It’s gained popularity in recent years because thanks to the Farm Bill passed in 2018, CBD products are legal in all 50 states as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. In addition to online retailers and dispensaries, CBD goods are now sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, and even natural food markets.

This wide availability can make it hard to choose the right CBD product for you, but here, we’ll show you the criteria to look for so that you can learn how to choose the right CBD product for yourself.

What is Hemp?

Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that has been cultivated since approximately 10,000 BC to produce food and fiber. The use of hemp dates back almost as far as human civilization itself–hemp cultivation appears in China around 8,000 BC and India 5,000 years ago.

But even more recently, people have turned to it because of the anecdotal evidence that it may help them feel calm, soothe aches and pains, and even stimulate a stronger sense of focus.

CBD is a compound that’s produced naturally in hemp plants. The human body already contains a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that is responsible for a variety of things, including regulating the internal environment of your body (homeostasis).

Broad-Spectrum vs. Full-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD products, on the other hand, contain 0% THC. However, these products may also contain terpenes, as well as other trace amounts of cannabinoids.

Full-spectrum CBD is a product that contains other cannabinoids like CBN and CBG, as well as terpenes, which are the naturally occurring oils in hemp plants. Full-spectrum CBD products also contain trace amounts of THC–the psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis.

Here’s the thing: these trace amounts of THC are not enough to cause a high, but they are enough to enhance the effects of CBD in what’s called the entourage effect. The entourage effect refers to the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work together to increase the potential effects, better than they would if you were to take just one of the cannabinoids on its own.

CBD Lab Testing

Unfortunately, there are companies out there that aren’t exactly selling what’s advertised on the bottle. While this can be unintentional, it’s important to take a look at a CBD company’s independent third-party lab testing and their certificate of analysis (COA). This is a verified lab that calculates the amounts of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other materials found in the product. It also ensures that a product is free of harmful toxins and molds.

While it can be a bit of extra work reading through these reports, it’s also important to understand what you’re consuming. And if you want to get into a bit of extra research, you can dig deeper into the types of terpenes in the product, as well as how they may work with your body.

Be aware that some products may contain synthetic CBD, or may not be CBD at all. Also, look for products labeled as hemp seed oil. This type of product does not contain CBD, and while hemp seed oil is nutritious, it isn’t the same as hemp oil or hemp extract.

Finally, some products that have been randomly tested contain more THC than is on the label. The last thing you want is to unexpectedly experience psychoactive effects!

We recommend USDA-certified organic hemp because the process, from the soil to the harvest to the extraction, are highly regulated. Read more about it here!

CBD Products and How They Work

When it comes to CBD products, there are a few formats to consider: tinctures, edibles, topicals, and inhaled. These types of products work in slightly different ways, so let’s delve into what each one does.

Edibles take at least an hour to kick in (because they enter your system through digestion), but the effects can last several hours depending on the dosage. Tinctures and topicals work faster–usually within 20 to 40 minutes if taken sublingually or massaged into the skin. And smoking or vaping can bring potential effects in 5-10 minutes, but they may not last more than a few hours.

Are you taking CBD for a specific ache or injury? A topical may be the right solution for you, as it can be applied directly to the skin, where it penetrates the subdural layers.

Are you taking CBD because you’ve heard it can help you feel calm? A tincture or gummy might be the way to go! These formats can be used on a daily basis to build up over time. That said, you can add the occasional warm bath with a CBD bath bomb, too.

Many people will sample various types of CBD products until they find a product that is the right fit for their needs. Be patient and work with a shop or dispensary that is knowledgeable and whose staff is trained to help you find the right products.

Check the Packaging

As odd as it might seem, the packaging plays a big role in the quality of the products. CBD oxidizes and can go rancid if not stored properly, so you should always try to find products that are in extra dark glass, an opaque pill bottle, or tins, for example.

The label on the packaging can also tell you a lot about whether the product is trustworthy or not. Look for links to a website for lab tests, and to look up reviews. Also look for an expiration date–they can be tricky to find, so if you can’t find it and verify it, find another product.

You can also get a feel for the company’s ethics on the website. If they make claims that CBD cures illnesses, for example, they may be misleading you. This isn’t to say that CBD doesn’t have benefits, but the scientific evidence is still in its infancy. It is not yet regulated by the FDA, but there is one prescription CBD medication that is FDA-approved for seizures.

The bottom line is that if there is something that feels off when you look at the label or website, keep looking for a product that provides transparency and honesty.

Consider Possible Side Effects and Risks

While CBD is a natural compound that is generally considered safe, it isn’t entirely without risk, and some people do report side effects and drug interactions.

CBD can interact with other drugs, causing side effects that are more severe. Before using CBD, it is a good idea to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications. While Dr. Google can be helpful, verifying the accuracy of the information can become a guessing game.

CBD can cause mild side effects in some people, such as fatigue or upset stomachs. But unlike THC, it doesn’t usually cause anxiety or the munchies. Start with a low dosage and slowly titrate up to evaluate any changes you might feel.

Researchers are still unsure if CBD is safe to be used during pregnancy. To be safe, pregnant women should avoid CBD until further research studies can be conducted.

Consider the Price

We all love a good deal, but when it comes to CBD, buying the cheapest product usually isn’t the best idea. Pricing can vary greatly from one company to the next because different companies may use different production processes and farm hemp in different countries. But more than that, you might not be buying CBD at all.

Compare products to determine the dosage and price because they can vary. People who are just starting out with CBD may be quick to buy a low-dose, inexpensive option. However, investing in a higher dosage at a more expensive price can be less expensive because you may need just a few drops to do the trick.

Final Thoughts

There is no such thing as too much research when it comes to your CBD. Your body and your health are worth the time and effort. Be sure to stick with products that are transparent with all of the information. Don’t settle for less than the best CBD products, and you’re more likely to be satisfied with your investment.

Be skeptical and don’t be afraid to ask questions when making a purchase. Most reputable shops and dispensaries are happy to answer your questions, and they are more likely to train employees well.

The post Buying CBD for the First Time? Follow These Criteria appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

Understanding Cannabis

The use of CBD with PTSD is fairly new in terms of research. However, the usage of cannabis as a medical treatment began back in the 19th century.

And now, decades later, its potential holds promise. To understand how CBD can help, it helps to have a clear picture of the plant’s makeup.

Cannabis (also known as hemp and marijuana) refers to the plant itself. Within cannabis, there are 113 types of cannabinoids, the most well-known being THC and CBD.

THC is the compound in marijuana that produces psychedelic effects. It also can help control nausea and vomiting, giving it a place in the discussion of AIDS treatment.

CBD doesn’t create any type of psychedelic effect, nor does CBN or CGB. CBD binds very weakly to certain receptors. That binding allows it to produce health benefits without creating the high that utilizing cannabis in its full form would create.

Let’s Talk Endocannabinoids Details

CBD may help PTSD by impacting the level of stress and anxiety experienced by your endocannabinoid system (ECS). If you’ve never heard of the endocannabinoid system, don’t worry. Up until thirty years ago, neither had most scientists.

Think about how it feels to step into your house after a long day. You know where everything is, you know what to expect. You’ve left the uncertainty of the world around you and are back in a predictable place.

You’re home.

Homeostasis is like that. Your cells, organ, and tissue all strive to exist in the status quo, and when they’re thrown off, they fight to return to neutrality.

Your endogenous cannabinoid system is part of what helps your body remain in homeostasis. This complex and still not totally understood system plays a lot of big roles. It assists with cell communication, appetite, immune response, memory, mood, and more.

Research on THC and how it impacts the body prompted the discovery of the ECS. Along with that came the knowledge that it’s comprised of three parts: Cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoid molecules, and metabolic enzymes.

Your endocannabinoid system uses natural cannabinoids to maintain homeostasis. Well, CBD interacts with your ECS the same way.

Just in case you’re not sick of acronyms yet, here’s one more:

TL;DR: Your endocannabinoid system is part of your body that keeps everything running as smooth as possible. One of the components of your ECS is cannabinoids.

If your body is struggling to utilize cannabinoid receptors, your ECS can get funky. If your ECS gets funky, you’re no longer in homeostasis. And no one really wants to leave their home(ostasis) for long.

How Is PTSD Defined?

When a traumatic event occurs, the risk of PTSD is present. A medical professional diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder will look for a handful of criteria.

Re-Experiencing Symptoms

This is the first identification tool. In a PTSD sufferer, the trauma isn’t actually occurring again. But, a trigger or situation exists that tells you to panic. Re-experiencing symptom of the initial trauma often involves physical symptoms as well as emotional.

Avoidance Symptoms

After experiencing the initial trauma which caused PTSD, you may make adjustments to your daily life to remove the perceived risk. For example, if you were assaulted while leaving your office, you may avoid that office.

Reactivity and Arousal

When trying to be present in your everyday life, you may feel highly alert or on edge. This often comes with jumpiness, mood swings, and insomnia.

Cognition and Mood Symptoms

If you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, cognition can be difficult to maintain.  Often, PTSD symptoms will include memory lapses of either the first incident or re-experiences.

It can also be difficult to maintain a stable mood and focus, depending on the severity of symptoms. Remember, only a medical doctor with mental illness experience is qualified to give a PTSD diagnosis.

How Do PTSD and Your ECS Relate?

If you suffer from PTSD, the reality of a future encounter with a trigger is inevitable. When enduring a PTSD attack, your body isn’t experiencing one singular symptom.

Typically, a panic attack is present within a PTSD attack.

Those reactions that occur with a PTSD attack force your body out of homeostasis, which leaves your ECS desperately attempting to compensate.

CBD may act as the bridge your endogenous cannabinoid system needs to return itself to the status quo.

In fact, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a study on the “effect of oral CBD administration on symptoms of PTSD in a series of 11 adult patients at an outpatient psychiatry clinic.”

That study resulted in the findings that 91% of participants “experienced a decrease in PTSD symptom severity.” Several patients also experience relief from frequent nightmares.

So how exactly is CBD creating this possible impact, and why? Frontier in Neuroscience posed the possible connection between CBD and PTSD.

Within their abstract, they discuss the concept of CBD having the ability to disassociate feelings with memories. With that disassociation of a painful or adverse memory, the fear will also diminish.

That indicates the possibility of CBD potentially being one of the ways to help PTSD symptom management.

CBD and Serotonin 

CBD not only communicates with your endocannabinoid system. It can also work with your serotonin receptors. In fact, the transmission of CBD is thought to occur utilizing those receptors.

Seratonin is impacted by pain, anxiety, and other mood disorders. If you’re suffering from PTSD, there’s a strong probability your serotonin levels are also suffering.

CBD may mimic an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) by creating balanced levels.

It’s important to remember that research can be slow-moving processes. Research regarding cannabis and PTSD requires specific circumstances that are hard to create.

If you choose to utilize CBD as a management tool, it’s important to remember that research is not conclusive. This is not an FDA-approved treatment.

Dosage and Delivery

There are numerous different ways to take CBD. Your preferred delivery method could be based on personal taste or ease of use.

If you’re electing to use CBD for PTSD, explore all the options to see what feels most fitting. Some users are more comfortable with daily doses, while others will use it during a PTSD episode to try and gain control.

How and when you choose to utilize your CBD can play a factor in the most appropriate type. Explore the different delivery methods to see which is right for you.

When starting your CBD oil, start small. For example, you may begin with 2.5mg per KG (roughly 2.2 lbs) of body weight twice daily. Research the products you intend to use and reach out to the distribution for advice if you’re unsure.

The Power in CBD and PTSD Treatment

From fear to mood swings, to insomnia, PTSD comes with many challenges. Whether you’ve tried what feels like everything, or just beginning your journey, CBD for PTSD could help be the answer you need.

Be your own advocate. Research the quality of your future products, ask questions, and incorporate activities in your life that will foster relaxation, like meditation.

Research revolving around ways to treat PTSD is a moving target. Though some people may experience relief utilizing certain tools, others may not. And as with any disorder, there are varying levels of severity.

You don’t have to turn to harsh medications as an attempt at managing PTSD. Whether you’re dealing with depression, insomnia, or any other number of mood disorders, CDB could be the help you need to manage your symptoms.

The post Can CBD Help with PTSD Symptoms? appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

Companies worldwide are now downsizing and putting offices up for sale, making way for a new era in our workplace culture. At least 70 percent of large companies have reported that they plan to require workers to work from home permanently or for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, parents have had to maintain a full-time work schedule from home, look after their children when daycares closed, and homeschool their children because of school closures. Nearly 10 million mothers in the United States reported feeling burned out, and 2 million women left the workforce altogether.

Learning how to manage stress, anxiety, and burnout are of critical importance now. The World Health Organization reported that since the beginning of COVID-19, anxiety has moved up to the #1 disease in the world, surpassing depression.

In this article, we’re going to look at some of the ways that prolonged stress and anxiety can affect your health, as well as ways that you can help to manage.

The Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety

Imagine you’re walking down the street, and you see a bear 20 feet in front of you. This is a very unexpected sight, and you know that bears, while pretty adorable for the most part, are also very dangerous.

Immediately, your heart pumps faster, and your body releases the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone breaks down fat and converts it to blood sugar, which will provide you with the short-term burst of fuel you need to fight or flee.

Your pupils dilate, your breathing quickens, and your muscles tremble in anticipation. Blood moves away from the surface of the skin and increases in your brain, legs, and arms. Chemicals are produced that increase clotting, just in case you sustain an injury.

This. Is. It.

Then, just as you’re ready to make the most important decision of your life, the bear decides he’s just as scared as you are, and he turns tail and runs down an alley. Whew. The threat is gone, and in the next 30-60 minutes, your body resumes its usual operating function (aka homeostasis).

When Chronic Stress Leads to Burnout

But what would happen if there were bears everywhere, 24/7, and you lived in a constant state of fight-or-flight? Taking into consideration all the physiological processes that occur in imminent danger, it’s a very physically and mentally exhausting way to live.

Yet, so many of us do live like this every single day. This is precisely what a state of constant stress does to the body. This defense mechanism that was meant to protect us in moments of extreme danger has become a standard way for us to live day in and day out.

Over time, these acute symptoms turn into chronic stress. Your entire body feels exhausted all the time. You might suffer from chronic headaches, can’t sleep, and feel cranky. Aches and pains show up for no explainable reason, and your chest feels so tight that breathing can feel challenging.

You likely have a hard time concentrating, feel like your thoughts are all over the place, and maybe you’re overeating. And speaking of your digestive system, it’s likely you have chronic heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation.

Not to mention the fact that you’re getting sick all the time, have zero interest in those around you, and likely have a feeling of indifference. If you’ve got anxiety as well, your mind is probably flooded with worry, even when it isn’t about anything you can pinpoint. It just is.

When constant stress and anxiety have consumed your energy entirely, that’s when burnout sets in. It’s a feeling of utter depletion, and it allows for pessimism and cynicism to take over. Doing even the smallest things requires so much effort, leading to reduced productivity everywhere in your life.

More people than ever are reporting burnout post-COVID, and with so many working remotely, having access to leadership and other resources is more complicated than ever.

Taking charge of your mental and physical health through all of this is so important. It can absolutely be done, and if you make your self-care a priority, you can potentially reverse your feelings of stress and burnout and feel healthier and more productive.

We’ll cover some of the best methods of overcoming stress below!

Check in with Yourself Regularly

To start, check in with yourself every day. You might rate how you feel overall on a scale of 1-5, for example. Is there anything you can pinpoint that made you feel better or not-so-great? Write it down. Keep a stress journal, which can help you identify these patterns over time.

Every morning, set an intention for the day. This can be as simple as one word, such as joy, productivity, love, or calm. It might help write it on a Post-It and sticking it where you’ll see it throughout the day. If you’ve got little ones at home, get the kids on board with the word of the day, too! You can all check in with each other at the end of the day to see how you did.

Most importantly, be honest with yourself. Acknowledge that there are days you won’t feel very pumped for working from home, and that’s okay. And also be sure to celebrate your wins.

Set Boundaries

Working from home tends to make boundaries blur, not only with coworkers, but with family and friends.

Your leadership may expect you to be available outside of regular working hours or work more hours because of a reduced workforce. The people you work with are likely also suffering some form of stress, anxiety, or burnout, and may not have the same professional “filters” as they did before.

Friends and family who haven’t worked from home may not understand that you don’t have unlimited free time, and could call unexpectedly or want to take you out for a long lunch. Your partner may want you to take care of household chores because you’re right there.

These intrusions can lead you to feel even more stretched thin, but setting boundaries is the key to healthy relationships. When your office hours are done for the day, shut off your computer, turn off notifications, and use those hours to refresh. Communicate to coworkers that you will reply to any emails or calls the following business day.

Let friends and family know that you would like to spend time with them, but you do have to work during certain hours. And let your significant other know that while you are working from home, they need to treat it no differently than if you were commuting to an office.

Give Yourself (and Others) Grace

All of this is so new to us, so naturally, it will take some getting used to. Don’t expect perfection or maximum efficiency when it comes to your work schedule, your kids’ schoolwork, or in any other area of your life.

When your kiddo has a meltdown over something that would naturally have come easy to her, give the two of you a timeout away from the situation to process those intense feelings. Take a break together to have a snack, walk the dog, and refresh so you can come back with renewed hope. Giving and receiving care can go such a long way.

You and your coworkers are in entirely new territory, and balls will be dropped. You may feel upset at first, which is natural. But before reacting, give yourself a few seconds to breathe and process what has happened. Be active, and work toward a solution rather than becoming stuck in negative emotions.

Falling into pessimism is very easy for all of us right now, and while we don’t have to force ourselves to be positive, we can find a happy medium in being realistic.

Create New, Realistic Routines for Everyone

There are routines and schedules in your life that are absolute: your work hours, kids’ school hours, and so on. Stick to these to maintain a sense of normalcy, and create your schedule around these absolutes. As tempting as it may be, don’t allow your bedtimes to change. Staying up all night, sleeping in, and falling into other bad habits can be detrimental to the process.

If you recognize that you’re having a hard time falling asleep at night, create a routine around it. Eat dinner, take your vitamins, spend time with family, and then set a time where everyone has to begin their sleep hygiene. You might find that you enjoy a warm mug of chamomile tea with a few drops of CBD oil, for example. Turn off screens, put on bedclothes, and settle into bed.

Place the same importance on the times everyone wakes up, eats lunch, and takes care of other daily living activities. These rituals help to ensure that you’re taking the best care of your body possible.

Finally, schedule time for fun, relaxation, and other activities that you enjoy. These are usually the easiest things to take off your schedule when you’re feeling high levels of stress. But they’re more important now than ever, so honor this time and make it a priority.

Create Designated Work and School Spaces

When we thought working from home was only going to last a few weeks or months, we turned our bedrooms, closets, and dining room tables into home offices. These blurred lines were okay at the time, but as more permanence settles into these situations, more boundaries need to be set.

Your bedroom is a place to sleep. Your kitchen is a place to eat. Your living room is a place to relax. And most importantly, your office or school space are places to work and learn. When you’re working in your bedroom all day, it’s no longer a place to sleep—it’s become a place of productivity.

Not everyone has a home that’s set up for separate workspaces, so creativity is essential! Find a spot in your home that is quiet, and that allows for deep work. If a distinct location isn’t possible, create cues that signal working/schooling time vs. home time. This could include completely turning off computers, changing clothes, and other prompts.

Take Care of Your Body

Stress, anxiety, and burnout are so detrimental to your mental and physical health, so you will need to put in extra effort to care for yourself. These issues make us more likely to eat poor diets, drink too much alcohol, and take activity off the schedule altogether.

Above, we talked about scheduling time for fun and relaxation. Likewise, you will also need to put in the same type of effort to nurture your health. Nobody expects you to become an elite athlete, but taking even a 15-minute walk every day, and making an effort to stand at least once per hour can go a long way.

Instead of alcohol, try substituting with a non-alcoholic CBD cocktail or drinking sugar-free flavored sparkling waters. You may not be able to eat a super healthy meal every meal of the day, but you can start by eating one every night at dinner with the entire family.

It’s all about the baby steps. Don’t make changes too hard on yourself all at once, or you won’t be as likely to succeed. Lead by example, and your family members will be much more likely to follow suit.

Find Ways to Fill Your Well

Earlier, we discussed how burnout can lead to feelings of depletion. It would be overly simplistic to create a comparison to filling your car’s gas tank. But burnout is much more severe than an empty tank of gas, and more on par with never changing your vehicle’s oil.

You can probably chug along for thousands of miles before problems begin to pop up, and some of them are easy to ignore at first. If you’re like a lot of us, you might turn up your radio to ignore it, but eventually, your engine is going to have a blowout.

What could have been an easy, routine tune-up is now a costly issue that isn’t reversible in any way. You might have to rebuild your engine completely. Or worse, you will probably have to replace it.

The only major difference in this engine-burnout comparison is that you can’t replace yourself.

This is why you need to keep filling your well (aka change your oil). What brings you joy? What lights you up? What makes you feel fulfilled? Make a list of at least 50 things that can help you to refill your gas tank. Try reading, having a fun conversation with your family, crafting, or learning a new skill.

Final Thoughts

So much has changed in our lives, but living in a state of action can help us move out of a place of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, stressed out, anxious, and burned out. When you choose to be mindful about your health, the boundaries you maintain, and building a happy and healthy relationship with yourself and those around you, you’re so much better equipped to handle these changing times.

Remember that you’re doing the best you can under unprecedented circumstances, and give yourself and others grace when the going gets tough. Be realistic with expectations, which can help maintain the balance between optimism and pessimism.

Schedule time for happiness, self-care, and building relationships with your friends and family. And don’t forget to maintain your health on a regular basis!

At Ripon Naturals, we’re proud to offer an excellent selection of high-quality, third-party lab-tested CBD, CBN, and CBG products. Whether you’re interested in tinctures, edibles, topicals, or even a relaxing CBD bath bomb, we’ve got you covered!

The post Managing Anxiety and Stress When You’re Working from Home appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

CBD might be helpful in getting your creativity back on track, and in this article, we’re going to take a look at what blocks creativity, as well as some of the science behind CBD. Keep reading to learn how it works!

Facts About CBD

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a cannabinoid found in the hemp and marijuana plants. The 2018 Farm Bill determined that CBD derived from industrial hemp is legal, so long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. If CBD is extracted from the marijuana plant or has more than 0.3% THC, it is not legal on the federal level.

Another benefit of CBD is that it will not produce the psychoactive high feeling that THC does. This leaves users feeling clear-headed and able to focus, which is especially important for artistic practice. Some users report feeling sleepy with CBD use, where others report feeling more focused.

Before trying any CBD product, understand that it is not approved by the FDA, so there is no official dose or oversight regarding quality. Always check for a third-party lab report provided by an ISO-certified lab. This type of report proves that the amount of CBD on the label is actually in the bottle, and that it is free of toxins and unwanted chemicals. Furthermore, you can use a USDA-certified organic CBD product, which ensures additional layers of quality control.

Whether you use a gummy, tincture, topical, or another type of CBD product, start with a smaller dose and titrate up as you learn more about your tolerance. And if you are taking any prescription medications or supplements, check with a pharmacist or healthcare provider regarding their safety with CBD.

Common Creativity Blocks

One of the best ways to unblock your creativity is to look at the root cause. If you’re feeling uninspired, unmotivated, and generally blocked, dig deeper—once you figure out why you’re not your typical creative self, you’ll have a better chance of recovering.

These are some of the most common reasons people lose their spark:

• Stress
• Aging
• Perfectionism
• Comparison
• Burnout

Do any of these ring true for you? Where some may lose their creativity for reasons outside of their art, others lose it because of factors directly related to it. Whatever the case may be for you, it’s essential that you understand what it is so that you can move on to the remedy.

Take stock of everything that you believe is getting in the way of your innovation, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Now, let’s look at ways to overcome your barriers.

Getting Your Creativity Back

Now that you have an idea of what could be the cause, it’s time to take action. Taking CBD alone isn’t enough to remedy the loss of creativity, but using it in conjunction with other methods could increase the potential benefits.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways CBD could help with the root causes of your lost creative flow.

Stress

In the Stress in America study conducted in late 2020, 78-percent of Americans reported feeling high levels of stress. Stress can impact many aspects of life, and the creative process is no exception.

Living with chronic stress can shrink the cells in the hippocampus, a part of the brain that’s linked to creativity and problem-solving. Stress can lead to numerous other health effects, so taking action to reduce it will not only benefit health overall, but also help the creative flow.

Some of the best ways to deal with stress are exercise, a nutritious diet, therapy, meditation, journaling, breathwork, getting more sleep, and listening to music, to name a few. CBD has been linked to reducing stress and reducing anxiety, both of which can block creativity.

Aging

The aging process obviously can’t be reversed—however, numerous studies have concluded that art, music, and other creative activities can reduce cognitive decline. Music has been associated with increasing alertness and reducing the symptoms of dementia.

CBD has reported neuroprotective properties, and can reduce the degeneration of hippocampal cells. Additionally, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can reduce cell degeneration and death.

Perfectionism

Although perfectionism might seem like a great trait to have in art, it can hinder the process. Perfectionists tend to overthink processes to the point that it leads to procrastination, work not being finished, and not trying new ideas.

Perfectionism is a compulsive trait that can stem from a fear of failure, which can seriously block artistic expression. Journaling is an excellent way of pushing through these fears, and confronting what is causing them. Other methods involve more in-depth analysis and adjusting expectations.

Studies performed on people with compulsive behaviors found that CBD can positively affect, reducing compulsions, intrusive thoughts, and anxiety.

Comparison

The saying “comparison is the thief of joy” comes to mind here. Comparison can hinder the enjoyment of the arts and block creativity. It causes people to second guess every note they play, every stroke on the canvas. It can bring the creative process to a halt.

Comparison causes you to look at your flaws and shortcomings, filling you with self-doubt and frustration. When you catch yourself doing this, stop yourself and take a few minutes to appreciate your strengths. Focus on your journey and the love you’ve put into your art.

It’s time to find peace in your process and products. CBD can create a general sense of calmness, helping you relax and enjoy the creative process more. Try mixing it with some tea, taking some deep breaths, and allowing the creativity to flow.

Burnout

We typically associate burnout with the work environment, and that can cause some anxiety and depression. However, creative burnout can result from producing too much, or from having too many tight deadlines to meet. It can cause fatigue, dread, procrastination, and feeling stuck.

Making changes to deadlines can help alleviate some of this stress. Additionally, refilling your creative well by trying new things, or even taking a break can help. Another way people beat burnout is to level up their skills by taking a class.

CBD may help you sleep better and help you ease into a better sense of calmness. It may also help with symptoms of depression and PTSD, which can also be associated with burnout.

How to Use CBD

The way you use CBD products can affect how they work in your system. With so many types of cannabis products out there, the options can become overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know!

Tinctures are perhaps the most popular way to use CBD. They’re easy to dose, convenient to take with you, and work quickly. We recommend putting your desired amount under your tongue and holding it there for 2-3 minutes if you can. This will allow for faster absorption, and it can last for 4-6 hours.

Gummies and candies are a great option for those who like a sweet treat! Edible CBD can take longer to kick in—up to an hour—because they must first pass through the digestive tract. However, their effects can be felt for 6-8 hours.

Topical CBD products, such as creams, lotions, and salves are applied directly to the skin. You may want to apply it to your temples, behind the ears, or to a spot where you’re feeling aches and pains. Topical CBD absorbs through the skin quickly and can work for up to six hours after application.

Final Thoughts

Ready to get your creativity back? Now is where the fun begins! Creativity is such an important part of our lives, so nurturing it is crucial to your overall feeling of well-being. Remember to look for the root cause of your problem, and then the rest can fall into place. If you’re willing to do the work, then CBD could be a helpful way to augment your efforts.

Ripon Naturals is dedicated to helping you feel your best! Shop online or stop by our shop in Ripon, Wisconsin. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to help you make the best selection and answer all your questions regarding CBD!

The post CBD and Creativity: What You Should Know appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has become more mainstream in the world of cocktails and other beverages, even making its way into restaurants and coffeeshops across the country. It’s becoming even more sought-after because of it may induce relaxation without the less appealing effects of alcohol (more on that later!).

In this article, we’re going to share some of the science behind CBD’s calming effects, as well as share some of our favorite non-alcoholic CBD drink recipes.

Using CBD as an Alternative to Alcohol

Maybe you’re looking for an alternative to alcohol, or you’re here because you’re excited about the potential health benefits of CBD. Let’s look at how alcohol and CBD can affect the body.

Alcohol absorbs very quickly into the bloodstream, and can produce an almost immediate effect. Everybody metabolizes alcohol a bit differently, but after one drink, its effects can peak in 60-90 minutes. Drinking more than one serving an hour can lead to intoxication, and potentially dehydration…or the dreaded hangover.

CBD can be a great substitute for alcohol because it may reduce anxiety, but it doesn’t lead to impairment and can’t cause a hangover. It may lead to drowsiness for some people, so we recommend starting with smaller doses and seeing how you tolerate it before increasing the amount you take.

If you do decide to add CBD to an alcoholic drink, proceed with caution. When mixed, alcohol and CBD can amplify one another, and can make you feel even more sedated.

A Few Tips for Using CBD in Drinks

Before you start mixing CBD in your drinks, there are a few things to keep in mind so you can have the best possible experience.

CBD is oil-based, so when you’re mixing it with a water-soluble drink, you might notice that it floats to the top. You can shake or stir it to mix it in, but you might notice that it can cling to ice cubes and your glass. Adjusting the dose to include a few more drops can make up for any “lost” in the process.

Pay attention to the dose on the bottle when determining how much to use. Some tinctures have as much as 2,000-3,000mg of CBD in each bottle, and only a few drops are needed. Because of that, we note in each recipe to use your desired amount of CBD to avoid being wasteful.

Since everyone is affected by CBD differently, take it slowly at first. Some users may feel its effects within 15-20 minutes, and others may take an hour or more.

On that note, some people may take it every day for a week or more before they begin to feel its effects, where others might feel it right away. If you don’t feel the desired effects the first time you use it, keep in mind that it could take some time and consistency.

Most of the time, you won’t be able to taste the flavoring in your CBD tincture when it’s mixed with your drink. But that doesn’t mean you can’t harmonize your flavors and try different combinations!

You can multiply the recipes to make enough for a crowd, but don’t add the tincture directly to the pitcher. Instead, mix the drinks as usual, then add the tincture to individual glasses to ensure consistency for each serving.

Without further ado, here are the recipes.

Cranberry CBD Mule

Our cranberry CBD mule recipe is the perfect winter holiday drink. You can make individual servings, or you can mix up a pitcher to share. We love using frozen cranberries to keep the drink cold without watering it down as much as ice does.

½ cup ginger beer
½ cup cranberry juice
1 Tbs. lime juice
1 lime wedge
¼ cup frozen cranberries
CBD
Ice

Add ice or a combination of ice and frozen cranberries to a copper mug. Next, pour in the ginger beer, cranberry juice, lime juice, and desired amount of CBD. Stir well, until all ingredients are mixed.

Put the lime wedge on the rim of the mug, and add the frozen cranberries to the glass for a garnish. If you’d like a little extra pizzazz, you can add a sprig of fresh rosemary as well.

Hot Apple & CBD Cider

Nothing warms up a cold winter night quite like hot cider, and this one is no exception. We love the combination of spices, apple, and orange, with just the right touch of sweetness.

1 ½ cup apple cider
¼ cup orange juice
1 Tbs maple syrup
2 cinnamon sticks
CBD
Orange and apple slices to garnish

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the apple cider, orange juice, maple syrup, and 1 cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Remove the used cinnamon stick and discard. Pour the cider mixture a mug, then add the remaining cinnamon stick, CBD, and orange and apple slices to garnish. Enjoy!

CBD Hot Chocolate

Who doesn’t love a rich, flavorful hot chocolate? This recipe is a from-scratch recipe, but if you want something a bit quicker, you can always use a pre-made hot chocolate.

1 cup milk (can use coconut or almond milk)
1-2 cinnamon sticks
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
1 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder
CBD
Garnishes: candy canes, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, toffee bits, caramel sauce, whipped cream

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the milk, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg. Slowly bring to a low boil, then remove from the heat. Add the chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and CBD, mixing until well blended and the chips are melted completely. Remove the cinnamon sticks.

Pour it into a mug, and add your garnishes. We love candy, marshmallows, and caramel sauce, but there are so many amazing combinations to try!

CBD Sangria

This is a fantastic recipe for entertaining, and great for any occasion year-round. While we recommend citrus and apple in the recipe, you can also try pears, grapes, and other fruits. Have fun with it!

1 red apple
1 navel orange (blood oranges are fantastic in the fall and winter)
1 lime
1 lemon
¼ cup of pomegranate juice
1 cup of orange juice
3 cups of white grape juice
2 cups sparkling water
Ice

Cut the fruits into very thin slices. After the fruit is sliced, you can cut them into quarters or sixths to better fit into your glassware. Next, add the fruit slices, juices, and sparkling water to a pitcher, and top it off with a bit of ice.

For each serving, fill the glass halfway with ice, then add the sangria, fruit, and desired amount of CBD. Stir and enjoy!

CBD Mojito

We just love the combination of mint and lime in this modified mojito recipe, and it’s so quick and easy to make. You can use simple syrup or agave syrup.

1 cup seltzer (lime is preferred, but lemon or grapefruit are also good)
2-3 sprigs of fresh mint
1 fresh lime
1 Tbs of simple syrup or agave
CBD
Ice

In a cocktail mixer, add the mint and simple syrup, and muddle well. Cut the lime in half, and squeeze the juice from half the lime into the mixer—reserve the remainder to garnish. Cover the cocktail mixer with a pint glass, then shake for 20-30 seconds, until well mixed.

Fill a tall glass with ice, and strain the mixture over the ice cubes about ¾ full. Top it off with seltzer and stir in the desired amount of CBD. Slice the remaining lime into wedges and add to the glass to garnish, as well as a sprig of the fresh mint.

CBD Arnold Palmer

The Arnold Palmer is a classic, and we especially love it made from scratch with Earl Grey tea. The citrus and bergamot add an incredible flavor to this recipe!

1 teabag of Earl Grey tea
¼ cup of simple syrup
1 cup of lemonade
1 lemon, sliced
CBD
Ice

Brew a cup of Earl Grey tea. Fill a tall glass with ice and add the tea, simple syrup, lemonade, and CBD. Add a few slices of the lemons to garnish.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of our favorite CBD cocktail recipes, and we know you’ll enjoy them as much as we do!

Have you tried CBD-infused cocktails? We’d love to hear some of your favorite ideas—be sure to share them in the comments.

And to find just the right tinctures to add to your recipes, check out our online CBD store. Our oils come in numerous strengths and flavors, and we offer broad- and full-spectrum formulas, as well as USDA-certified organic CBD. Shop online now!

The post CBD Drink Recipes appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

In recent years, cannabis products have been sought out as a way to combat the symptoms of PMS. Although CBD is not an FDA-approved treatment for this condition, we’re going to explore some of the most common symptoms, as well as research that has been published surrounding these conditions and the use of CBD.

How CBD Works

First and foremost, understanding how CBD works in the body will help create a greater understanding of how it could alleviate your symptoms.

Your body has what’s called an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is what regulates homeostasis. When you experience pain, nausea, or change in mood, the ECS produces endocannabinoids that interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body. These endocannabinoids bind with these receptors to regulate your body’s processes, and once everything is back to normal, enzymes are produced that consume the endocannabinoids.

Cannabis is a phytocannabinoid that works in much the same way as your body’s endocannabinoids. While the mechanisms may be a bit different, they interact either directly or indirectly with the ECS to create similar results.

People have used cannabis for many centuries, but it’s only been in the past century that cannabidiol (CBD) has become popular. Unlike another popular cannabinoid, THC, CBD does not produce a high, and it is federally legal (be sure to check your local laws regarding the use of CBD, because that can vary).

CBD is available in numerous forms, including tinctures, creams, gummies, candy, and even bath bombs. Users can explore so many ways to use it, until they find just the right formula for their needs. Starting with a lower dose and titrating up is usually recommended so that users can find the sweet spot.

But CBD isn’t a singular chemical—it comes with a host of other beneficial cannabinoids, including CBG, CBN, and CBC. Additionally, cannabis, like so many other plants, contains terpenes that may provide further benefit. When CBD is combined with other cannabinoids and terpenes, it produces the entourage effect, which means the result is greater than each compound taken individually.

To determine the cannabinoid and terpene composition of the CBD product you’re using, take a look at the third-party lab testing for each product you’re considering. Once you do some research regarding these compounds, you’ll have a much better appreciation for how the product may work!

Symptoms of PMS

The effects of PMS can range from mildly irritating to being so severe they disrupt life at home and work. Signs of PMS can begin as early as two weeks before menstruation begins, and typically subside by the last day.

More than 150 symptoms have been associated with this condition, and they can vary from person to person, and even month to month. They can worsen with life changes, higher stress levels, and other factors.

To better understand how cannabis may help with PMS, let’s take a look at the most common symptoms:

• Cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Acne
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Inability to concentrate
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Changes in libido
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Cravings
• Weight gain
• Joint or muscle pain

Some of these conditions can be controlled with exercise, diet, and over-the-counter medications, which we’ll describe further below.

Few studies have been conducted on the connection between PMS and CBD, but quite a few have been done in regard to some of the individual symptoms. Here, we’ll look at some of the promising research that has been done so that you can decide if trying cannabidiol for PMS is right for you.

CBD and Mood Changes

Many women experience changes of temperament because of PMS. Some can experience mood swings, and report heightened emotions such as feeling anxious, tense, irritated, or angry. On the other hand, decreased interest, sadness, depression, or a flat affect can occur.

PMS causes changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can cause, in essence, a hormonal rollercoaster. These hormones directly interact with the neurotransmitters in your brain—serotonin and dopamine—that regulate your moods, causing up-and-down emotions in the weeks leading up to your period.

Anxiety is a fairly common effect of PMS, and can manifest as worry, tension, nervousness, and panic. Women can feel on edge, and even paranoid or angry. In a study conducted by Neurotherapeutics in 2015, researchers found that CBD can reduce feelings of anxiousness, panic, and stress.

Depression, feeling down, and having a flat affect can also occur, causing lack of motivation and sadness. In a study conducted by Frontiers in Immunology in 2018, researchers found that subjects who took CBD daily for two weeks reported reduced anxiety and depression.

Pain, Inflammation, and CBD

Cramps are one of the most common ways pain manifests in women during the premenstrual and menstrual phases. However, other forms of pain can result from inflammation of the joints, hormonal headaches, breast tenderness, and muscle tension.

CBD has been studied extensively for pain and inflammation, although not directly for its efficacy in relieving the symptoms of PMS. It is not currently an FDA-approved treatment for pain—however, many studies point to how it can work as an analgesic for other conditions.

In a study performed by the publication Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, researchers found that CBD in the drug Sativex “was crucial to attain significant pain relief” in cancer patients, and that it enhanced the pain-reducing effects of THC. And a study conducted by the journal Pain found that CBD “reduced the firing rate of 5-HT neurons” and reduced anxiety-like behavior, while showing therapeutic potential for reducing pain, nausea, and anxiety.

More research on humans is needed to definitively determine how effective CBD can be for pain, and with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized industrial hemp, more studies are on the horizon.

Insomnia

Pain and anxiety from PMS can affect sleep and cause insomnia, which can exacerbate negative mood effects. Women can already experience fatigue from PMS because of lower levels of serotonin, estrogen, and progesterone right before menstruation begins, and some experience lower iron levels as well.

Lack of sleep can lead to lost productivity, lowered immune function, and an increased risk of accidents, among other issues, so getting enough sleep is especially important to wellness during this time. Combined with activities that promote relaxation and sleep, CBD may be helpful in helping women fall asleep and stay asleep.

CBD has been linked to calming the central nervous system, and Psychology Today has touted it for its sedative effects. Another cannabinoid similar to CBD called CBN may create sleepiness to aid in a longer, more restful sleep.

CBD to Reduce Nausea

Nausea and vomiting are caused by the hormone prostaglandin, which can also cause diarrhea and headaches in the week or two leading up to menstruation. Painful cramps in the abdomen, pelvis, legs, and back can also contribute to feeling nauseous.

Vomiting is one of the more serious symptoms of PMS, as it can lead to dehydration and unwanted weight loss. If any of these issues occur, contact your medical provider as soon as possible.

Much of the evidence that CBD can help nausea is related to cancer and chemotherapy research. However, these studies demonstrate the mechanisms that can help alleviate these symptoms for those who are suffering from other conditions.

This study by the British Journal of Pharmacology concluded that both preclinical and human studies show great promise regarding the use of cannabis to combat nausea. And while CBD doesn’t cause the munchies like THC can, it can alleviate loss of appetite.

CBD and Hormonal Acne

Acne is caused by a drop in hormones that stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which is the oil the skin produces. When too much oil is produced, pores can become clogged and breakouts occur. Hormones can also cause inflammation and bacteria production.

In the past, we’ve looked at the ways that CBD may help improve acne and skin conditions by reducing inflammation and hydrating the skin (yes, even oily skin needs good hydration). Using skincare products that contain CBD, or using a tincture can be helpful in spot treating the skin. Additionally, taking CBD orally can enhance the efficacy of the topical products.

Finally, acne scarring can occur over the years, and CBD is linked to possibly reducing inflammation and redness in scar tissues as well.

Other Ways to Relieve PMS Symptoms

CBD on its own isn’t likely to be enough to completely resolve PMS symptoms. This requires an integrative approach that promotes a healthier lifestyle, especially if menstrual issues are pervasive and severe.

These are just a few of the ways that you can control your symptoms:

• Drinking enough water on a daily basis (take your weight in pounds, divide by 2, and the answer is the number in ounces of water to drink daily. So 180 lbs / 2 = 90 oz of water).
• Get enough sleep so that your body can rest, recharge, and heal every night.
• Avoid salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine around your period because they can exacerbate PMS.
• Eat more leafy greens, ginger, protein-rich foods, flaxseed, and yogurt.
• Increase your physical activity. Even a quick walk every day can boost your mood to counteract the drop in serotonin.
• Actively work on reducing stress on a daily basis with activities such a deep breathing, exercise, massage, CBT, or yoga.
• Talk to your doctor about the severity of your symptoms if they’re unable to be controlled. She can further suggest ways to enhance your monthly routine.
• Applying heat to your abdomen and low back can help to reduce the pain from cramping.

When you practice a wellness-rich lifestyle every day, the acute symptoms can be much easier to manage when they occur.

Final Thoughts

Using CBD for PMS shows promise, and we look forward to exploring more studies on the topic in the future.

When considering a cannabis product, we always recommend using one that is tested by an ISO-certified lab (we use Green Labs), and that has gone through extensive quality control from farm to harvest to product. Until the FDA approves CBD, this type of testing ensures quality and safety, as well as integrity regarding the product you’re using.

We advise starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it as you need to. While CBD is well tolerated by many, some find that it can cause a bit of tiredness at first, so exercise caution.

Finally, if you are taking other prescription medications, we recommend reaching out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to discuss how it may interact with prescriptions or supplements you’re using.

Ripon Naturals proudly carries the SunMed brand of CBD, including tinctures, edibles, skincare products, and so much more. Our Maxine & Morgan Flow capsules are specially formulated for women, by women to provide natural support. Check out our store today!

The post CBD for PMS: How It May Help with Cramps and Other Symptoms appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

In this article, we’re going to look at how you might find CBD products helpful as a part of your regular fitness routine. We’ll explore some of the potential uses of the products and some of the ways it’s been studied to complement fitness regimens.

How Does CBD Work in the Body?

To better understand how CBD may help your fitness routine, you’ll want to know how it works first. CBD is the shortened form of cannabidiol, which is one of the most well-known cannabinoids.

Like its cousin THC, CBD is a phytocannabinoid that works with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate homeostasis. So when your body experiences inflammation or infection, it’s the endocannabinoid system that goes to work to fight illnesses and injuries. Once homeostasis is achieved, the ECS creates enzymes that consume the cannabinoids

When considering how CBD works, taking a look at the terpenes in the product you’re using is also advised. Terpenes work in conjunction with cannabinoids to promote the entourage effect, which is the theory that CBD and terpenes create an even greater effect in the body than CBD alone or terpenes alone. Take a look at our article about terpenes to learn more about how they work, as well as some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis: https://riponnaturals.com/cbd-research-articles/what-are-terpenes/

CBD for Post-Workout Recovery

People frequently turn to cannabidiol to help with pain and inflammation, two symptoms associated with post-workout recovery. Whether you’re starting a new fitness program or ramping up your muscle gains, muscle soreness is a given.

Let’s look at how this soreness is caused and how CBD might provide relief. When you’re pushing your workout limits, your muscles experience tiny tears, which then heal to create bigger, stronger muscles. But what causes the after-workout achiness isn’t the tears—it’s lactic acid, which builds up in the tissues.

While this lactic acid buildup can be alleviated somewhat with diet, warmups, and other measures, sometimes, it’s just not possible to avoid it altogether. This soreness usually peaks 24-72 hours after the workout and can take a few days to recede.

In addition to muscle soreness, the joints can take a beating during higher-impact exercises like running and jumping. If the pain becomes too bothersome, engaging in lower-impact activities can reduce this inflammation type.

There aren’t currently published clinical trials for CBD and its efficacy in treating pain and inflammation. However, a study conducted on rats points to topical CBD providing relief for arthritis and inflammation. The researchers found that CBD’s transdermal application did result in blood absorption and effectively treating the inflammation associated with arthritis.

Currently, much of the information regarding CBD’s ability to relieve muscle aches and joint inflammation is anecdotal. That said, the Arthritis Foundation has recognized that many people turn to cannabidiol for relief, and have published guidelines for its use.

CBD for Sleep and Recovery

One of the best ways to recover from a fantastic workout is to get a good night’s sleep every night. Sleeping not only helps your mind feel refreshed, but it also restores the cells in your body.

Sleeping repairs cells, discards damaged cells, and is essential to immune function. Additionally, it restores energy throughout your body and brain. When you fall into sleep deficit, your body isn’t able to heal properly, and you likely feel depleted. You’re not able to optimize your workouts, and instead of feeling like you’re on top of the world afterward, you’re more likely to crash.

CBD doesn’t cause the high feeling that THC causes, but it can promote sleep. The ECS regulates circadian rhythms, and cannabinoids may interact with the brain’s receptors that control sleep and wake cycles.

Many causes exist for lack of sleep, including pain, anxiety, and other medical conditions. CBD may help to reduce anxiety and stress, which in turn may help you sleep better at night.

Hemp Seed Oil for Nutrition

Good nutrition is vital to optimal workout performance, and without enough calories and nutrients, your body won’t have the fuel it needs. You may feel your energy crash mid-workout or afterward, which can make showing up difficult.

The hemp seed is packed with nutritional value and can be a dry ingredient or packaged as hemp seed oil. Hemp seed and hemp seed oil are commonly found in the grocery store and are popular ingredients in the kitchen. They can be used in numerous types of recipes, from smoothies to sauces to baked goods.

Hemp seeds are actually nuts, and can also be called hemp hearts. They’re more than 30% fat, and are rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which promote heart health. More than 25% of the hemp seed’s calories come from high-quality protein, making it an excellent choice for fitness buffs.

Additionally, they have a fair amount of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that promotes healing. Hemp contains minerals such as phosphorus, sulfur, zinc, iron, and calcium, as well as the electrolytes magnesium, potassium, and sodium (also great for post-workout recovery!).

It’s important to note that hemp seed oil is not the same as CBD oil, although sometimes it’s used as a carrier oil for CBD. The hemp seed does not have any cannabinoids, so that it won’t produce the entourage effect, for example. That said, it does provide great nutritional value, so it is worth a mention.

Is CBD Considered a Performance-Enhancing Drug?

Professional athletes, Olympic athletes, college athletes, and professional bodybuilders are some of the groups commonly tested for performance-enhancing drugs. For those who fall into these groups, knowing whether or not CBD is allowed is crucial.

The USADA and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) oversee these guidelines, and have established the international standard for athletes. THC is prohibited, but can be used if the athlete has a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). They must meet specific guidelines in order to be approved for this exemption—an application must be submitted for initial approval, and renewals occur at regular intervals.

However, CBD is legal to use so long as it adheres to the guidelines set forth by the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp products must have less than 0.3% THC to be considered federally legal, and is not considered a controlled substance.

The USADA clarifies that hemp products may be used, but “all other cannabinoids are still prohibited in-competition.” They also emphasize that CBD could contain other cannabinoids that can show up as THC in blood and urine tests, and that athletes who use it are liable if their test shows up positive for THC.

In short, it could be very risky for athletes who are tested for competitions.

Most Recommended CBD Products for Fitness

If you decide that you’d like to give CBD a try as part of your fitness regimen, many products are available. You may opt for one product, or use various products as you see fit (a tincture with a topical cream, for example).

Here, we’ll examine some of the most common ways to take CBD.

• CBD Tinctures: tinctures are perhaps the most popular products, and they come in so many dosages, flavors, and formulas. They work best when dropped under the tongue and held sublingually for a few minutes.
• CBD Gummies: edible CBD products are easy to take, discreet, and taste great. Unlike tinctures, they come pre-dosed so athletes can grab and go. For those watching nutrition, it’s a small treat to enjoy.
• Topical CBD: topical CBD products absorb through the skin to interact with the endocannabinoid system. They can be applied directly to the affected site, and because they don’t have to go through the digestive system, they quickly enter the bloodstream.
• CBD Capsules: capsules and soft gels are pre-measured and one of the simplest options. They’re easy to swallow and can be taken at regular intervals if needed.

How to Choose the Best CBD for Workouts

The FDA doesn’t regulate CBD, outside of one approved prescription medication used for epilepsy. Because of that, assuring quality, strength, and dosages can be difficult for consumers.

In a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 2017, it was found that close to 70% of cannabidiol products were mislabeled. Researchers found that some products didn’t have the dosage of CBD found on the label—some weren’t even CBD, where others contained far more or far less CBD than what was advertised.

But even more concerning was that some of these products contained more than the legal limit of THC. This could pose a considerable risk for those who must be tested for drug use for one reason or another.

In July of 2020, the FDA conducted its own study and found mislabeling on nearly a quarter of the 147 products they tested. While the FDA does not regulate CBD, it does warn or penalize companies that make claims about health benefits and other misuses.

Without FDA regulation, reputable CBD companies turn to third-party lab testing conducted by an ISO-certified lab. This ensures that products meet an international standard. This testing reports on the amount of cannabinoids and terpenes in a product to ensure accurate labeling. Additionally, it tests for toxins such as mold, heavy metals, fertilizers, and pesticides. And yes, they do test for the amount of detectable THC, which could be a factor for those who require drug testing.

When considering a CBD product, always do your homework. Check out the company online, read reviews, and learn as much as possible about the products you’re considering. These products should have a certificate of analysis, or CoA. Be sure to pay attention to the date it was conducted to ensure it’s current.

Most companies publish these reports directly on their website, and if you can’t find it, reach out to the company to ask for it. They should be happy to furnish this for you. If the company doesn’t conduct testing, or they don’t provide a report, keep shopping around.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking of using CBD as part of your fitness routine, be sure to thoroughly research the companies and products you use to ensure quality. Don’t be shy about asking questions and learning as much as possible about them before you try. Be wary of products without ISO-certified testing, as well as any manufacturers that make claims or that can’t or won’t answer your questions.

Find the sweet spot for the dose and type of product that you like best, and start low and slow. It’s better to start with a few drops and work your way up. You may find that you prefer taking a tincture on a daily basis and using a topical salve on heavy workout days.

Before you take any cannabis product, have a discussion with a health professional to ensure that it’s right for your situation. If you’re taking prescription medications, there is a possibility that cannabinoids can interact with them. A pharmacist can usually provide information about possible interactions.

And finally, for those who compete in a sport overseen by the USADA, pay very close attention to the rules to ensure that the products you’re considering are deemed legal.

At Ripon Naturals, we are proud to carry the SunMed brand, which is available in many products, flavors, and dosages. Take a look at our online shop, or come by our store in Ripon, Wisconsin!

The post CBD for Fitness: 7 Things You Need to Know appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

With 1 in 3 adults reporting that they don’t get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night, it’s no wonder that there are so many products on the market that help people sleep. Insomnia has been linked to numerous chronic health conditions, including heart attack, COPD, stroke, cancer, depression, and coronary heart disease. Not getting enough sleep can contribute to accidents and affect work quality, causing an estimated $63.2 billion in lost productivity annually.

As you can see, this is a pretty serious issue, and one that needs more attention. In this article, we’re going to take a look at insomnia and other sleep issues, as well as some of the causes of insomnia, common treatments, and how CBD may help.

Causes of Insomnia

Let’s start by looking into the causes of insomnia. From time to time, we all experience a night where sleep is elusive. However, insomnia can become a longer-term issue that’s caused by underlying health conditions.

Here are some of the most common reasons for sleeplessness:

• Pain
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Hormones
• Changing time zones or Daylight Savings
• Overeating in the evening
• Poor daytime habits
• Too much caffeine
• Medications
• Medical conditions
• Alcohol consumption

Short-term insomnia can last a few days or weeks, but chronic insomnia lasts for a month or longer. Experiencing issues for longer than a month should warrant a consultation with a medical professional to evaluate any underlying conditions that could be causing it.

Symptoms of Insomnia

As surprising as it may seem, some people don’t realize they’re experiencing sleeplessness at first. They may feel a bit sluggish during the day or notice a few minor symptoms that seem innocuous. However, over time, this prolonged lack of sleep can interfere with their ability to work, operate a vehicle, or interact socially.

Sometimes, the symptoms can have minor effects, but others can affect your home and work lives, too. These are some of the minor indications of a sleep disorder:

• Unable to fall asleep or stay asleep
• Sluggishness during the day
• Waking up tired
• Difficulty paying attention
• Irritability
• Making mistakes at work or school
• Issues with memory
• Clumsiness

Over time, sleep disruption can result in more serious health conditions, so getting it under control should be a priority. Some of these issues can include:

• Weight gain
• Diabetes
• Accidents
• High blood pressure
• Anxiety or depression
• Job loss
• Sleep apnea
• Chronic pain
• Cancer

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, an evaluation by a healthcare professional can determine if insomnia is the cause, and what treatments can be helpful.

Common Remedies for Sleep Disorders

Getting to the root cause of insomnia can help determine the best course of action. While taking a sleep aid can help, treating the cause of the sleep disruption can help to keep it away for the long term. For example, if pain is the cause, then treating the problem with an effective pain management regimen could help resolve insomnia.

While medical interventions could be the right course of action, other integrative activities may also help. Before seeking any holistic, alternative, or integrative therapies, first check with your healthcare provider to make sure they don’t interrupt or conflict with other treatments.

These are some of the ways you can promote relaxation and prepare yourself for sleep:

• Yoga or deep stretching
• Meditation
• Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
• Practicing good sleep hygiene
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption
• Putting away screens at least an hour before bedtime
• Deep breathing techniques
• Phone apps for sleep

Experimenting with different activities can help you figure out just the right regimen. Be patient and give this time to work, and if something isn’t working after a few weeks, try another technique. Everybody is different, and you may find that a combination of these activities is exactly what you need!

Does CBD Help Insomnia?

If you’re reading this article, you’re likely already exploring the various ways that CBD could help your wellness overall. And you’re possibly wondering how and if it can help you sleep better. Let’s look at some ways that CBD and its sister cannabinoid CBN could be beneficial.

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, has been studied for its calming effects, but is sought after partly because it doesn’t produce a psychoactive “high” as THC does. Clinical evidence has pointed to its value in helping epilepsy and mental health conditions. Additionally, researchers have studied it for its ability to calm the central nervous system (CNS).

In a study that evaluated people who suffer from insomnia and anxiety, patients reported that they found relief for anxiety after taking CBD over time. Sleep scores improved by a smaller degree. If stress is the root cause of insomnia, then improving the anxiety could possibly help sleep.

This study used 25mg/d capsules, which were administered depending on the patients’ complaints. If anxiety was the main cause of sleeplessness, then doses were given in the morning, and sometimes in the evening after dinner. If insomnia was the primary concern, then doses were given only in the evenings.

What is CBN?

CBN, or cannabinol, is another type of cannabinoid. CBN is also non-psychoactive and is extracted from older cannabis. Many CBD products on the market have trace amounts of CBN in them, but some products isolate the CBN during the extraction process to create products with higher levels of CBN.

In a study published by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Ecology (FASEB) that compared it to NSAIDs for its use as an anti-inflammatory, CBN was found to reduce collagen-induced arthritis. If pain and inflammation are the root cause of insomnia, CBN may, over time, help to mitigate pain-induced sleep disruptions.

Psychology Today has touted CBN as a “powerful sedative” and says that it may prolong sleep time. It is a known CNS depressant. Research linking CBN to sleep improvement is relatively new, but we anticipate that after the Farm Bill of 2018 legalized industrial hemp, we could see more on the horizon.

CBD, the ECS, and Sleep

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates homeostasis in your body also plays an essential role in the quality of sleep you get. It regulates your sleep cycles, wakefulness, and even your dreams. Additionally, it oversees your stress levels, emotions, and pain, all of which can affect your sleep.

Your body produces cannabinoids naturally that bind with receptors in your body to regulate specific functions. However, phytocannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, and CBG can also interact with these receptors. These compounds can modulate your ECS to produce the hormones that promote sleep, as well as adjust neurotransmission rates and create a calming effect.

Best Forms of CBD for Sleep

Many forms of cannabidiol exist, but one size does not fit all. Here, we’ll look at some of the most popular forms of CBD products on the market, as well as the best products to use for those sleepless nights.

Forms of CBD:

• Tinctures and oils
• Softgels and capsules
• Topical creams, lotions, and salves
• Vape
• Edibles, gummies, and candies

There is truly something for every preference, right down to the dosage, flavor, and form you prefer. That said, some forms of CBD work differently than others.

For example, taking an edible such as a gummy will take longer to start working in the system, but it will last longer than vaping or smoking. And conversely, vaping will take effect within minutes, but its effects will not last as long as an edible form.

CBD oil, however, should be held under the tongue (sublingually) for a few minutes before swallowing. This allows for quicker absorption into the bloodstream and a higher bioavailability because it doesn’t have to pass through the digestive system first. When taken sublingually, CBD oil can take effect in 5-20 minutes, compared to oral consumption, taking anywhere between half an hour to two hours.

Finally, topical creams and lotions allow for cannabinoids to absorb through the skin’s surface, which will enable them to interact with cannabinoid receptors. This can be a good option for those who experience inflammation and need an onsite application. However, when applied topically, the peak effect happens around 90 minutes after application.

When it comes to sleep, how you take CBD could be influenced by some key factors. If achy joints cause sleep disruption, applying a topical could be the way to go. If stress and anxiety are the issue, you may decide to opt for drops. Or, if you’re waking up too early in the morning and desire a longer-lasting effect, the capsule or gummy could be most helpful.

This information is meant to inform and not to replace any advice given by your medical doctor. Our goal is to provide you with enough information to have an informed conversation with your medical provider or pharmacist, who can guide your healthcare.

Terpenes and Insomnia

Terpenes are found on plants and can influence how cannabis works in the body. While CBD has its own qualities, the terpenes work in concert with cannabinoids to produce the entourage effect. This means that the effects of the cannabinoids and the terpenes together create a more amplified result than just taking one or the other.

When considering CBD or CBN products to help you sleep, you might also consider the terpenes in the product. To determine which terpenes are in your product, take a look at the third-party lab testing, which will list the amounts as well. Side note: avoid cannabis products that don’t have this independent testing—they may not contain quality ingredients or even the amount of advertised CBD in them.

Here are some of the recommended terpenes that may help you sleep better:

• Caryophyllene: may produce calming effects, as well as help with pain and insomnia. Known for its relaxing and analgesic properties, and can bind with your body’s cannabinoid receptors.
• Linalool: could help to calm the body and create a drowsy effect. Potentially promotes the production of adenosine, and hormone that is responsible for inducing sleep.
• Myrcene: a commonly found terpene found in the cannabis plant known for its possible sedating effects.
• Nerolidol: known for its sedating effects, this terpene may also reduce inflammation and promote deeper sleep.
• Terpinolene: can induce sleepiness and sedative effects and may interact directly with your body’s CNS.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to using CBD for sleep, the full effects can take time to achieve. We recommend starting with a lower dose, then working up incrementally until the maximum effect is achieved. If you wake up feeling groggy, you might give it a few days or weeks to see if your body adjusts.

We are looking forward to seeing more research emerge in this field in the months and years to come!

The post Does CBD Help with Insomnia? appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at veterinary cannabidiol, how to use it, and what to look for when you’re shopping for CBD for pets.

What is CBD?

If you’re new to the world of CBD but are interested in its potential benefits for your pet, you’re in the right place! CBD is the abbreviated term for cannabidiol, which is a phytocannabinoid found in the hemp and marijuana plant. It works with the endocannabinoid system (more on that below) to regulate all the processes in the body.

CBD is not the same as THC, which is another phytocannabinoid found in the marijuana plant. THC does create a psychoactive effect and produces a “high” feeling, but CBD does not. It is important to note that while several studies exist that study CBD and its uses, it is not regulated by the FDA, so be wary of any sources that claim that it can treat, cure, or prevent any health condition.

The Animal Endocannabinoid System

Humans have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that oversees the body’s ability to regulate functions such as nervous responses, pain, immune function, and even dermatological issues. This system is charged with returning your system to homeostasis after injury, trauma, and illness.

When a disruption is detected, the ECS releases compounds called cannabinoids into the bloodstream to bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Phytocannabinoids that come from plants like hemp work in much the same way as the body’s cannabinoids.

Animals also have an endocannabinoid system. Very few studies have been conducted that evaluate how it works with phytocannabinoids. Still, a recent study published by Colorado State University found that 89% of dogs that were treated with CBD had a reduction in seizures. Another study by Cornell University reported that 80% of dogs using CBD showed signs of reduced pain from osteoarthritis.

These studies both evaluated small samples, but the results paved the way for more extensive, more intense studies to be conducted.

Can My Veterinarian Prescribe CBD for Animals?

With so many CBD pet products on the market, it’s natural to wonder why your vet isn’t talking about it. Even though the 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp and loosened some of the previous laws regarding CBD, the pet-vet relationship is clouded in some mystery. If asked about it, may veterinarians are likely to remain close-lipped on the issue and for good reason.

There is one exception, however. In 2018, a statewide bill was passed that allows California veterinarians to discuss CBD for pets, but they are prohibited from recommending it or prescribing it. Even in states where marijuana is legal, the laws aren’t too clear on whether or not your veterinarian can discuss it when asked.

Penalties for vets recommending CBD can range from disciplinary action to having their license suspended or revoked. Until the laws are more set in stone on veterinary cannabidiol, it’s up to pet owners to thoroughly research the topic on their own.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs and Cats?

When it comes to the safety aspect of CBD for dogs and cats, we recommend looking at several factors when making a purchasing decision.

THC-free products

Use only broad-spectrum CBD pet products. While CBD is generally considered safe for pets, THC has poisoned and even killed animals. Until further juried research can be done to test safe doses for pets, avoid THC and use a broad-spectrum product instead of a full-spectrum one.

Dosage

The FDA has not established a recommended dosage for pets, nor has it established toxic levels of CBD for pets. The AKC recommends starting with very small amounts and monitoring your pet closely as/if you increase the amount over time.

The Benefits CBD Pet Tinctures

CBD pet tinctures have been found to reach higher concentrations in the bloodstream and absorb more quickly than chews and treats. They can come flavored or unflavored, giving the owner options for dosing it directly on the tongue or mixing with food. Be very careful with a glass dropper if you’re administering CBD in your pet’s mouth.

The Benefits of CBD Edibles for Pets

While the oil or tincture version may be ideal in regard to absorption, chews and edible forms stay in the system longer. Some pets may dislike oil placed straight in their mouth or added to their food. Dogs and cats also love treats, which could make it easier for both of you.  

Don’t Price Shop

When it comes to finding the best CBD for pets, there are a lot of ways to compare the products, but one should not be the price. The cheaper products out there may not even be CBD, or contain harmful toxins. Here’s what to look for:

• Certificate of analysis: this certificate is a lab test that evaluates the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, but also tests for toxic mold, fertilizers, solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and fungi. Many counterfeit products are on the market, or they don’t have any sort of testing to prove quality and safety. And finally, if the company itself does the lab testing, you can’t verify the accuracy or oversight—always look for third-party testing.
• Organic and natural ingredients: dogs and cats can react poorly to artificial flavoring and other ingredients, so look for organic and natural ingredients. Be wary of essential oils added to tinctures, as some of these can be toxic to pets.
• Organically grown hemp from the United States: while the end product may not be USDA certified organic, it can be made from organically grown hemp. Check out this article to learn more about what this means: https://riponnaturals.com/cbd-research-articles/usda-certified-organic-cbd-what-does-it-mean/
• Do not use human edibles: to add to the last item on this list, there are some ingredients in human foods that can kill a pet, such as erythritol, a natural sweetener. Many products meant for humans contain this and other ingredients not meant for pets, so be sure to stick to pet-only CBD products.
• Avoid hempseed oil: while hempseed oil is safe and nutritious for dogs and cats, it does not contain any cannabinoids and won’t produce the same therapeutic benefits that CBD may have. Make sure that you see CBD or hemp extract in the CoA and not hemp seeds.
• Flavor: it seems like some pets will eat just about anything, but when it comes to their treats, they can be a bit pickier. You may find that one flavor doesn’t have the same excitement for your pet as another, so experiment until you find what they like.

Possible Side Effects of CBD in Animals

CBD is largely well-tolerated in pets, but some side effects can come with the territory. Start with a small dose, and if they tolerate it well, you can increase the amount after a few weeks if needed.

Here are some of the most common side effects that may occur:

• Lack of energy or sleepiness
• Dry mouth and higher water consumption
• Eating more than usual
• Lower blood pressure and lightheadedness
• If your dog is currently taking any prescription medications, CBD could interfere with the way your body metabolizes them.

Even though CBD is considered “natural” by many, that doesn’t mean it comes without side effects or that it can’t potentially harm your pet. If your pet shows any signs of illness or distress, call your vet right away.

Final Thoughts

CBD for cats and dogs is still a relatively new field of study, but with more scientists piloting research in the world of CBD for pets, we’re excited to see what further information emerges. We could see even more products hit the market, and possibly more regulations and oversight as it pertains to dosages and conditions CBD can treat.

Ready to try CBD cat treats, dog chews, and tinctures? We’ve got the full lineup of CBD pet products, all of which are broad-spectrum, third-party lab tested, and made from organically grown hemp from Colorado. Shop our products today!

The post CBD Products for Pets: Should You Try Them? appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

What Are CBD Edibles?

Two of the most popular types of edible CBD are gummies and candies. They can be sweet, sour, or even have a more natural, earthy flavor. Check out the online marketplace, and you’ll find dozens and dozens of different shapes, sizes, and doses. When it comes to CBD-infused edibles, there is truly something for everybody!

Why Buy CBD gummies?

With so many types of CBD products available, why buy CBD gummies? The answer is going to boil down to personal preferences, but here are some more scientific and tangible reasons you might opt for edibles over tinctures or vaping:

• Sublingual drops and vaped products enter the body quickly, where edibles can take 30-120 minutes to take effect, depending on your digestive system.
• CBD derived from edibles stays in the system longer than drops or vape do. As the edible travels through your digestive system, it releases more CBD along the way.
• The dose of CBD in a gummy or candy is premeasured, unlike oils or vapes.

While you’re likely already familiar with CBD oils and tinctures, CBD edibles are another way for users to enjoy the potential benefits of cannabidiol. Edibles can come in so many forms, including gummies, candies, pills, drinks, food items, and even beer.

That aside, some do prefer edibles because they typically have a lower dose than tinctures. While some more “seasoned” CBD users turn to edibles, others prefer to start their CBD journey with edibles because of the slow, long-lasting effect.

Others turn to edibles simply because they prefer the taste. They may even purchase a CBD tincture and make their own candies and gummies, whether it’s because they love the DIY aspect or have a preference for a specific flavor. We recommend that if you do opt for the DIY method that you purchase a high-level CBD product—this is far more cost-effective because you can get a higher “dose” per candy than you can with a lower-level product, and make many more candies.

Careful with Drinks

We’ve found a variety of drinks online that contain CBD and can see why this is an appealing option for some. However, be very careful when drinking CBD-infused beer or cocktails. The effects of the CBD can magnify those from alcohol.

In addition to that, whether the drink contains alcohol or none, the oils don’t mix well with water-based fluids. Much of the oil will stick to the container, which means you may not be left with much CBD in the drink you’re consuming.

How Edible CBD Products are Prepared

This is the million-dollar question because it plays a large part in the quality and potential efficacy of the product. CBD is not currently regulated by the FDA, which means consumers need to be savvy about what to look for when buying edible CBD products.

Unfortunately, some companies don’t perform third-party lab testing to verify the quality of the ingredients or the level of CBD in the product. This testing is not required, but when investing in CBD, that peace of mind protects your wallet as well as your health. Before you purchase any CBD product, you should always know the concentration of CBD, as well as have confirmation that it is free of pesticides, mold, fungi, and other toxins.

After you have read the lab reports, now you’ll want to investigate a bit further. What ingredients are on the label? Are there a lot of artificial flavors, colors, and chemicals? The best CBD edibles do not contain flavors or coloring, so if you see those listed in the ingredients, you may want to keep looking.

The cannabis plant is a known accumulator, which means it absorbs harmful toxins and heavy metals from the earth while it’s growing. These toxins can end up in the final product (check those lab reports!). For this reason, look for products made with organically grown hemp that is grown in the United States.

Next, how were the gummies or candies prepared? Some manufacturers cut corners and costs by preparing gummies and then spraying or dusting on CBD isolate before packaging. CBD isolate is created by extracting the CBD from the cannabis plant, and stripping away other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, leaving only the CBD crystals. This also precludes the possibility of the entourage effect.

You will want to ensure that the product is infused with CBD rather than sprayed or sprinkled with isolate. If you can’t find the answer to this on the packaging or website, don’t hesitate to reach out to the company to ask. They are happy to provide this information.

How to Store CBD Edibles

How you store your CBD edibles can ensure that they last long and do not break down. For example, if you buy CBD gummies online, try to avoid doing so during the hottest months of the year, as temperatures above 88°F can melt them. And if you carry your bottle in a purse or backpack, be sure not to leave it in a hot car. The last thing you want is for them to melt!

But should you refrigerate CBD hard candy and gummies? Refrigeration is not required, but a fridge is ideal because the temperature is constant, and it provides a dark environment (light can break down CBD). If you purchase edibles that aren’t enclosed in an amber jar such as cookies, wrap your products in foil to protect them from light degradation. And if you have little ones, the fridge may not be the ideal place to store your gummies.

We do recommend that if you have children that you keep your edibles stored in the same way you would for prescription medications. Most containers will be childproof, but that still comes with risks, so err on the side of abundant caution and store them out of sight and where they can’t easily be found.

Also, avoid storing it in places that experience temperature fluctuations, which can be just as harmful as warm temperatures.

When do CBD Candy and Gummies Expire?

With any cannabis product, we recommend checking the date it was manufactured to ensure that it hasn’t been stored for too long before purchase. Most products should also have an expiration date printed on the packaging.

When you bring your edibles home, it might help to write the date of purchase on the packaging so you can keep track of how old it is. If the CBD candy or gummy products you’ve purchased changes color, develops an odor or tastes odd, throw it away.

Edible CBD Products Will Not Get You High

CBD is sought after for its reported calming effects, but it will not produce the high effect that THC does. THC works with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and binds to the receptors that are associated with the ECS, and overwhelms them, which causes a psychoactive feeling or high.

CBD interacts indirectly with these receptors but doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. Some users might report feeling calmer or find going to sleep easier. But even at very high doses, edible CBD products will not make the user feel high. That said, the side effects of CBD edibles can vary from person to person. Before you operate heavy machinery or drive, be sure you know how cannabidiol might affect your body.

Are CBD gummies legal to have?

Because CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, we’re often asked if it’s legal to have. While most states have legalized CBD products, we highly recommend that you check your state and local laws. And use extra precautions if you’re traveling, especially if you’re vacationing in another country.

Final Thoughts on Edible CBD

No matter your reasons for turning to edible CBD products, they’re a tasty, convenient way to get your cannabidiol, and they’re long-lasting, too! Before you pick a product or brand, learn more about the ingredients, third-party lab testing, product shelf life, and reviews so you can invest with peace of mind. You may try a few different products before you find the one you fall in love with!

At Ripon Naturals, we offer a fantastic selection of CBD candies and gummies. Check out our full- and broad-spectrum formulas that come in a variety of great-tasting flavors today!

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