Are you still on the DARE bandwagon? The "Just Say No" campaign? Well, time to update your thinking and look beyond the parental government's fears and misgivings and examine the medical and healing aspects of one of the oldest plant medicines -- used for centuries by indigenous peoples -- cannabis.
Cannabis (and the cannabinoids within it) is being touted as a miracle drug and a natural cure for many conditions and ailments, but please do your research before diving into this plant medicine.
Cannabis is the name used for two varieties of the Cannabis Sativa plant; hemp plants (that contain less than .3 percent THC) and cannabis plants that contain higher (pun intended) amounts of THC (and less CBD), often referred to as marijuana.
CBD -- or cannabidiol -- is one of more than 540 phytochemicals found in cannabis, and researchers are continuing to find new versions of the CBD that provide a multitude of benefits. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the element that gets users feeling "high." (Interestingly, there are more than 100 known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant -- and each offers potential health benefits.)
The Federal Government regulates both cannabis varieties: THC cannabis plants are illegal at the federal level, but "legal" in a growing number of states, either medically or recreationally; the CBD cannabis plants (hemp) are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill that removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana (THC cannabis).
Living in a state where THC cannabis is legal, I have to say I actually prefer the CBD products derived from the hemp plants. My goal is not getting a high, but obtaining health benefits, and CBD offers a growing list of benefits by working through our endocannabinoid system -- signaling molecules that help regulate various processes, such as pain, memory, mood, immunity, and stress.
2. Addiction Management. CBD has been found useful in helping people who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction by reducing drug craving and anxiety in recovering patients.
3. Depression and Anxiety. CBD has been shown to be effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress.
4. Calmness of Mind and Deeper Sleep. CBD helps calm down the mind and gets it into a rest and digest state. A calm mind leads to a deeper sleep -- which has many of its own health benefits.
5. Neuroprotection. Several studies suggest cannabis can help protect people from neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, ALS, Huntington's, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's.
Other promising benefits of CBD include anti-seizure and anti-cancer properties -- as well as helping with GI disorders (such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's, and ulcerative colitis). There's also growing evidence that cannabinoids can help fight certain types of cancers. Finally, there's also evidence that cannabis has a direct impact on regulating insulin and blood sugar, which can have an impact on weight loss and diabetes.
Note that at the time of this post, there are about 10 states that block access to these wonderful CBD products. Each of these retailers clearly show where they can ship their products.
Royal CBD: Has a very effective CBD Roll-on Gel in Icy Menthol. Great for aching muscle and joints.
Charlotte's Web: Hemp Extract CBD Oil. Great for stress reduction, sleep.
Exhale Wellness: Delta-8 Hemp Soft Gels. Perfect for sleep and relaxation... "a full-bodied tranquility and delightful euphoric feeling."
Green Gorilla Organics: Sleep Capsules. Contains a blend of full spectrum CBD, as well as tryptophan, chamomile, and vitamin B-6 for deep and prolonged sleep.
Finally, for pet-lovers: there are many CBD treats for animals, especially for older pets and those suffering with anxiety. Since I don't have a pet, I can't offer any recommendations.
Dr. Randall S. Hansen is an educator, author, and blogger, as well as founder and CEO of
EmpoweringSites.com,
a network of empowering and transformative Websites, including EmpoweringAdvice.com.
Dr. Hansen has been helping empower people to achieving success his entire adult life.
He is also founder of EnhanceMyVocabulary.com,
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com, and
EmpoweringRetreat.com.
He is a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds
of articles. Dr. Hansen is also an educator, teaching business
and marketing at the college level for more than 25 years. Learn more by visiting his personal Website,
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