By Lisa Marie

National CBD Day is coming up on August 8th, so there’s no better time to highlight the benefits and all around awesomeness of this major cannabinoid.

Right now, there’s a ton of misinformation out there about CBD and what it can do. But don’t be quick to dismiss CBD as another modern day version of snake oil. Sift through all the unsubstantiated hype, and the true value and amazing potential of CBD emerges.

No, CBD isn’t a “miracle cure.” But it may offer a natural alternative or enhancement to traditional medication for the thousands of people living with daily chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. Let’s get into some of the most common and even some surprising benefits of adding CBD to your wellness routine.

What Is CBD?

First off, what is CBD, actually? You’ve seen it on TV commercials and in social media ads. You’ve even walked past shelves full of CBD products in your local grocery store. But if you’re like most people, you may not know what CBD is (or what it IS NOT) or how it could help you in your daily life.

CBD is the easy to remember abbreviation for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol or CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBD can be sourced from both hemp plants and cannabis or marijuana plants. CBD and THC may come from the same places, but they are definitely not interchangeable.

While mindful consumption of THC products can offer certain health benefits, there are times and places that don’t mix well with getting high. There may be high stress situations in the workplace, or times when focusing on the task at hand is your priority.

In those moments, CBD can be your go-to cannabinoid. CBD can lower stress levels, sidestep anxiety, and create calming vibes without the elevation or euphoric feelings associated with THC.

Why is CBD trending?

As of 2022, the worldwide market value of CBD was over 6 billion dollars. According to market projections, the CBD market is expected to rise another 16.2% between 2023 and 2030. Clearly, CBD is trending up. But what is the reason for this massive rise in revenue?

It’s simple. An ever-increasing amount of people are living with health conditions that cause chronic pain. In the U.S. alone, statistics show that nearly 21 percent of people experience chronic pain in their daily lives. Clearly, there is a large part of the population that could benefit from incorporating CBD into their healthcare regimen.

Another possible reason for the growing CBD market may be staggering statistics related to using opioids to treat and manage pain. Based on recent data from the Department of Health and Human Services, prescription opioids were misused by over 10 million people in 2019. Also, of all the drug overdoses reported in the U.S. in 2020, almost 75 percent were from opioids. It’s safe to say the time to explore alternatives to traditional medications has come.

Types of CBD

Before adding CBD to your health and wellness routine, it’s important to consider your specific needs and goals first. Check out the 3 different types of CBD available today and see which one is right for you:

Full Spectrum CBD- 

This type of CBD offers the full range of terpenes and cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC. Full spectrum CBD is reported to be more effective at managing symptoms or providing relief than broad spectrum CBD or CBD isolate.

Full spectrum CBD contains all of the elements associated with cannabis– cannabinoids, essential oils, terpenes, and even a little bit of THC. When these elements work together with the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, inside the body, it can trigger the “entourage effect.” The entourage effect has been linked to increased benefits in treatment for conditions such as anxiety and depression, particularly for people who may not have responded well to traditional medication options.

The amount of THC present isn’t higher than 0.3% so it’s unlikely to cause anything resembling the ‘high” that comes from consuming cannabis. But since there’s a slight chance it can result in a positive drug test, folks who experience random drug tests in the workplace should proceed cautiously.

Broad Spectrum CBD-

Broad spectrum CBD contains all the same compounds, terpenes, and flavonoids as full spectrum without the added THC. Even without THC, broad spectrum CBD can provide the benefits of the “entourage effect,” which increases the benefits for the consumer.

When using broad spectrum CBD products, there is still a chance that small amounts of THC could be left behind after the extraction process. Although there are plenty of reputable CBD brands, there are others that may not provide accurate ingredient lists or third party lab results. So anyone who is concerned about consuming THC should thoroughly research any broad spectrum product before using it.

CBD Isolate-

For anyone who wants to reap the benefits of CBD without the added THC, CBD isolate is the best bet. When all other compounds and substances from the cannabis plant are removed, what’s left is pure CBD known as CBD isolate. These types of products are perfect for people who want to avoid any exposure to THC, such as those who may be drug tested at work. CBD isolate is also a good choice for anyone who prefers a product without added tastes or flavorings.

How Can You Consume CBD?

When choosing a CBD product, there are a few things to keep in mind. Do you have dietary restrictions? Are you looking for a fast-acting method? Want to add CBD to your smoking regimen? Luckily, there’s a delivery method to match the needs of any potential CBD consumer.

• Edibles- Available in stores and online in a variety of flavors and dosages, edibles are a great choice for many consumers. They are shelf stable, portable, and can be discreetly taken anywhere, anytime. People who have food sensitivities or allergies to additives may want to research products carefully before consuming CBD edibles. When using CBD edibles, it’s important to remember that they need time to be metabolized by your body. That being said, you’ll need to consume an hour or two before you want to feel the desired effects.

• Tinctures- This liquid form of CBD is meant to be taken sublingually, or under the tongue. By doing so, the effects will come on quicker than with edibles since the CBD doesn’t need to go through the digestion process. Another benefit of consuming CBD sublingually rather than with an edible is a greater percentage of the CBD contained in tinctures can be used by the body.

• Topicals- These products are applied directly to the body, and can be purchased as creams, lotions, salves, gels, and even patches. While topicals can be a solid option for conditions such as eczema or joint pain, they don’t pass through the skin as easily as tinctures pass through the membrane under the tongue. Given that fact, the CBD dosage of topicals may be higher to provide the best form of relief.

• Smoking or Vaping- This method is the choice for people who want a quick onset of effects. CBD can be consumed by smoking or dry vaping flower, or by using a device made for cartridges or concentrates. The downside of smoking and vaping is the impact it can have on lung health. Although it is widely believed that vaping is the less damaging option, folks who are concerned or unsure may opt for a different way to consume CBD.

Common Uses for CBD

CBD For Pain Management

According to recent data, 64 percent of people who use CBD are doing so for pain management. Many times, traditional medications such as opioids aren’t practical for folks trying to manage pain while maintaining an active role in their work or family life.

Fortunately, a recent survey of CBD consumers showed promising results. Of the people surveyed, nearly 60 percent reported that CBD reduced their pain. Almost 70 percent said they were able to cut down on the amount of prescription pain medications after using CBD.

What’s even more encouraging is how surveys like these are highlighting a change in the way people view pain management options. More than 70 percent of the people surveyed reported that using CBD for pain management is a “good treatment option.”  As research continues, CBD has the potential to become a viable option for people in search of a safer, non-addictive pain management tool.

CBD to Alleviate Anxiety

Currently, nearly one third of adults and adolescents in the U.S. are living with some form of anxiety. In the past, traditional medications were the widely accepted treatment of choice. Nowadays, people are trying to manage anxiety with CBD– a faster acting solution without the unpleasant side effects of pharmaceuticals.

Current research, though limited, offers hope for people with anxiety. One study has shown that taking CBD can help lessen the anxiety people experience during stress inducing activities such as public speaking. Other studies have shown that CBD can reduce anxiety for people who experience anxiety in social situations.

Another encouraging sign is that people who consume CBD for anxiety report positive results. In a recent poll, nearly 50 percent of people say they are using CBD to reduce their anxiety. And of the people polled, almost half believe CBD is “extremely effective” in managing symptoms. Based on what we know from consumers and what we’ve learned through research, CBD is likely to continue to rise in popularity as an anxiety treatment option.

Surprising Uses for CBD

CBD for Quitting Cigarette Smoking

Even though cigarette smoking is on the decline in the U.S., most cigarette smokers looking to quit admit it’s no easy task. Recent CDC data suggests that millions of Americans are living with smoking related diseases. With all of the documented health risks that come from cigarette smoking, people are now turning to CBD products as a drug-free option to kick the habit for good.

CBD is emerging as an effective smoking cessation tool for a few reasons. First, CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety. People with less anxiety are better equipped to deal with the withdrawal symptoms that come from quitting cigarettes.

Another unique benefit of using CBD to quit smoking cigarettes is related to the way it works to slow the metabolism of nicotine in the body. If less nicotine is processed by the body, it can lead to fewer cravings and ultimately less cigarette smoking. 

CBD for Skin Conditions

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. It’s the main barrier between your vital organs and dangerous toxins. Since skin contains receptors for the ECS, applying a CBD product directly to skin can boost the cannabinoid production that is already happening inside the body. Enhancing your ECS can have a major impact on how your body responds to the inflammation that causes painful or itchy skin conditions.

Studies have shown that certain common skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and even some forms of acne can be treated with skin care products containing CBD. CBD is able to pass freely through the skin to calm inflammation and provide relief. Consumers say CBD skin products work well for minor skin irritations caused by insect bites or sun exposure. While more research needs to be done, the initial findings about the benefits CBD can have on treating skin conditions are encouraging.

's Recommendation

Chime and Chill is an excellent resource for consumable and topical CBD products. Kimber Arezzi and her team created Chime and Chill as an alternative to alcohol and traditional medications to maintain focus and alleviate anxiety. What sets Chime and Chill apart are the pre-filled single serving doses specially formulated for morning and nighttime activities. Chime and Chill takes the guesswork out of CBD dosing, perfect for both new and established CBD consumers.

Conclusion

Make no mistake– CBD is not a magic pill meant to replace all forms of traditional medications. And it will never be a substitute for the elevated or euphoric experience that comes from consuming THC.

But current research and changing attitudes about pain management are opening the doors to treatment options that are readily available, non-addictive, and natural. If CBD can be added to your wellness routine to create a safe, yet powerful one-two punch to help combat minor health issues, why not give it a try?