleep such as anxiety and promote more calmness. It also shows the potential to be a natural remedy for insomnia by aiding the production of melatonin, which promotes a deeper, better quality sleep.

Though research is still in the early stages, the limited studies and mounting user testimonies suggest that CBD is a safe, effective sleep aid, with little to no potential for abuse.

CBD MAY EVEN EASE DEPRESSION

Depression affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability.

This condition should always be treated with some form of professional support. However, because of its stigma some people choose to tough it out or even turn to drugs or alcohol to get relief. These choices usually compound the problems even more. Experts suggest that effective treatment of depression usually involves a combination of structured therapy as well as holistic lifestyle changes. An increasing amount of people with depression are turning to CBD oil products to help support their self-care routines.

Though large-scale clinical trials are still underway, the experimental evidence seems to support CBD’s usefulness in helping to treat depression. Research has shown that the region for the brain responsible for regulating emotions, (hippocampus) shrinks when people experience depression. Some studies indicate that CBD may possibly protect and even regenerate the cells in this part of the brain.

CBD is also known to restrict the breakdown of the so called “bliss molecule” or Anandamide. This compound is an endocannabinoid produced by our body, and is considered a natural antidepressant. Although CBD should not be considered the first choice for handling something as serious as depression, it can certainly add value on the road to recovery.

PEOPLE WITH PTSD MAY FEEL CALMER WITH CBD

Hypervigilance is not really considered a condition but more like a behavior. It happens as a result of dealing with a traumatic situation, and usually involves someone being overly sensitive to their environment. The affected person’s senses are typically on high alert, as they subconsciously anticipate danger or some imminent threat.

This is a common symptom of PTSD, and can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, issues in relationships, obsessive behavior and other social problems. CBD can be great alternative to treating hypervigilance. Apart from its calming effects and mood regulation mentioned earlier, studies have shown that cannabidiol reduces learned fear. It may also contribute to the extinction of aversive memories which are usually linked to traumatic experiences.

CONCLUSION: CBD A VALUABLE TOOL FOR EASING PTSD SYMPTOMS

Professional medical advice should always be the first line of treatment for a serious condition like PTSD.

However, CBD has proven to be a valuable asset in helping to relieve many of the associated symptoms. It provides a safe, natural, alternative for relief, and as such should be considered as a useful supplement which can be combined with other forms of therapy.

Do you know what the Sunday Scaries are?

According to the makers of Sunday Scaries Vegan AF CBD Gummies, it’s that feeling a person gets Sunday evening after a weekend of perhaps too much fun as they face the economic and physical realities of a sober, frugal Monday morning.

Sunday Scaries has a tongue-in-cheek name and story, but their anxiety-busting gummies are no joke.

Anxiety is Sunday Scaries’ specific focus, and they do it deliciously. As the name suggests, these gummies are 100 percent vegan, but even non-vegans will enjoy these gummies. They have a soft texture that gives gently and does not stick to the teeth. The sweetness of citrus or cherry flavor is cut nicely with a tart zip. Just the tiniest hint of earthiness and mineral taste from the full spectrum CBD oil and vitamins remains, adding to the taste.

Sunday Scaries paid us a fee and offered us free products in return for our honest opinion. If you purchase a product from one of these links, we’ll receive a percentage of sales. Read more about sponsored content on Ministry of Hemp.

Keep reading for our complete review of Sunday Scaries Vegan AF CBD Gummies.

SUNDAY SCARIES VEGAN AF CBD GUMMIES FORMULATED FOR ANXIETY RELIEF

Sunday Scaries obviously doesn’t take its branding too seriously. We loved the amusing product names, the hilarious list of causes of the Sunday Scaries (including “Did you rage too hard?”) and their tagline: “Make Life a Little More Chill,”

But Sunday Scaries takes their product very seriously.

Their CBD oil is full spectrum and organic. Free shipping and discounts for people who buy via “subscription” make Sunday Scaries Vegan AF Gummies more affordable. They make a very targeted product line: just CBD tinctures and gummies formulated for anxiety. Sunday Scaries prominently posts their up-to-date third-party lab results verifying the cannabinoid content and quality. This is a must-have to ensure that the CBD oil you use is indeed CBD.

This company’s hemp extract products are specifically designed to tackle anxiety. Sunday Scaries Vegan AF Gummies combine full-spectrum CBD oil with vitamins B12 and D3. Some research links a deficiency of these vitamins to depression and anxiety. While the jury is still out, the the National Institutes of Health called for more studies on the possible links between Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and anxiety.

Of course, you can take Sunday Scaries on any day, whenever needed. Anxiety does not restrict itself to any day or hour. The recommended dosage for Sunday Scaries Vegan AF 10mg gummies is 2-3 as needed, but those new to CBD gummies should start small. Every person’s response to CBD oil varies, both based on their personal chemistry and due to differing delivery methods. Sunday Scaries uses nano CBD oil, meaning the extremely small droplets of oil are said to increase the body’s ability to absorb CBD.

We found that Sunday Scaries Vegan AF Gummies offered a noticeable anti-anxiety effect that aided in sleep when our reviewer used the suggested dosage.

SUNDAY SCARIES VEGAN AF GUMMIES OFFICIAL REVIEW

• Highlights: Sunday Scaries Vegan AF Gummies are sugar coated, soft, and tasty — and include Vitamins B12 and D.
• Strength: 10mg of full-spectrum CBD oil with 400 IU Vitamin of D3, 44 mcg of Vitamin B12 per gummy, 20 gummies per bottle.
• Price: $44.95
• Special: Use coupon code ministry for 10% off your order.
• Customer Service & Shipping: Fast (and funny!) customer service. Free shipping.
• Independent Test Results: Online.
• Flavor & Texture: These vegan CBD gummies are pleasantly soft, with deliciously tangy citrus fruit flavors that aren’t too sweet or too tangy.
• Ingredients: CBD oil / Full Spectrum Hemp extract plus Vitamins D & B12 with Organic Sugar, Corn syrup, Modified Food starch, Marice acid, Citric acid, Natural and Artificial flavors, Natural and Artificial colors.
• Other: Sunday Scaries offers a generous refund policy for unsatisfied customers.

Sunday Scaries makes their products from organic hemp grown in the U.S. They also make also make non-vegan CBD gummy bears and 100 percent vegan CBD tinctures.

CBD is currently one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States because of products like CBD infused oils and edibles which can deliver remarkable benefits to users of all ages and backgrounds. Senior citizens, in particular, have become a loyal base for CBD products as they have begun to trade their conventional medications for naturally-derived CBD.

But, what exactly is CBD? And why are senior citizens turning to this hemp-derived product?

THE STATUS OF CBD IN 2019

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound found in hemp. Despite its close relation to psychoactive cannabis (better known as “marijuana”), hemp and hemp-derived products don’t make you “feel high.” As a result, hemp-derived CBD is legal in the United States. With the recent passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD products can now be purchased in stores or online nationwide.

CBD OIL BENEFITS

Research suggests CBD can have an extensive array of health benefits as a result of its natural analgesic properties. Over time, CBD can help promote wellness by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors located throughout our immune and nervous systems. Among many things, endocannabinoid receptors are responsible for regulating vital biological functions such as pain sensitivity, sleep cycles, and anxiety levels.

Here are some reasons CBD has become such a popular supplement for senior citizens:

Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety disorders are often more common and severe in older adults. There are many triggers that manifest as they get older. In many cases, anxiety disorders in the elderly can turn into more serious conditions like chronic panic attacks and depression.

When it comes to our mental health, studies suggest CBD can be particularly beneficial because of its ability to boost levels of the neurotransmitter anandamide. Anandamide promotes feelings related to happiness and relaxation; however, in many individuals, anandamide is rapidly degraded by the enzyme FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase). CBD inhibits FAAH enzymes slowing down the degradation process of anandamide and allowing it to stay longer in our systems.

There is also conclusive evidence that CBD helps activate the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor. Serotonin receptors play an important role in mental health as they modulate anxiety and mood which is why serotonin receptors are usually the primary target of antidepressant medications.

Fitness and Mobility

Muscle and joint pain can drastically change the everyday routine and overall lifestyle of people as they get older. Simple tasks like playing with grandchildren, walking the dogs, or going for a swim may be difficult to enjoy due to excruciating chronic pain in the back, hips, and other parts of the body. Over time, limited mobility can influence our sense of independence and lead to severe consequences for our physical endurance and immune functions.

Because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil for pain can be an effective treatment for pain and physical discomfort. When it interacts with our nervous system, CBD helps generate pain-resisting responses from cells, thus increasing our pain threshold. That is why professional athletes, like UFC champion TJ Dillashaw, are using CBD to aid them in their daily workout routines for recovery purposes. Whether you are looking to stay committed to an exercise regimen or just trying to spend more time playing with your grandchildren, a daily dose of CBD oil for pain can help you stay active and independent well into your golden years.

Better Sleeping Patterns

Another common reason seniors are adding CBD products to their daily routine is to balance their sleep and wake cycles. As we age, medical conditions and common sleep disorders can prevent us from getting quality sleep at night. In the long run, lack of sleep in older adults can lead to serious medical conditions such as heart disease and significant weight gain.

Because CBD can reduce anxiety and pain, thousands of users across the country choose to use CBD as a nighttime sleep aid. Some CBD products for sleep even contain melatonin which is the hormone responsible for regulating sleep in humans. A nightly dose of CBD and melatonin can be particularly successful for patients with recurring sleep problems as their combined effects produce a relaxing and calming effect that can improve overall quality and quantity of sleep.

A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE

Probably the most important reason CBD has become a popular alternative for seniors is that it produces no significant side effects and is non-addictive as opposed to many pharmaceutical drugs. CBD also gives users a wider range of options as it can be found in a wide variety of forms such as CBD oils, CBD  edibles, and even CBD coffee.

If you are over the age of 50, CBD can prove to be an excellent ally for your health and wellness needs. If you are considering CBD for your daily routine, make sure extracts are obtained from industrial hemp grown in the United States. Most importantly, look for CBD products formulated by licensed pharmacists and tested by independent labs to ensure they meet all industry standards and regulations.

Editor’s Note: In the second part of our series of first-person accounts about CBD oil, author Haddayr Copley-Woods explains how she learned to research CBD oil. In the previous installment, Annalise Mabe told us about using CBD for Crohn’s disease. -KO

“You’ve turned into a filthy hippy,” my son told me as I drove him to school yesterday morning. “You think weed cures everything.”

“I don’t think it cures everything,” I said.

“And,” I added with the enormous dignity appropriate to my age and station in life (48, crippled, insane, living paycheck-to-paycheck), “I’m too young to be a hippy. Also, it’s not weed. It’s hemp.”

“It’s the same plant,” he said with obnoxious adolescent assurance.

“No, it isn’t,” I said.

“It’s a different strain, but the same plant,” he said, rolling his eyes. Moms don’t know anything.

“No, it isn’t — infinity plus one,” I said.

“Okay,” he said, getting out of the car, “but there is no such thing as infinity plus one. And maybe look it up. Ya damned hippy.”

HOW TO RESEARCH CBD WHEN YOU DON’T LIKE MARIJUANA

So that’s how I wound up writing YOU WERE RIGHT I WAS WRONG on the Facebook page he only keeps to humor me a few days later.

Same species: “cannabis sativa,” different strain.

Because I’m now using CBD oil regularly, it was SO important to me that it not be the same. Because, you see, my mom was actually a hippy. And years ago, when a traitorous sister told her that I’d tried pot, she called me on the pay phone at my college dorm, weeping with joy. “You know,” she said. “Now you understand.”

“I was stoned,” I said. “I understand that I was stoned.”

And I hung up on her.

See, my mom likes to feel altered. While pot is what she thought made me Deep and understand the Mysteries of the Universe, she mainly prefers alcohol.

Related: I have complex PTSD from a rough childhood. And I HATE feeling out of control in any way. When your childhood feels like one big mess you’re endlessly failing to clean up, and the adults are so out of control that you feel that you have to create order yourself (but you have no skills to do it), when you experience gaslighting so thorough that you can’t even trust your own instincts or memories — you sometimes become a control freak.

Well, I did, at any rate.

The feeling I got the first time I tried pot: that I couldn’t control the hysterical laughter, like I couldn’t trust my eyes or my thoughts or my sensations — it was far too familiar of a feeling.

I don’t want to feel that way ever again.

Not a hippy. Not by a long shot.

WHY I NEEDED CBD: HOW I GOT MYSELF INTO THIS

The accident happened so slowly that I was able to think: “I’ll bet this is going to be fun to watch,” before I fell.

I was biking illegally on US Bank Plaza in downtown Minneapolis, like you do, looking around for an address which wound up being (duh) the US Bank Building. I was biking so slowly I could barely stay upright, keeping my eyes peeled for pedestrians and craning my neck at addresses, which is why I missed the very short yet very solid concrete driving barrier directly in front of me.

“Huh,” I thought. “I’m going to crash. Maybe I should put down my foot or brake or something.”

Instead, I hit the barrier with a delicate bump that could hardly be called a crash and then verrrrryyyyy   slooooooooow w w w w lyyyyy fell to the ground, twisting so that I fell on my back.

I lay there for a while, contemplating my folly and looking up at the beautiful blue sky with perfect puffy cartoon clouds framed by skyscrapers.

“Wow,” I said aloud. “Wow. Even for me, that was impressive. Wow wow wow.”

Very soon, a small group of people surrounded me, asking if I were all right.

“If you have some liniment.” I quoted from the classic science fiction novel “A Wrinkle in Time” as I scrambled out from under the bicycle and onto my feet, then continued, “I’ll put it on my dignity. I think it’s sprained.”

I have this quote well in-hand not only because I am a giant nerd but also because I fall down in public a LOT. In addition to PTSD, I have a mobility disorder, and I love to bike, and I apparently make bad decisions.

“Well,” said a man whose outstretched hand I’d declined as I rose, “It was a very graceful fall!”

See? I told you. Fun to watch.

HOW LINGERING PAIN LEAD ME TO RESEARCH CBD

I could tell I had a very minor concussion (my Very Storied Past has made me a connoisseur of concussions) based on the sort of pixelated overly-bright world around me. My butt hurt.

After sitting down on a hard plastic chair for three hours of instruction, I requested a standing desk at work.

After a while, I was rocking and letting out teeny tiny moans much like I had years ago when in the early stages of labor.

So I took some Advil and Tylenol, which are the drugs I used to combat my post-C-section pain sixteen years ago because I hated the experience of Vicodin so much. Anyway, they were enough. I am not macho about this; I just have a very high pain tolerance. Usually, they take care of anything life can throw at me.

This time, they didn’t even make a dent in my pain.

“I’m friends with a lot of potheads, and they love me very much and want to help.”

My doctor, who is excellent, told me to ice it, referred me to physical therapy, and sent me home. (We had already rejected opiates — she knows my background and my need to feel alert at all times. Hypervigilance, they call it.)

So I asked friends for pain control advice.

DANG I’m friends with a lot of potheads, and they love me very much and want to help.

I turned them down for the reasons outlined above, and I was very skeptical when some suggested hemp oil. But after several people suggested CBD oil for my pain and my anxiety, I started to google.

“Do your research!” Everything I read told me.

So, first I turned to the experts.

WHAT MEDICAL EXPERTS SAY ABOUT CBD OIL

Does CBD oil help anxiety?

Cincinnati-area psychiatrist Andrew Nachum Klafter, MD, HATES pot.

“Marijuana is a terrible drug for your brain,” he says. “Absolutely awful. It saps all your motivation. It’s incredibly addictive. It messes up your brain really badly.”

Except he didn’t say ‘messes.’

While I’m not quoting him as stating a fact (studies are conflicted on this one), I wanted you, Dear Reader, to understand that he hates pot even more than I do.

“It’s figuring out what’s going to work for you. When it comes to ways to helping people feel better, why wouldn’t we want to do that?”

And yet, Klafter feels differently about CBD oil. Some patients tell him that it helps with anxiety. “There aren’t good studies on efficacy,” he says, “but the studies I have seen have convinced me that CBD oil, assuming that’s what they are buying, is probably relatively safe.”

St. Louis Park-based Kathleen Mathews, LICSW, is also concerned about her patient’s safety, and has found online research bewildering.

“That said, I’ve seen enough anecdotal evidence that it’s something that I probably will suggest to some people with sleep issues, PTSD, and anxiety,” says Mathews.

She is quick to say she doesn’t believe it’s a miracle cure.

“I know it doesn’t work for everyone. But (psychiatric) meds don’t work for everybody. It’s figuring out what’s going to work for you. When it comes to ways to helping people feel better, why wouldn’t we want to do that?”

Does CBD Oil help pain?

Since my primary concern at first was pain, I turned to a family practice doc to talk about that.

“I have heard from patients that the use of cannabidiol is somewhat effective for pain relief and anxiety,” says Minneapolis doctor Jared Frandson, MD, “so I have suggested that patients could seek this out as an alternative to medical cannabis from a dispensary … which is very expensive.”

Outside of this specific application, Frandson is not so sure about recommending it to clients. “There are few large randomized trials on cannabidiol and the ones that I’ve seen are relatively small and have mixed results,” he says.

How much CBD Oil should I take?

Because the supplement industry is not regulated by the FDA, Frandson also doesn’t know where to tell his patients to get quality CBD oil or how much they should take — although one interesting study suggests that a middling dose rather than a very high or very low one is best for anxiety.

Why aren’t there large studies on CBD oil?

“I think the larger barrier is the fact that it’s still considered a Schedule I controlled substance,” says Frandson.

Outside of one very narrow and recent exception to this rule, this designation places hemp and CBD in the same category as drugs such as heroin and meth, and puts a near halt to most studies in the U.S. Applying for permission has been extremely cumbersome if not impossible over the past decades.

Part of Frandson and Klafter’s worries are about whether or not their patients are getting actual CBD oil. “I would want to have some reassurance that the product itself is what it says it is and that it is pure,” says Frandson.

MEDICAL EXPERTS ON THE FUTURE OF CBD

Andrew Klafter can see a future for CBD oil-derived pharmaceuticals for anxiety and PTSD.

“I’m confident that sometime in the next ten years we will see FDA-approved medications,” he says.

There are a few reasons for that.

First, the DEA has attempted to smooth its application process for large research institutions seeking to study Schedule I Drugs as of January of this year. Due to the popularity of CBD oil and explosion of the industry, it’s hard to imagine Big Pharma won’t salivate over that market.

Second, the DEA’s exception-to-the-rule approval of a CBD-based medication has opened the door to more companies getting this exception. Knowing that it’s possible to make a profit is going to be enticing.

Third, America is just getting fed up with the illegalization of cannabis. State after state is flouting the federal law, and it seems only a matter of time before the ban is lifted completely.

So if you prefer your medicines to be pharmaceutical, in ten years you just might be in luck.

Here’s the thing, though: I don’t prefer my medicines to be pharmaceutical. While I think there is a time and a place for the Medicine Industrial Complex (namely: emergency care, birth control, antibiotics, and vaccinations), a lot of this distillation and studying and patenting and distributing sounds a lot like barring me from what will help me NOW.

And even Frandson and Klafter, both MDs who are heavily invested in Western Medicine, suggest that people try CBD now, because they are both convinced at the very least that it is safe.

I get acupuncture for tendonitis and depression and I take goldenseal tincture to prevent colds, I use slippery elm bark for sore throats and dandelion root for bloating. I figured all of this stuff out without help from drug companies, and I found I could research CBD oil and safely try it without them, too.

In addition, the pharmaceuticalization of a plant could threaten existing growers and distributors, many of whom prefer to sell the whole plant (I will get into that later). There are reasons people search for healing on their own.

One of those reasons is cost: the oil I wound up buying is around $50-75 a month for what I needed. When this plant is ground down and separated and synthesized and someone puts a patent on it, you can bet your sore butt it will be many, many times that cost.

Yes — all the talk about how impossible it is to know what you’re really getting is intimidating. But it’s not really true.

HOW TO RESEARCH CBD OIL FOR YOURSELF

1. Search for scientific studies online

First, I googled the obvious: “CBD oil and pain studies,” “CBD oil and anxiety studies,” “CBD oil and PTSD studies.”

Particularly when it came to pain, it was impossible for me to separate CBD oil from marijuana, such as in this British study: Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain.

Nearly everything else I found was exactly what the MDs had told me: relatively small studies, mainly outside of the US, that were not double-blind or long enough to satisfy my science brain. Still, it was hopeful enough to make me want to try it anyway, because my butt HURT, man.

So I knew I wanted to do this.

2. Learn more about CBD oil

This wonderful article about finding the correct CBD oil helped me to understand the basic bones of the product: Top 5 Ways to Identify High Quality CBD Oil.

I knew I wanted:

• Oil distilled through pharmaceutical-grade ethanol or supercritical CO2 extraction.
• Hemp grown in the U.S.
• THC lower than 0.3 percent
• Full spectrum (the whole plant)
• Recent third-party lab results prominently displayed
• Vaping oil that did not contain Polyethylene or propylene glycol as thinning agents

3. Where to buy?

What company is reputable? How soon can I get my hands on some?

I mean by butt was on FIRE.

Knowing I wanted oral oil for pain (slower acting but longer lasting) and the vape for anxiety (shorter-lasting but nearly instantaneous), I googled Top Ten CBD Oil Companies, and I started inputting dates. Who was on several lists for multiple years? Why?

I created a list of companies that were on multiple lists for multiple years, or companies that had a long track record, and then narrowed down my search by my checklist above. I did some pricing comparisons (see ‘paycheck-to-paycheck’ above), I sent the companies I’d like to buy from questions and noted how complete and how fast their responses were, and decided who I’d buy from.

HOW CBD OIL WORKED ON MY PAIN

Then, I experimented on myself.

I’m going to admit that I had high hopes. I have always been the friend who helped loved ones with cancer find psychoactive cannabis, and I saw what pot did for their pain. It seemed like a miracle. (Oh, dang. Is my kid right about me being a hippy, too?)

But when I took the CBD oil — a nice big mouthful of the oral oil — it didn’t even make a dent in the pain. Not after I waited patiently for the hour several places online recommended.

Aw, damnit, I thought. I guess it has to have THC in it. I’ll take my equally useless Advil/Tylenol cocktail for reasons I can’t articulate and call it a night, even though I can’t sleep with this pain.

But somehow, the combination of Tylenol, Advil, and CBD oil DID make a dent in my pain. I was able to stay at my desk (still standing; I am not a superhero) without lamaze breathing. The pain stopped waking me up. I was just a lady with a pretty damn sore butt.

Googling around, I found a few other anecdotal stories of CBD oil making other pain relievers far more effective, and one or two studies saying the same thing. It was an enormous relief for me.

So I would say if you are a middle-aged mom who hates the feeling of being stoned because you have Issues and constantly have to drive your obnoxious, insulting kids around so you need to stay sharp and also probably the illegality of pot in your state gives you pause, go ahead and try some CBD oil with your Tylenol and Advil.

If CBD doesn’t help and, depending on the laws around you, you may need to investigate THC or other cannabinoids, which may have more effect on some kinds of pain.

HOW VAPING CBD OIL WORKED ON MY PTSD ANXIETY

This is the big OH MY GAWD moment.

My PTSD is pernicious — I am always hypervigilant, I have flashbacks in embarrassing awkward places. I freak out over stupid crap and then over nothing at all.

It affects my parenting, because I become so anxious I start snapping at my kids, or I freak out and tremble and freak them out. It affects my partnership, because living with someone who has PTSD has been likened to living with an alcoholic — despite my six years of treatment, you never know which person I’m going to be from minute-to-minute.

I take an antidepressant which helps the anxiety in a rather nebulous sort of way. I sometimes can control things with yogic breathing, but often it’s too late and I’m punching myself in the head, hyperventilating, and crying.

“Oh, honey,” she said. “You just don’t know what calm feels like.”

So I got the vape pen, and on my first incredibly anxious night I tried it.

Went out on the porch. Clicked the thing five times to activate the battery. Inhaled. Held it in my lungs for a long time. Exhaled.

And it was like an anvil came down out of nowhere and squashed the panic. It was just blocked. It was just gone.

“Are you sure I’m not high?” I asked my partner, five minutes later as I sat at the dinner table wondering if I had the munchies.

“Oh, honey,” she said. “You just don’t know what calm feels like.”

And that was it. The vape didn’t fog my brain. It didn’t draw a cloud of cotton over my hurt. It didn’t make me feel out of control. CBD just … stopped the panic. Instantly. And I felt calm. Peaceful. Still.

Writing this now, a month or so later, I am getting tears in my eyes over the simple fact of it.

SOME FINAL TIPS ON RESEARCHING CBD

I’ve become that person now, the one who demands her friends with anxiety try just ONE HIT off of my vape. I watch them as their faces slowly light up with amazement. As their panic just … stops.

My sample size is tiny. But for my friends and I, vaping CBD for anxiety is 100 percent effective.

If you’ve been wondering about CBD oil, and you have a complex background like I do with feeling high or buzzed, follow my steps:

1. Figure out the best type of CBD for you (full spectrum or isolate; edibles or CBD tinctures for slower, longer-lasting help, CBD vape for nearly instantaneous help).
2. Find the company by comparing ‘top CBD’ lists and ensuring quality by following my checklist above.
3. Google for reviews of the company, and ask customer service questions.
4. Start with a very small dose of CBD and go from there.

Maybe it won’t work, like half of the damn antidepressants I’ve tried. But maybe it will, and you can take some of your health care into your own hands.

Anyway, maybe that makes me a hippy. And maybe it’s the same damn plant as weed. But CBD oil is legal in all 50 states, it helps an awful lot of people, and it’s something you can do for yourself NOW.

I’ve spent my life hearing from people that doing something for myself was wrong for so many reasons: because as an unlovable kid and teen I wasn’t worth being taken care of by anyone. Because moms should put everyone else’s needs before our own. Because disabled lives just aren’t worth bothering much about and we are SUPPOSED to be in pain and pretty miserable.

It has taken me many years of therapy to shout down those lying voices.

I now know that if I can get closer to a calmer and less painful place, it is all right for me to try to get there.

And you — you, reading this now — it’s all right for you to seek relief, too.

More and more people are using CBD vape oil thanks to its convenience and fast acting effects

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in hemp and marijuana plants. Unlike the mind-altering THC, the cannabinoid associated with marijuana, CBD does not have the ability to make a user high. The hemp and CBD industry have seen immense growth over the last decade due to countless studies that suggest cannabidiol may provide various health benefits.

CBD may also help with conditions such as anxiety, pain, inflammation, insomnia, and epilepsy. With thousands of CBD consumers praising its effects and a growing body of scientific evidence in support of its safety, even many medical professionals are now recommending CBD. Although CBD can be taken in many forms, more and more people are choosing CBD vape oil as their preferred form of cannabidiol.

Vaping CBD is easy, allows for fast absorption, and is a relaxing experience.

CBD VAPE OIL PROVIDES IMMEDIATE RELIEF

In comparison to cannabidiol oils and gummies, CBD vape oil has a faster absorption rate because the CBD reaches the bloodstream through the lungs instead of having to go through the digestive system. Because of this, it is common for vapers to instantly feel the therapeutic effects of the CBD.

This quick absorption rate is ideal for people that suffer from:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Reoccurring Pain

Some studies also indicate that inhaling CBD can have higher bioavailability as opposed to other methods of consumption.

CBD VAPE OIL ALLOWS FOR CUSTOMIZED DOSING

Certain CBD products such as gummies and capsules contain pre-measured doses of cannabidiol. CBD vape oil provides a way to customize your dosing to your specific needs. You can add your ideal amount of CBD oil to vape juice and create your own CBD vape juice. Mixing CBD oil with your favorite e-liquid is also a tasty way to enjoy your CBD vaping experience.

CBD Vape Oil is also widely available in customized cartridges in a variety of flavors or designed to enhance certain moods. Companies like Medix CBD offer several “mood” cartridges to create the CBD experience you desire. They are available in different dosage amounts as well, so you can always choose how much CBD you want to intake. Medix “Mood” cartridges are also compatible with most vaping devices. Nowadays, vape cartridges are standardized, so you can find a battery you like and use it with almost any brand.

CBD VAPE OIL IS RELAXING

Nothing beats relaxing after a long productive day of work or play. Whether your ideal way of relaxing is reading, napping, or doing homework, CBD can promote focus and balance through its unique effects on the human body. CBD vapers can take a few puffs to help them concentrate, wind down, or have a good night’s sleep. The choice is yours!

Rather than artificial flavoring, many modern CBD vape cartridges are flavored with terpenes, which are the main building blocks of essential oils found in hemp plants. They contribute to the aroma, flavors, and even the effects of the plant. The terpenes selected in each respective cartridge can help you curate your experience, whether you want to fall asleep or feel energized.

CBD VAPE OIL IS CONVENIENT & DISCREET

CBD is now used by millions of people in the United States to help them with health conditions or for preventative care. Although it is common to for people to take CBD while at work or in public, some people feel uncomfortable using capsules and tinctures around other people.

Thanks to the widespread use of e-cigarettes, Vaping CBD is an effective way to use CBD in a discreetly. By not having to carry sublingual tinctures or capsules, you can easily take your dosage of cannabidiol almost anytime and anywhere. Studies have also shown that people who use CBD vape oil are more likely to quit smoking and become less dependent on nicotine.

THE VERDICT: WE THINK EVERYONE SHOULD TRY CBD

There is no wrong method for consuming CBD oil. No matter how you choose to use CBD, almost anyone can benefit from its healing properties. If you are someone that is constantly on the go and wants to focus, relax, or sleep better, the choice is clear. Give CBD a try — and let us know what works best for you!

 

DISCOVER THE TOP CBD BRANDS

The market is getting saturated with many different CBD brands. We’ve compared the top brands to help you with your decision. Check it out.

Editor’s Note: This is the first of our new series of first person accounts of how CBD oil has helped people. In this article, writer Annalise Mabe explains how she uses CBD for Crohn’s disease. — KO

I sat in the gastroenterologist’s office at seventeen after a marathon of blood tests, -oscopies, and exams when my GI handed me photos of my intestines and told me I had Crohn’s disease, a chronic form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and scarring of the intestine.

That was nearly ten years ago, and now, at twenty-eight, a lot has changed. I survived a major surgery, ventured into the world of biologic treatments, and began to explore CBD after reading that it may help patients with Crohn’s manage their symptoms, namely pain and anxiety.

THE COST OF CROHN’S

For me, Crohn’s had not been a serious problem until last year when it took 3 trips to the ER for doctors to realize that I needed a major surgery. Twelve inches of my small intestine had become inflamed and obstructed over time due to Crohn’s and had to be removed. At the same time, my GI started me on Remicade, a biologic drug infusion. Remicade can range from $1,300-$2,500 per single infusion without health insurance.

The past year has been whirlwind of medical emergencies, huge bills, automated phone calls to customer service agents, and lots and lots of anxiety. What if I somehow lose health insurance? What if I go in debt trying to afford health care? What if my body fails me again? What if I need another surgery? These are the questions that swirl in my head late at night, keeping me from being able to sleep.

During these months, I wrote publicly on social media about having Crohn’s, updating friends, family members, and online acquaintances about my trek through the medical world. I took photos at my infusions and openly wrote about how I was afraid, that it wasn’t easy, and that it was okay to talk about these things. It wasn’t long before several friends and online acquaintances reached out me to share studies and articles they’d found about CBD and Crohn’s symptoms as well as their own personal experiences about using CBD to curb pain and anxiety.

Like the good student I am, I read up on all I could find. Then, after one friend’s encouragement, I applied for and then received my medical cannabis card thanks to the Florida Department of Health. With my card, I could purchase 10 mg CBD capsules from a reputable dispensary.

HOW USING CBD OIL FOR CROHN’S DISEASE HELPS ME

This was the beginning, and I should say that by no means is CBD oil a cure for Crohn’s disease.

Some people come from a totally holistic mindset and think that changing your diet or exercising is all you need to combat Crohn’s, but, in my case, I’ve needed medicine, too. While changing your diet and exercising can reduce some inflammation, it can’t combat what a body with Crohn’s is actually doing, which is producing a surplus amount of TNF-alphas which lead to more inflammation in the body.

Because Crohn’s is genetic and is thought to be an autoimmune disease, no amount of exercise, diet, or CBD oil will cure it. Used as a supplemental method, however, CBD helps to curb what are arguably the worst parts of having Crohn’s: the psychological burden/worry, abdominal pain, and overall anxiety.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND CBD OIL FOR CROHN’S DISEASE

New research is coming out daily on the science of CBD. It’s clear that we are just discovering the tip of the iceberg in terms of how CBDs work and interact with different mental and physical ailments.

The New York Times recently investigated the surge of CBD. Reporters spoke with Dr. Esther Blessing, an assistant professor at NYU’s School of Medicine who said: “CBD is the most promising drug that has come out for neuropsychiatric disease in the last fifty years.”

Dr. Blessing is currently working on a new study that looks at the use of CBD as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder and went on to explain: “The reason it is so promising is that it has a unique combination of safety and effectiveness across a very broad range of conditions.”

In another controlled study forthcoming in the journal PAIN and written about in Forbes, CBD was found to “alleviate both pain and anxiety, two symptoms often associated in neuropathic or chronic pain,” in animal models according to the study’s first author Danilo De Gregorio. This study focuses on how CBD interacts with the specific receptors that deliver pain and anxiety. Ultimately, it suggests CBD can act as a non-addictive, safe form of medicine in the treatment of pain and anxiety.

While many studies are focusing on how CBD interacts with psychological ailments, one study authored by Dianele De Filippis et al. looks at intestinal inflammation. Researchers found that CBD may actually “counteract the inflammatory environments” in patients with Ulcerative Colitis (Crohn’s’ cousin), which can reduce and mediate the amount of intestinal damage. The findings of this study actually suggest that there are benefits from CBD for both Crohn’s and UC patients beyond the moderation of symptoms. This could be huge for the future treatment of Crohn’s and UC.

THE RISE OF CBD FOR HEALTH

The rising popularity of CBD is hard to ignore. CBD is offered in capsule, tincture, gummy form and are even being added to luxury confections by high-end boutique retailer Lord Jones.

Many people are taking to online forums to share how CBD is working for them by reducing their anxiety like one reddit user who wrote: “CBD changed my life for the better.”

Now that CBD is being offered more widely across the country, it’s becoming more accessible to people who are suffering from chronic pain and the anxiety that oftentimes accompanies us on the journey towards remission. While researchers may be on the frontiers of CBD research, it’s clear to see that cannabinoids are proving to be effective in moderating pain and anxiety, allowing people with chronic illness to find, at least, some solace and relief.

Are anxiety and depression keeping you from living a fulfilled life? CBD is an all-natural health supplement with anti-anxiety properties that could help improve your daily life. Learn about the health benefits of CBD Gummies and how they could help you with symptoms of anxiety and chronic stress.

Mental health problems are at an all-time high and many people feel underserved by traditional psychiatric medicines. Studies on CBD reveal that it could help with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Chronic stress can be caused by a multitude of factors. How we respond to stress could be the key to reducing anxiety and preventing the risks associated with mental health disorders.

In this article, you’ll learn the benefits of CBD gummies on anxiety, what doses of CBD are most effective, how to find quality CBD oil, and more.

CBD OIL: SAFETY & LEGALITY

CBD, or cannabidiol, is an all-natural supplement that can offer a wide range of health benefits for a number of different issues, including mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.

CBD sold online is typically derived from hemp. Both hemp and marijuana are two types of the same species of plant known as, cannabis. And although hemp is very similar to marijuana, it is also very different.

Unlike marijuana, the hemp plant contains less than .3% THC, which is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis.

That means that CBD doesn’t get you high and does not cause the psychotropic effects associated with marijuana and THC.

Studies evaluating the safety of CBD have shown that the compound is extremely safe, even in high dosages. However, there are some things you should consider when taking cannabidiol.

The most severe, but very uncommon side effects of CBD are sedation and fatigue. Cannabidiol can also lower blood pressure and change the way your body processes some types of medications.

CBD is legal in all 50 states under the 2014 Farm Bill upheld by the 2018 HIA vs. DEA ruling of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

HOW DOES CBD WORK?

Cannabidiol is just one of over a hundred compounds in hemp, called cannabinoids, being studied and used for therapeutic benefits.

CBD works supporting the body’s natural endocannabinoid system; a network of biochemical compounds and receptors specialized to maintain balance in nearly every aspect of health and wellness.

The hemp compound fits perfectly into specialized receptors, called cannabinoid receptors, which control different bodily functions that influence health.

Our bodies produce compounds that are identical to the cannabinoids found in hemp, which is why CBD fits like a lock and key in our receptor cells.

These identical compounds produced by the body are called, endocannabinoids, short for endogenous cannabinoids.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system by binding with cannabinoid receptors such as CB1, CB2, and others.

Research shows that this vital health system is an integral part of the not only the sleep process, but also emotional stability, mental health, and many other aspects of wellness.

CBD ANXIETY & DEPRESSION STUDIES

Recent data revealed that 1 in 5 Americans took some type of psychiatric medication recently, meaning anxiety and depression are much more common than we’d like to talk about.

Most of what we know about CBD and mental health comes from animal studies and small-scale human experiments. However, a growing body of evidence along with thousands of anecdotal reports suggests CBD can improve symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders.

Chronic stress is often a primary trigger of anxiety, and animal studies show us that CBD can calm the stress-response and nervous system. Further experimentson mice and humans show us that CBD also has properties that can relax the muscles and blood vessels, even during stress. It also exhibits a natural calming effect on the mind, which could aid the onset of sleep and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Researchers believe this effect occurs when CBD binds with the 5-HT1A neuro-receptor. This receptor is essentially like a signaling hub in the brain for emotions and is also the main target of most modern antidepressants.

One of the most notable studies on CBD’s effects on anxiety disorders in humans comes from a trial on the fear of public speaking. Compared to a placebo, CBD reduced the physical markers of stress-related anxiety and participants reported fewer symptoms of the phobia.

Several peer-reviewed analysis also now confirm and validate the study’s results indicating CBD as a potential drug for anxiety disorders.

USING CBD GUMMIES FOR ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

Taking CBD for sleep, anxiety, and depression can be as simple as snacking on a few tasty Gummies once or twice per day.

CBD-infused Gummies are made using all-natural ingredients and non-GMO, organic CBD hemp concentrate produced by super-critical CO2 extraction. Similar to taking chewable vitamins, Gummies offer a safe, effective way to easily take cannabidiol as a daily supplement. You can find them available in a range of potencies from 5mg-25mg and are typically sold in 30-60 count bottles.

CBD is non-toxic and non-intoxicating, which means that you can’t overdose from eating too many gummies. Unlike with THC edibles, you don’t have to worry about experiencing anxiety or paranoia from eating too many CBD Gummies.

There is no exact dosage of CBD for any particular condition or ailment, but it’s generally recommended to begin taking CBD gummies in smaller, low dosages. You can increase the dosage as needed once you’ve observed how CBD may affect your symptoms.

Similar to eating grapefruit, CBD could alter the way your body metabolizes certain types of medications. Always consult with your doctor first for treating serious health conditions.

WHY DO PEOPLE CHOOSE CBD GUMMIES OVER OTHER FORMS OF CBD?

When it comes to cannabidiol, if all things are held constant (like product quality) the major differences in products boils down to administration/consumption methods. For example, tinctures are dropped under the tongue and the CBD is absorbed sublingually. Gummies however, are eaten and the CBD is absorbed through the digestion process.

The most popular reason for using gummies over tinctures or other forms of CBD is by far, the taste. Many people find the earthy flavors of oils to be unappealing. CBD gummies however, taste great. People also find that using the gummies is a little more discreet than other forms, and they can administer their CBD in public more freely.

When comparing the effects of tinctures over edibles, consumers typically notice a faster and stronger effect when using tinctures. For anxiety or depression issues, they can be great in high-stress moments where the onset of panic begins, using CBD oil sublingually might help elevate issues in moments, rather than waiting for the CBD to be digested.

However, consumers do report that using CBD gummies and edibles for anxiety is extremely effective as well. This is because edibles tend to have a “milder” effect, but last longer as the CBD goes through the digestion process to be absorbed into the bloodstream. People with anxiety issues tend to notice that they handle the rigors and stresses of daily life much better throughout the day when using edibles over tinctures.

FIND QUALITY CBD ONLINE

How do you find the best CBD retailers online?

First, always make sure that a retailer’s website is secured by checking the URL in the browser for the little SSL lock. If the site is not secure, your personal information could be at risk.

Second, always ask the retailer for the 3rd party lab tests for any CBD products you are interested in. These are the tests that analyze the chemical composition of a product or CBD extract and will prove its purity and concentration. This test will also indicate whether or not a CBD product contains any amount of THC, which is important if you are concerned about drug testing.

Thanks for reading! If you’ve enjoyed this article, please share it with others who may also find it helpful!

CBD coffee could be the perfect morning treat to get your day started without the worst parts of the caffeine buzz.

Did you know that 83 percent of Americans drink coffee regularly? In a fast paced world, with the pressures of life pulling us down, it is no wonder we need coffee, but also carry anxiety. Not only does coffee help wake you up in the morning, but it actually has more lot of health benefits than you might realize. However, adding a little CBD oil can increase those benefits even more.

If you haven’t tried the blend of coffee and CBD oil, get ready to set your anxiety on snooze and energize your moods with a CBD latte that you’ll want to try tomorrow morning. Read on for a favorite recipe and more about the benefits of CBD coffee.

WHY DOES CBD COFFEE FEEL SO ENERGIZING?

Simply adding a dose of CBD oil to your coffee can give you increased health benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. Both coffee and CBD oil can help you feel better, and when combined, they offer you more than just the average coffee!

Benefits of coffee

Most people drink coffee to wake them up in the morning, give them a little burst of energy during the day, or a pick me up after a stressful day at work. Coffee gets a bad rap, but it is actually a healthy choice. If you are an avid coffee drinker, you are already getting many coffee benefits. If you aren’t, check out what coffee has to offer you:

• Coffee is a natural antioxidant. Coffee is a natural antioxidant for your body. Although our body can get antioxidants from fruits and veggies, we absorb more in our daily cup of coffee.
• Coffee is good for your liver. People who drink at least 1 cup of coffee a day are 20 percent less likely to get liver cirrhosis
• Coffee improves brain function. Whether you didn’t get enough sleep or you just need your morning coffee before you talk to anyone, coffee really does improve brain function. You have increased reaction time, attention, logical reasoning, and vigilance.
• Smelling coffee relieves anxiety. You know that beautiful smell of brewing coffee that just calms you?! It really does relieve a lot of your anxiety just by smelling it.

Benefits of CBD oil

CBD oil is one of several naturally-occurring compounds in the cannabis plant known as cannabinoids. Most CBD oil supplements come from industrial hemp. Although hemp and psychoactive cannabis (“marijuana”) come from different forms of the same plant, the two are very different. CBD oil has many medical benefits which include:

• Natural pain relief. CBD oil has natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. Using CBD oil daily, can help relieve stiffness, joint pain, and aches throughout the day.
• Relieve symptoms of epilepsy. Doctors everywhere are now using CBD oil to treat epilepsy and seizures not only in adults, but in children.
• Reduces anxiety. CBD oil is a natural way to reduce anxiety behaviors caused from panic disorder, PTSD, general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and OCD with no adverse side effects
• Relieves migraines and headaches. Stress and tension can wreak havoc on our bodies in many ways. CBD oil helps relieve both migraines and headaches and keep them away.
• Promotes healthy sleep. Taking CBD oil daily helps get your body in a regular sleep habit which reduces stress and increases brain function. Take a serving before bed to help with insomnia and get your body into the REM sleep you need.

Benefits of combining CBD Oil and coffee

When you mix the benefits of coffee and the benefits of CBD oil, you get an incredible morning regime that is good for your whole body! It really is a match made in heaven. Although coffee has many benefits, the caffeine can increase stress hormones called cortisol. However, CBD oil can cause drowsiness in some people. Therefore, when you combine the two to create CBD coffee, you get the best of both worlds.

• Increases energy while decreasing anxiety. While coffee increases your mood and energy, CBD oil relieves anxiety and stress.
• CBD coffee could boost your mood. Both CBD oil and coffee boost your overall mood by increasing your serotonin levels (happy hormone).
• Both have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are needed to get rid of toxins in your body. They protect our DNA and cells from damage, aid with cell regeneration and aging; The more antioxidants, the better.
• CBD coffee is good for your brain. As coffee increases your brain function, CBD oil protects your neurons from degeneration in your brain. Therefore, coffee and CBD oil together could be even better for your mind.

RECIPE: PEPPERMINT CBD LATTE

If you are ready to get the best of both worlds, you are going to love this Peppermint CBD Latte recipe:

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup of hot coffee
• ¼ cup hot milk
• York Peppermint Patties
• ½ dropper Full Spectrum CBD Tincture

Directions:

1. Unwrap Peppermint Patties and break into little pieces.
2. Prepare coffee in a coffee maker as you would normally.
3. Heat ½ cup of milk in the microwave for 2-minutes
4. Use an electric mixer or milk steamer to froth the milk. Mix until it reaches desired frothiness.
5. Pour ¾ cup of hot coffee into a mug.
6. Add ½ dropper (0.75 ml) Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture to coffee. Mix well.
7. Using spoon to hold back froth, pour hot milk into coffee.
8. Top coffee with the remaining froth to make it a latte.
9. Top your latte with the crumbled York Peppermint Patties.
10. Optional: Melt York Peppermint Patties in the microwave and add to hot coffee for more flavor.
11. Enjoy your CBD coffee!

CBD COFFEE IS AN EASY, RELAXING WAY TO START YOUR DAY

While we hope you’ll give our CBD latte a try, making CBD coffee doesn’t have to be complicated. Adding a little flavorful drop of CBD oil to your morning coffee is a simple step to start your day out healthier and happier! Of course, there’s no reason you can’t add it to your afternoon pick-me-up cup, too. Either way, it’s a great step in the right direction.

Have you tried a Peppermint CBD Latte or made your own CBD coffee drink? How did you like it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

DISCOVER THE TOP CBD BRANDS

The market is getting saturated with many different CBD brands. We’ve compared the top brands to help you with your decision. Check it out.

A lot of people wonder how CBD will affect their dreams, since bad dreams can be strange, disturbing and even scary.

Have you ever had a dream where all your teeth fall out? Lots of people have had it and the interpretations of what the dream actually means vary quite a bit. Some say it’s about change in your work life, others (like Carl Jung) suggest it’s related to feeling powerless. Whatever it means, it can be a pretty weird to have.

Sometimes these dreams are upsetting and, of course, unwanted. Because of its everyday association with cannabis, new users of CBD wonder about the side effects of the compound. Will it cause mind altering effects, for example? Or perhaps make you have weird dreams?

THC, CBD & DREAMS

Most of this comes down to a little confusion about CBD oil, and the differences between CBD and THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana. Because CBD does not get you high, and can even promote more restful sleep, CBD users are unlikely to experience these problems.

People mention cannabis and immediately get the wrong idea, thinking they’re going to get high from CBD. The main active ingredient in psychoactive cannabis or ‘marijuana,’ when it’s used for recreational purposes, is a chemical component in the plant called tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Experienced users of THC products understand different strains and types of product can induce very unusual dreams.

In most reputable CBD products, you don’t get any of this because there’s no THC. That’s why the media sometimes CBD (mistakenly) refers to CBD as medical cannabis in places like the U.S.

CAN CBD OIL CAUSE WEIRD DREAMS?

Again, this is an area that generally needs a lot more research. First, it helps to know a little more about what happens when you drop off at night. Sleep has different, distinct stages. One well-known stage is REM or Rapid Eye Movement, This is where we normally dream or remember our dreams. The other stage, deep sleep, is beneficial for a lot of things including recovery and restoring the body. Think of it like recharging your batteries.

There have been some anecdotal accounts of people having weird dreams when using CBD, but these may not be down to the compound at all. Research into the effect of THC on sleep patterns found that it decreased the REM stage and increased the deep sleep phase. Subjects also reported a rebound effect when they stopped using the drug. Some people who stopped using CBD oil before bedtime also report having more vivid dreams.

Other people have noted that their recall of dreams after taking CBD oil improves. Even if we do settle into REM sleep and dream, many of us don’t normally remember anything much when we wake up. There’s no evidence, clinical or anecdotal, that suggests any worsening of dreams such as nightmares or night terrors.

CBD COULD LOWER ANXIETY & PROMOTE RESTFUL SLEEP

Studies do suggest that CBD may be involved in lowering anxiety levels and many users point out they tend to fall asleep more quickly when using the compound. Some research also suggests that sleep quality may be improved which can lead to a better sense of feeling refreshed and higher energy levels on waking.

If you are worried about taking CBD for sleep issues or simply as a health supplement, there is currently little evidence to suggest that it is going to give you strange dreams during the night.

 

DISCOVER THE TOP CBD BRANDS

The market is getting saturated with many different CBD brands. We’ve compared the top brands to help you with your decision. Check it out.

The unique neurological effects of CBD are key to this supplement’s growing popularity.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound that is present in hemp, a close relative of marijuana. It is nonpsychoactive—meaning, it doesn’t make people feel stoned. CBD is also known to have various medical benefits that can help relieve patients from pain, inflammation, anxiety, lethargy, and other conditions. When taken, CBD allows a person to feel relaxed without the intoxication.

WHAT MAKES CBD DIFFERENT FROM THC AND OTHER CANNABINOIDS?

CBD is notably different from other cannabinoids, or chemicals which are found in hemp and cannabis. While all other cannabinoids interact with two significant receptors in the nervous system, CB1 and CB2, CBD has very little effect on both of them. CB1 receptors are found in different parts of the brain, including those concerned with emotion, sensory perception, memory, and cognition. CBD does not induce a mind-altering state.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), on the other hand, is another story. It is the chemical responsible for majority of cannabis’s psychological effects, sending you on a cerebral adventure. It is found mainly in the resin secreted by the glands of the marijuana plant. THC attaches itself to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. This activates them and affects a person’s thinking, perception, memory, pleasure, and concentration, making the person feel high.

CBD may also moderate the effects of THC. While some people report anxiety from consuming marijuana, strains which are high in CBD tend to cause less of these effects. CBD itself may be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety.

POSSIBLE NEUROLOGICAL EFFECTS OF CBD

CBD is known to have several medicinal properties, but because the field of marijuana studies is fairly young, more research is needed to explore the properties of marijuana’s compounds. Here are some of the possible medical benefits of CBD. More research is needed to determine whether CBD can effectively be used to treat all these conditions.

• Neuroprotective Effects

CBD could be useful when treating neurological diseases because it protects neurons from degeneration. In a study about Alzheimer’s, CBD was seen to hinder and the development of Alzheimer’s symptoms.

• Analgesic Effects

CBD has proven itself useful in suppressing pain. It is able to inhibit neuronal transmission without causing analgesic tolerance. Because of this, researchers suggest that CBD and other nonpsychoactive components can be used as a foundation to the treatment of chronic pain.

• Antitumor Effects

Studies have shown that very high doses of CBD no toxic effects in humans and that it might be used to inhibit the growth of cancer cells due to its antitumor properties. This could even help treat leukemia and similar diseases.

• Antianxiety Effects

CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety in patients. Researchers have also suggested that it can be used on patients with a variety of related conditions including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

In a 2011 study, a test was administered to 24 patients with social anxiety disorder. 1.5 hours before the test, the patients were given CBD or placebo. It was found out that the anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort in patients who were pretreated with CBD had significantly reduced, compared to those in the placebo group.

HOW CBD WORKS IN THE BRAIN

CBD produces effects through various molecular pathways. Although CBD does not really bind with two of the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, it acts through several different receptor-independent channels. CBD enhances and inhibits the binding action of certain protein-coupled receptors.

Listed below are some of the receptor systems and their relationship with CBD.

• Serotonin System

CBD targets a specific serotonin receptor, the serotonin 1A receptor. Its affinity with this receptor is associated with a lot of CBD’s therapeutic properties.

Take note that serotonin receptors regulate the release of hormones like cortisol, which is responsible for metabolism and reactions to stress, and oxytocin, which affects social behavior. Serotonin receptors also affect a person’s mood, cognition, and appetite.

Enhancing the activation of serotonin 1A receptors supports the theory of how CBD impedes certain problems and disorders such as neuropathic pain, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and nausea from chemotherapy.

• • Vanilloid Receptors

CBD binds to TRPV1 receptors, which are also called vanilloid receptors, to achieve a therapeutic effect. As an ion channel, TRPV1 plays a role in thermoregulation (temperature regulation), inflammation, and the perception of pain.

• • Orphan Receptors

GPR55 is called the orphan receptor because researchers are still not sure if it belongs to a larger receptor family tree. It is involved in the process of modulating blood pressure, bone reabsorption, and bone density.

When it is overactive, GPR55 may cause osteoporosis. GPR55 also contributes to the multiplication and migration of cancer cells. CBD blocks GPR55 signaling. This could affect the likelihood of cancer cells proliferating under the right conditions.

• • Nuclear Receptors

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs), also known as “nuclear receptors,” are activated by CBDs to produce an anticancer effect. They are found on the surface of the cell’s nucleus. When activating a receptor known as PPAR-gamma, an antiproliferative effect begins. Its activation also causes tumors to regress in lung cancer cell lines.

CBD AS AN ANANDAMIDE REUPTAKE INHIBITOR

According to a study, CBD in the brain inhibits anandamide reuptake and breakdown, which increases endocannabinoid levels in the brain’s synapses. Anandamide is an extremely powerful, cannabis-like chemical in the brain. This, in turn, has neuroprotective effects against seizures and other problems.

Since it is a plant compound, CBD has to pass through the cell membrane to get inside a human cell and bind with a nuclear receptor. It does this by attaching itself with a fatty acid binding protein (FABP), which takes it into the cell’s interior. The same intracellular molecules also transport THC and the brain’s cannabis-like molecules, the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2AG, to different parts inside the cell.

CBD has a strong attraction to three kinds of FABPs. This causes CBD to compete with endocannabinoids. Once endocannabinoids are inside the cell, anandamide is broken down by fatty acid amide hydrolase, a metabolic enzyme. CBD interferes with endocannabinoids’ process by reducing anandamide’s access to transport FABP and delaying it from entering the cell.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF CBD IN THE BRAIN

CBD has therapeutic properties that can aid individuals facing both physically and psychologically related problems.

• • Anxiety, Stress, and Depression

While THC can amplify the anxiety in some people, a study done by Neurotherapeutics suggests that CBD can help lessen the anxiety felt by people with particular anxiety disorder. The neurological effects of CBD could lead to it being used as a supplement to existing treatments like pharmaceutical drugs.

• • Epilepsy

A study posted in Epilepsia suggested that CBD is able to treat epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disorders. Since CBD has antiseizure properties, it has a low risk of adverse side effects on people who already have epilepsy. Because of this, there are more and more studies being conducted with the focus to treat many of the disorders linked to epilepsy, such as neuronal injury, neurodegeneration, and psychiatric diseases.

• • Sleep Quality

Since CBD can help reduce anxiety, this, in turn, can help out with sleep difficulties. It may increase the overall amount spent sleeping by subduing chronic pain and insomnia. At a small dosage, CBD induces wakefulness and reduces daytime sleepiness, but heavy doses taken a few hours before bedtime have a balancing effect that often leads to a good night’s sleep.

CBD’s IMMENSE POTENTIAL

While most of the studies have put their focus on understanding THC, cannabidiol has been consistently showing great potential with regard to its medical uses. It is important to understand all the properties of cannabis and hemp so that people can use it to help benefit the human body.

As they understand this chemical more, scientists may find newer ways to improve human health and healing, without having the fear of the stigma that comes with cannabis.