After a morning hike on Saturday, at Runyon Canyon with my favourite BFF, Maria Opuni from Kai Zen Models; I got home and found myself aching seriously.
You see I have not done any exercise for the last three months, so the hike to the top of Runyon Canyon Park took it out of me. Not only did I feel tired, about three hours later, I felt my body aching ever so slightly. I needed a salve or a rub, to gently massage my bones and help relieve my dull aches.
I had heard so much about CBD relieving aches and pains. Haven gotten a sample of CBD balm by 707 Flora at COSMOPROF a beauty and hair tradeshow that takes place in Las Vegas yearly. I could not wait to put this shit on my face. Seriously!!
This stuff did miracles on my face when I applied it on as an overnight balm (though I found out later it is a lip balm). I woke up with my face feeling supple and well moisturized.
As I lay on my bed with my laptop, I decided to investigate further into what this CBD craze is all about, all these supposed miracle cures and revelations. CBD has been touted as, “the Elixir of life” for every single ailment under the sun and the science seems to back it up.
So whats CBD anyway? All I think about is marijuana or a blunt when I think of CBD. CBD is a molecule found in cannabis and is becoming a popular ingredient in a lot of naturopathic tinctures, oils, balms, and creams. The abbreviation is short for cannabidiol and is currently one of the most trending ingredients in most skin preparations at the moment.
THC vs CBD
This compound is, however, one of many cannabinoids or molecules produced uniquely by the Cannabis family. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t have a substantial effect on cognitive brain activity and doesn’t cause the “high” associated with marijuana.
All types of cannabis produce cannabinoids, including hemp. While CBD and THC are the most well-known cannabinoids, there are many different types. Only recently has a lot of funding been assigned to the research of cannabinoids. Our brains have receptors known as CB1 and CB2 that are responsible for the assimilation of cannabinoid molecules into our system.
Research and Studies
Though there are no in-depth studies of CBD; like many other substances, I would not recommend it during pregnancy. Researchers used to believe that CBD attached to those CB2 receptors, but it now appears that CBD does not attach directly to either receptor. Instead, it seems to direct the body to use more of its cannabinoids.
Acne, Alzheimer’s, type 1 diabetes, inflammation, fighting cancer, neurological disorders, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, quitting smoking and drug withdrawals are just some of the ailments that CBD is reported to cure.
Tamás Bíró, professor and chair of the Department of Immunology at the University of Debrecen in Hungary and also the director of applied research at Phytecs, a company that is researching and developing drugs affecting the endocannabinoid system, “CBD has anti-inflammatory actions,” he says, which can be helpful for conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Bíró also conducted cell model research (as opposed to human testing, which has not yet been approved) that showed CBD inhibited sebum production and normalized overactive sebaceous gland cells — one of the leading causes of acne.
Legality
The current legality over CBD is a very grey area. Hemp and hemp-derived products are legal under the Farm Bill, as long as their THC content is less than 0.3%. However, there is still some confusion over the specifics.
When compared to skincare pillar ingredients like retinol and vitamin C, the research behind CBD’s efficacy in skincare (especially beyond the realms of being a temporary topical pain reliever) is still relatively in its infancy. “There is limited data to suggest that CBD may decrease oil production when applied topically,”
In research studies, CBD has been helpful in treating epilepsy and arthritis. So there I was scanning the web and found the best supplier of authentic CBD, through doing some research. My chosen supplier is Lazarus Naturals, their products are excellent and everything is organic and put through tests. They also have a program for aged people and low income so they can afford to buy the CBD products the company sells.
At the moment I am trying a bunch of CBD products. What do you think about CBD let me know your thoughts? In the next few weeks, I will l let you know what I think about my current CBD finds. In the meant time. Happy CBD hunting.
What do you think about CBD? Have you personally tried any CBD products yourself? If so, I would like to know.