CBD 101: Benefits of This Wonder Oil

Originally published at: Siroon Collective

With all the recent legislative changes regarding cannabis, we are witnessing a widespread cultural shift in the way we view cannabis products, especially CBD oil. Cannabidiol (CBD) — or a non-psychoactive component derived from the hemp plant — has a myriad of uses that you can incorporate into your daily life for natural benefits. Here’s what you need to know:

The Basics Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is cannabis’s psychoactive component (and most likely what you’ve come in contact with if you’ve ever used cannabis recreationally), CBD in its purest form will not elicit any “high” feelings. It can, however, promote better hair and skin health, help with depression and anxiety, and alleviate pain. Benefits of CBD Oil in Beauty Products From CBD oil mascara to CBD chapstick to CBD body oil, cannabis is making its debut in the luxury wellness and beauty industries. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as vitamins A, E, and D, not to mention essential fatty acids. In essence, CBD oil is a one-stop-shop for the beautifying vitamins we all want — so they’re really putting it in everything. The benefits of vitamin-packed CBD oil on hair and skincare is exactly what you’d expect. It’s gentle, natural (if you’re willing to dish out for the top-shelf stuff), and extremely restorative. If you’re wondering where to start, consider adding one of our favorite Armenian-owned products from Goddess Gang to your skincare routine. Benefits of CBD Oil for Depression & Anxiety You may know that cannabis is clinically proven to help alleviate symptoms of epilepsy, but did you know that it also works wonders for those with depression and anxiety? CBD binds to the brain in the same way that an antidepressant might, and promotes serotonin production which will give you an elevated mood. It’s thought that CBD helps to regulate the effects of stress and anxiety on the brain, leaving you feeling calm, relaxed, and able to sleep better. For treating depression and anxiety, it’s best to consume CBD oil orally or transdermally. Benefits of CBD Oil for Pain Relief Transdermals, like patches and high-efficacy lotions, permeate the skin so that CBD is delivered directly into the bloodstream. If you suffer from back pain or arthritis, a high dose of CBD oil might be just what you need. Have you ever considered using a CBD suppository for menstrual pain? It might sound out-there, but cannabis was allegedly Queen Victoria’s go-to for alleviating PMS. Using CBD oil for pain relief is no new exploit. Tips for Choosing the Best CBD Oil The most important thing to keep in mind when purchasing a CBD product is quality. Because of CBD’s newfound popularity, everyone is trying to get a piece of the lucrative cannabis pie — and the quality disparity between high-end and low-end products reflects this. Some low-end CBD oil — like the cheap stuff you might find at a gas station — might contain no CBD at all or even trace amounts of THC. It’s better to purchase products that have been vetted, and have clinical studies to back up any claims made by the company. CBD oil is not the product you want to cut corners with. Additionally, consider supporting a CBD oil brand that gives back. Remember: entire Black and Brown communities were disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs. If we are going to be consuming cannabis products in a socially responsible way, it’s important to remember that while many business owners are turning huge profits in the legal cannabis industry, thousands are still locked up for their cannabis-related felonies. California-based consumer cannabis brands like Caliva, which recently announced their career program for the formerly incarcerated, are providing a blueprint for what accountability can look like in the legal cannabis industry. — With cannabis products only just coming into the mainstream marketplace, there’s still a lot to explore. What CBD remedies haven’t yet been discovered? Which brands are the best for me and my family? What we do know is that CBD oil is a highly effective natural alternative to other beauty and wellness products, and with none of the pesky side effects of traditional pharmaceuticals. Trust me when I say, once you discover the benefits that CBD oil can have in your daily life, you’ll be hooked. I know I am.