CBD is everywhere you look these days. From a small niche product found in a very few, small health food stores or smoke shops a few years ago it has exploded onto the scene. Now CBD can be found everywhere from the corner gas station to big-name grocery stores and beauty supply stores. Almost everyone is talking about it and surely by now, you have met a few people who have tried it and achieved some amazing results. Users of CBD have reported it to effectively help with a wide array of conditions from anxiety, depression, and chronic pain to more life-threatening ailments such as epilepsy and cancer. Perhaps you have heard about CBD and some of its lofty claims which have led to wonder what exactly is CBD and how does it help?
What is CBD?
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Cannabidiol more commonly shortened to CBD is a cannabinoid that is present in the Cannabis Sativa plant. This may sound familiar to most as Cannabis is the plant that marijuana is derived from. Famous for producing a euphoric effect known as “high” marijuana is bred to be high in THC (the psychoactive cannabinoid) and very low in CBD. However, marijuana has a lesser-known relative that is called industrial hemp, but more often referred to as simply just hemp. Hemp is very low in THC and very high in CBD. THC and CBD share some of the same molecular similarities, but that is where they end. CBD does not produce a psychotropic effect in the brain while retaining much of the other beneficial qualities of the cannabis plant.
How Does CBD Work and What Are the Benefits?
Virtually every living thing on the planet has what is called the endocannabinoid system or ECS for short. The ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body and has a profound effect on many underlying systems. The processes it is thought to impact are appetite, digestion, mood, stress, sleep, chronic pain, inflammation, metabolism, motor control, memory, muscle formation, cardiovascular system function, liver function, reproductive system function nerve function, skin, bone remodeling, and growth. It is believed that when one of these systems is impaired due to disease or improper function the ECS will essentially pick up the slack and promote homeostasis. This system works by using naturally produced endocannabinoids that bind with cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. The two major types are the CB1 receptors that are found in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors, which are primarily located in immune system tissues.
Cannabinoids are similar enough to the naturally produced endocannabinoids so that they work with the system in the body. More research has to be done on the effects of CBD but preliminary results have been encouraging. It is thought that CBD binds to the receptors, helping to promote their functions or that it boosts the effectiveness of the already present endocannabinoids. Whatever the underlying process many users have claimed that CBD has become quite a magic bullet for them. Reporting to help with a vast array of ailments, but primarily things like chronic pain and anxiety.
CBD Creams and Topicals For Pain
The number one reason that most people say they use CBD creams and topicals is for the management of chronic pain. Very closely behind that reason is the management of joint and arthritis pain. The question is though do they work? And how effective are they? The National Academies of Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering has concluded and stated that “in adults with chronic pain, patients who were treated with cannabis or cannabinoids are more likely to experience a clinically significant reduction in pain symptoms,” after reviewing decades of cannabis-related studies. On top of that many users have reported that CBD has helped to manage their chronic pain much better some pharmaceuticals or surgeries have done so far. In fact, CBD pain cream has been cited many times by users to help them resume normalcy they never thought they would get back.
Can CBD Creams & Topicals Help Anxiety?
Some users report that CBD creams and topicals have helped them to deal with anxiety and depression much more effectively. These creams not only help to mitigate pain, but they also promote a healthy sleep schedule which in turn reduces the amount of stress felt. Less stress means a reduction in anxiety and therefore a reduction in depression. Many people have said that a CBD cream has helped them to regain control of their minds when it feels like it is spinning out of control. However, some users report that methods such as CBD capsules and CBD gummies are much more effective when seeking out this kind of therapeutic benefit. For those looking for anxiety relief, this may be a better option and is definitely worth considering.
CBD Creams and Topicals For Beauty
CBD has also been shown to help with a wide range of skin conditions such as acne, rashes, and dry, flaky skin. It has also been shown to be an effective anti-aging solution by promoting collagen production and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, since it promotes a healthy sleep schedule and reduces stress it also helps the skin in that way. It also helps to fight free radicals and is an anti-inflammatory, reducing the puffiness of the skin, particularly in the face and around the eyes. Many users have reported that CBD creams and lotions have improved their skin and allowed them to appear many years younger than they actually are.
What Are CBD Creams and Topicals Best For?
This is a straightforward question but does not have a very straightforward answer. More research needs to be done on CBD to determine exactly what it does and how effective it is. However, this does not diminish the fact that thousands, if not millions of people use CBD every day and now swear by it. If going on just raw data alone one could say that pain management is what CBD creams and topicals are best for. Especially considering that pain management is the number one reason that people seek out and use CBD in the first place. This does not change the fact that some users will claim that it is better for anxiety while others will claim it is best for beauty and flawless skin. We recommend trying CBD for yourself and seeing just how effective it can be for your particular issue.
If you have any questions concerning CBD and how it might be an effective treatment for yourself, please do not hesitate to contact us. We here at Texas Weed Syndicate are happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have. We are happy to help you find the right CBD products for your needs and that fits your budgets. Reach out to us today for all of your CBD needs!