Your Beginner’s Guide to CBD: Get Started Here on Learning a Little Something About it.
Become educated on its history, products, and benefits.
Cannabinoids 101
CBD works by interacting with your endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system works to maintain homeostasis - a state of healthy balance - in your body.
Your endocannabinoid system affects a range of functions, systems, and organs, including:
Digestion and appetite
Heart and cardiovascular system
Mood
Memory and focus
Brain health and brain function
Skin health
Reproductive organs
Nervous system
It’s always tricky to discuss the benefits of CBD. Although a growing body of research suggests that CBD could have a wide range of health benefits, we are not legally allowed to discuss the conditions that CBD may or may not treat.
Heading #1: Uses of CBD
You can use CBD to:
Wind down before bed
Improve focus and concentration
Boost your mood
Support healthy, hydrated skin
Soothe stress and irritation
Comfort sore or swollen muscles and joints
Enhance productivity and creativity
Support your overall health and wellness
So far, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only approved one CBD-based medication: Epidiolex. This drug is prescribed to treat seizures in people with rare conditions, namely Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex.
Although it is legal to use CBD for other purposes, the FDA has not yet approved its use to treat other conditions.
Heading #2: CBD for pets
Yes, you can absolutely give CBD to your pets, although we always recommend checking with your veterinarian first. In fact, many studies have looked at how beneficial CBD can be for dogs, cats, and even horses.
Humans aren’t the only ones with endocannabinoid systems. Other mammals, including dogs, cats, rodents, and horses, have endocannabinoid systems - which means that your four-legged friend might actually benefit from CBD, too.
The available research suggests that CBD is safe for dogs. A 2018 survey of veterinarians found that many dogs seemed to benefit from CBD for a range of issues, from mood-related issues to physical health conditions.
Most commonly, CBD is used to:
Soothe stressed and anxious pets
Help pets with behavioral issues
Support a healthy skin and coat
Support the health of pets with painful and inflammatory conditions
Aid pets during stressful events (such as relocations or fireworks)
It’s always a good idea to talk with your vet before giving your pet CBD.
Heading #3: CBD, other cannabinoids, and supplements
Some health products combine CBD with other cannabinoids as well as supplements.
For example, CBD sleep products often contain CBN or melatonin (a natural supplement used to aid sleep). Similarly, many energy-enhancing CBD products contain caffeine and CBG, and many CBD topicals contain moisturizing ingredients to nourish your skin.
It’s a good idea to keep a lookout for CBD products with added beneficial ingredients, as this might help you achieve the effect you desire. On the other hand, though, you might want to try a pure CBD product, as this can have a wide range of applications.
Cannabinoids like CBD have a number of different uses. You might find that a daily dose of CBD supports your mental and physical wellness in a few different ways. We recommend experimenting with different CBD products until you find one that’s right for you.