You Are Already Taking CBD

You are already taking CBD, in a way. That should ease someone's mind who may be new to the thought of taking CBD. The topic of how to introduce CBD for beginners is a real challenge.

I was spending time in our flagship retail store this week helping customers.  Occasionally I would look up and watch people walk by the window and notice they had an unsure or uncomfortable look.  I could almost see the thoughts above their heads - wondering what CBD was and at the same time maybe a little bit fearful to step into the store. 

I began to wonder, “why doesn’t everyone take CBD?”.  Well, the truth is that everyone already does!  The human body produces its own cannabinoids, which are the natural equivalents of the compounds found in the cannabis plant, such as CBD (cannabidiol).  Let’s review some of the basics about CBD and use that education to overcome some of that unknown, uncomfortable feeling for people new to CBD.

Why Does Your Body Make Cannabinoids?

It wasn’t until the late 1980’s when the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was first really identified, although research had begun in the 60’s and 70’s.  A great article entitled “How and why your brain makes its own cannabinoids” provides some interesting details about the findings of natural cannabinoid production but let me summarize the key elements here.

The ECS has two types of receptors, CB1 and CB2.  CB1 receptors are found primarily in the nervous system, connective tissues and many organs.  The CB2 receptors are primarily in the immune system, bones, blood vessels, endocrine glands and reproductive organs, to name a few. 

The cannabinoids that are produced fit into these receptors to regulate the body’s systems.  These receptors exist in every animal species.  Cannabinoids are crucial to regulate all your body’s systems.  As a result, they can have a wide range of effects including changes to blood pressure, pain response, memory, immune system response (inflammation), appetite and even consciousness!

The article quotes Dr. Dustin Sulak, a leading practitioner of cannabinopathic medicine.  "The endogenous cannabinoid system, named after the plant, that led to its discovery, is perhaps the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health,”.  "In each tissue, the cannabinoid system performs different tasks," he said. "But the goal is always the same: homeostasis, the maintenance of a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in the external environment.”

Why Are Some People Hesitant About Taking CBD?

If the ECS is perhaps the most important system to overall human health, why are people hesitant to take CBD?  CBD is the most prevalent cannabinoid naturally found in cannabis plants such as hemp.  Let’s talk about 2 of the top reasons people are hesitant.

CBD for Beginners - Reason #1 - Relation to Marijuana and THC

CBD occurs in all cannabis family plants, including both marijuana and hemp.  THC is also a cannabinoid which, in addition to the beneficial effects, has a psychoactive effect that creates that “high”.  CBD sold in the United States must have less than 0.3% THC to be federally legal.  Nevertheless, people still associate CBD with marijuana and people who view marijuana with a skeptical or illicit drug perspective, group CBD into that same bucket.

Even with passage of the 2018 Farm Bill which legalized hemp and the corresponding CBD (<0.3% THC) at the federal level, many laws and private perspectives have not yet recognized the difference.  Even major internet companies do not allow direct advertising of most CBD because it is still considered in their fine print as an illicit substance.  This is slowly changing, and we will see major changes in the next year or two.

CBD for Beginners - Reason #2 – Lack of Education on What CBD Is and the Potential Benefits

Since the ECS wasn’t even really identified until the last 30 years. a good portion of the population grew up without ever hearing about CBD until the last few years.  How could something so powerful be hidden for so long?  Taking time to learn about something new can challenge your long-held knowledge base, impressions and belief systems. 

Educating people about the basics of CBD. or even presenting some of the more complex content around cannabinoids in a way that is understandable, is a core mission at The Green Dragon CBD.  If we can’t get people to spend the time to learn, then they probably will not utilize CBD and therefore not reap many of the potential benefits. 

We have a continually expanding set of blog posts and a growing education section to our website.  In addition, our retail stores have specific Education Centers to view a variety of media to understand CBD better.

Why do you take CBD if your body already produces Cannabinoids?

If the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is so important to regulate the body and cannabinoids are already produced by your body, why would anyone need to take more?  Unfortunately, like other parts of our body, it is easy to throw the ECS out of balance.  The stress, diet, exercise routines and other environmental factors that are part of our busy daily lives interfere with the ECS functioning properly.  It needs help to rebalance.

Taking CBD in its various forms is crucial to keep the ECS of our body functioning in balance and therefore keeping our overall body systems working properly.

“Ok, I want to try CBD, how do I start”?

Honestly there are so many options for how to take CBD, it can be challenging for beginners.  The best advice for taking CBD for beginners is start with your personal preference.  Everything from CBD Vaping, Edible Gummies or Dried Fruits, Drinking CBD Coffee or Tea, soaking in a Bath Bomb, taking capsules or supplements, using lotions or topicals, or the most classic – using CBD Oils under the tongue, or "sublingually".

Every type of product and more can be found in our on-line store or at the retail outlets, but here are 3 top categories based on feedback form new CBD users:

CBD Oil comes in many forms, with the "Full-Spectrum" being very popular for beginning because it includes all the cannabinoids from the hemp plant, not just CBD. People can benefit from the "entourage effect" which basically means the combination of all of the parts can product very positive results.

Vaping CBD is very effective way to get CBD into your system quickly and also satisfy the habit of vaping or that many people enjoy. There are many flavors and top brands available. Remember that CBD Vaping is very different than nicotine vaping. More details on the differences can be found here: CBD Vaping.

A third alternative are CBD Edibles which almost everyone can enjoy. CBD Gummies are available in dozens of flavors and sizes.

As always, please provide feedback or reach out to us here for any questions or personal consultations.

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