CBD – My Story
CBD came into my life when a dear friend’s husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. They asked me for advice on alternative options to go along with his medical care. This was in 2016 and CBD was new to me. Within a week of them reaching out, I was invited to join a Medical Marijuana conference. It was MDs and PhDs presenting their research. I knew I had to go as one of the Doctors was with the University of Colorado Medical School researching Parkinson’s. Yes, one of those “coincidences” that I’ve learned to pay attention to!
The many benefits of CBD were highlighted at this conference. I was hooked. I had to know more and try it for myself. Since then I have tried almost 30 different types of CBD products and spent hours researching CBD and why it works for so many different conditions.
I take CBD every day. As an energy worker, I am highly sensitive and very selective about what I take. I wanted the benefits of CBD without feeling high. I only recommend products that I’ve tried and know where and how they are sourced which is super important with CBD. I am grateful for how it has helped me and others with whom I have had the honor to share what I know. Schedule a consult if you would like to know more!
What is CBD?
Getting Started with CBDs – 5 Things to Understand
Your body produces a molecule that regulates many systems in your body. Scientists named this molecule CBD.
CBDs in your body are supplemented with diet. 70 years ago, the major source of plant-based CBDs were removed from the food supply. CBD deficiency is being studied by major research institutions, universities and governments around the world.
CBD receptors are found throughout the body with concentrations in the Central Nervous System and Digestive System. scientists named these internal receptor systems CB1 and CB2. These systems combined are called the Endogenous Cannabinoid System.
CBD does not chemically react in the body as a psychoactive or psychotropic-altering substance. Its properties elevate the body’s natural responses; they do not get you “high”.
Not all CBD supplements are created the same. Search out products whose source is plants grown with non-GMO seeds, no pesticides, no herbicides and no insecticides and grown in as non-toxic environment as possible. Only consume CBDs that are extracted with a CO2 process rather than with alcohol and solvents.
I have researched and tried many CBD-based products. I suggest you read about Kannaway and Nutralife products and their standards, and use this as a benchmark. You can learn more and try their products here.
Your CBD Checklist
Learn the basics you should look for in any CBD product to make sure you’re getting the best quality
Did you know that not all CBD oil is created equal?
CBD oil has become so popular these days, but unfortunately, many CBD products out there cut corners, meaning you won’t get all the benefits you expect and may contain unwanted additives or toxins.
If you’re about to buy CBD oil for the first time, here are the quality standards you should look for. You can always set up a consult with me as well!
1. Super Important! The highest quality hemp should always be:
Grown from a registered hemp seed
Non-GMO
Grown without pesticides, or chemical fertilizers
Extracted without harsh chemicals and solvents
2. High Quality Hemp and Farming Practices
Look for Hemp (the source of CBD oil) grown in the purest, least toxic environmental conditions. I prefer Hemp grown from seeds cultivated for CBD production and grown on a generational farm. Some of the best farms are in Europe. While I am excited that after 80 years of prohibition, hemp is now legal in the United States, there simply aren’t the standards in place yet to ensure the quality of the Hemp and the manner in which it’s grown.
3. Full Spectrum CBD Oil
There is so much more to hemp plant than CBD, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, and nutritious plant material. Make sure you buy a CBD oil labeled “full spectrum” to be sure that your product contains all these compounds. Studies have shown the combination of all these nutrients creates an “entourage effect” – where benefits of the CBD oil are greater than CBD itself.
Many companies make their CBD oil from CBD isolate, which is inexpensive to manufacture, but removes all the ingredients beyond CBD. We only suggest you use CBD isolate if you want to avoid even trace amounts of THC. (CBD oil from hemp will only have up to 0.3% THC.)
4. 3rd Party Lab Testing
It’s critical that any product you use to support your health contains what it says on the label. Unfortunately, some CBD companies simply don’t live up to what their products say.
That’s why you should only purchase from a company that tests its products at a third party lab – not just for CBD levels, but for any contaminant levels as well.
I make sure the CBD that I recommend meets the standards above so you can be confident you’re getting the best CBD oil available.