
It’s important to understand the differences in each of the cannabinoids, though we know little about many of the other compounds found only in marijuana, the truth about CBD has been proven; so much so that it is now legal in all 50 states. There is THC, which is the psychotropic chemical found in the female flowering portions of the cannabis plant, which does indeed ‘get you high.’ THC is only legal in the states that have legalized cannabis or medical marijuana. But CBD is now available in most states, which is huge news for many suffering from a myriad of health issues and other debilitating diseases. The difference is that CBD doesn’t get you high, at most you may feel a calmness, which if you’re like me (who suffers from crippling anxiety at times) is a godsend.
While all health claims are based purely on personal experience, most people who try CBD find that it may help with calmness, anxiety, sleep and appetite right off the bat. CBD is the non-psychotropic cannabinoid found in hemp, the male non-flowering part of the plant, which has been found to have inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, as well as sedating, hypnotic, anti-epileptic and anti-dystonic effects, among other healing attributes. CBD does not ‘get you high,’ as they say, but it will relax you, soothe pain, help regulate sleep patterns, control certain cancers, stimulates bone growth, and stops the growth of bacteria, as well as it suppresses muscle spasms and convulsions, slows inflammation, reduces blood sugar levels, reduces the risk of artery obstructions, decreases pressure in the blood vessel walls, helps control epileptic seizures, reduces risk of nerve damage, and eases nausea.
I recently teamed up with the wonderful folks at CannaWell in the UK, and they were kind enough to send two of their oils for testing. Their latest products consist of an all organic hemp line of extracts that can be used as a food supplement. I haven’t come across another CBD line that can claim ‘organic,’ so I found that to be particularly exciting. The difference being that both the strain of hemp, as well as the growth process, and the production of the extract is done organically, so no chemicals and no GMO nastiness.
CannaWell’s Organic Hemp CBD 10% tincture and Balance 10% tincture consists of organic hemp extract and hemp seed oil, and that’s all. The CBD 10% differs from the Balance 10%, because the Balance includes other cannabinoids, like CBD, CBDA, with traces of CBG, CBC, CBV, which essentially creates an entourage effect, where by the CBD works better in the body and the sensation feels more balanced and encompassing.
Each is guaranteed for its potency and purity, which is a beautiful thing, especially when you consider how harmful toxins and chemicals are to our bodies. You wouldn’t want your medicine laced with traces of things that will harm you. You take a medicine to feel better, not to make things worse. That’s why I prefer self-healing with plants, herbal medicine and natural extracts like CannaWell’s organic line.
I found the CBD Balance 10% to be the finer of the two, because of those extra cannabinoids, but to be straight with you, I don’t think there was a massive difference in them, and believe the choice between the two is simply up to how your body responds. Your need will also factor into which might work best for you. I noticed when I have a bad day and take around 25mg, sometimes more, then I feel relaxed, as if my baseline had shifted to be more positive and balanced. On nights that sleep alluded me, the CBD assisted me in my ability to ease anxiety, while keeping me in a sedated state. When my back pain reared its ugly head, a higher dose eased the pain away and relaxed me.
If you would like to find out more about CannaWell, click here.
*This article is for entertainment use, and should not replace the diagnoses of any disease or the subscribing of any medication. Always consult with your doctor or a medical professional for any and all health-related advice.
(Photo by or agriculture via Flickr)