Everything You Need to Know About CBD
It’s a new year, which means a blank slate to reset intentions and plan for a better tomorrow. But I’m a big believer that tomorrow starts today, and there is no better time than the present to implement a new CBD routine.
Welcome to CBD 101 where I will go over CBD, its therapeutic benefits, how to use it and, of course, where to even begin when it comes to first-time users!
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol and is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the hemp plant that is known to have therapeutic benefits. It is federally legal, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, and legal in the state of Texas, thanks to the 2019 House Bill 1325. You can find it in products such as sublingual oils, edibles, topicals and others.
From my research and experience being a CBD seller for the past three years, I believe cannabis can be effective in your daily routine, but everyone’s body (and endocannabinoid system) is different, which is why it is important to become educated and familiar with different products, doses and consumption methods to find out what will ultimately work best for you.
Please understand that there are many products out there and they are not all equal. It comes down to understanding what you’re taking, what the ingredients are, how many active milligrams of CBD are in the product, how you’re taking it (topical vs edible, for example), and how frequently you’re taking it.
What are the different ways to consume CBD?
Popular consumption methods include edibles, sublingual oils, topicals, capsules and smokables. These different methods can help solve different issues you may be dealing with because of their bioavailability. For example, 5 milligrams of CBD is going to affect you much differently than 50 milligrams of CBD, and 50 milligrams of CBD applied topically is going to affect you much differently than 50 milligrams of CBD taken as an edible.
In terms of therapeutic fitness benefits, CBD can be used as an anti-inflammatory. Most people turn to CBD to help them navigate pain and inflammation, and as such, CBD has been a big hit in the wellness and recovery industry. CBD is a cannabinoid, and our bodies have an endocannabinoid system that helps regulate function – so think of CBD like a square peg trying to fit into your endocannabinoid system, which is a square hole.
What is the best dosage of CBD?
It’s always a good idea to start small! Small, of course, is relative but it typically ranges from 5 milligrams to 15 milligrams. Over time, you’ll become more comfortable using CBD and can figure out how much your body generally responds to it.
Keep in mind that each body is different and we all deal with different ailments! Your dosage can vary greatly from someone else’s, so don’t be afraid to take more or less or try new consumption methods. There isn’t a right or wrong way to use CBD; it really comes down to what will work best for you. Maybe you need a low dose in the morning and a heavier dose in the evening. Maybe you prefer a topical appliance after a hard workout and a sublingual oil dropped into your coffee every morning.
Think of CBD as a supplement – you don’t take your vitamins one day and not the next. Yes, there are transactional effects you can feel when taking CBD one-off, but you need to have a balanced routine as well as a good understanding of the array of products in your tool kit that you can refer back to.
Where do I source CBD from?
Source from a high-quality business that you can trust. Yes, you can buy CBD at the gas station (yikes) but truth be told, it’s probably not going to give you the results you want. Quality matters just like when searching for any other supplement or food product on the market! Take the time to research different brands and if you can, support local! There are some great CBD brands here in Austin. Another great resource is Leaf411, a cannabis nurse hotline that works with registered nurses to provide a safe space to ask questions when it comes to integrating cannabis into your current lifestyle.
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I’ll leave you with this: The more you can be open-minded to the curiosities of cannabis, the more potential relief I believe you’ll discover when you try different products and doses. And don’t forget to enjoy the process!
About the Author
Sydney Torabi is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist in her hometown of Austin, Texas. As a former collegiate swimmer for The University of Texas, current Under Armour-Sponsored Athlete and Women’s Health Coach, her passion lies in health and wellness, and she showcases that as much as possible through her online platform and coaching clients. Follow her on Instagram @spinsyddy for daily inspiration and some good laughs! She also is a co-founder of RESTART CBD.
