Investigating CBD for Wellbeing

4 minute read

Many of us have no doubt come across CBD in the world of wellness as an antidote for what might ail you. However, it’s something that requires research before making a purchase (as with anything intended to treat conditions of the body and mind).

So, first, what is it? Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of many natural compounds found in the hemp plant, known collectively as cannabinoids. It is a natural organic, non-psychoactive, cannabinoid. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, and causes the sensation of getting “high” that’s often associated with marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive so you won’t get high when using it.

Cannabis-based CBD products are legally being sold in health food and specialised stores around Ireland. A Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) review in 2017 concluded that there was a moderate benefit for cannabis for a small number of medical conditions, but it’s been continually gaining momentum in conversations involving our health since, with an array of scientific studies confirming it can help ease a variety of symptoms from chronic pain to anxiety and more.

Lisa Lane, is one of our favourite women In Her Heyday, and founder of the CBD wellness brand Well Double L, based in the West of Ireland, shared some of her expert advice for those wanting to use it as part of their wellness routine.

“Do your research!” she says. “Make sure it's lab-tested. At Well Double L we always say, “start low and slow”. Experiment with 5% – this is a good way to start for low-level anxiety – and microdose. Give yourself a few weeks, and really pay attention to how you feel. Don't be tempted to take more and try not to skip a day. As with most things, consistency will be key. Our products contain no THC. After several weeks, and only if you need to, move up to 10% – for example, if you have sleep issues or pain. It's important to note that everyone's biochemistry and starting point will be different so everyone will have their own experience. Weight/stress/any medications you’re currently on will play a role in your experience with it. Plant-based solutions don't work like pharmaceuticals, but that doesn’t make them any less powerful.”

As to what makes CBD so effective, Lisa explains it acts as an aid to help balance your system.

“Everybody, every animal, has an endocannabinoid system which regulates the homeostasis (balance) of the body (think brain, respiratory, immune systems and more). Very often these systems can swing out of balance in each of us, for a variety of reasons, i.e, life!”

Taking CBD can help get your own endocannabinoid system get fired up and restore balance. It's not about altering your state, it's more about evening out. And it's non-addictive, which is key.

CBD, she says is useful in all areas of life, but can be particularly useful to women in midlife also. “I think it's useful for teenagers, rugby players and senior citizens alike (all of whom are our customers), but I've noticed that midlife in women tends to bring a sweet spot where the importance of really supporting themselves comes into play again. This is really a time in a woman's life for her to assemble her tool-kit if you like. No one is born knowing how to manage themselves, but you start getting an idea of how you can in your 30’s and beyond and will continue to fine-tune this.”

CBD comes into play here due to its ‘plant power’ and thus helps us fine-tune our body’s natural responses. “I do believe, whether we are conscious of it or not, because we live our lives closely tied to Mother Nature and the Moon due to our cycles and seasons, that we understand and receive plant power on an almost fundamental level. Things will go wrong for every one of us but the body's ability to heal itself is tied to a balanced endocannabinoid system, and CBD can help with that. There is a saying that is true: you have an endocannabinoid system, not a Zoloft system. It's not like we’re saying we don’t believe in science, but rather that we’re choosing to bow down to Mother Nature.”

...And really, that sounds as good a start as any other if we’re looking to reset our balance.