Sleeping problems are common, and anyone can be a victim of sleep disorders. About 70 percent of both children and adults cannot sleep the recommended hours in a day. Even though significant causes of sleep deprivation are hectic schedules and stress, medical and mental health problems may deprive you of a good night of sleep. Lack of enough sleep may negatively impact your overall health, cause poor concentration, mood changes, and lack of motivation.

It is crucial to consult or seek medical help when you suspect you have a sleeping disorder. Even though some medications may help you get a quick and lengthy nap, natural treatment options are always a good choice. CBD is one of these natural regimens that could help you have a restful and relaxed night of sleep.

What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

CBD is one of the major cannabinoids in the cannabis plant – Hemp. CBD targets your endocannabinoid system (ECS), influencing homeostatic processes. The ECS is responsible for regulating and balancing various body processes, including immune responses, cell communication, appetite and metabolism, memory and many other responses as well.

Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not have a “high” effect on its users. However, it has several beneficial health benefits that have taken over the medical world by storm. Research shows CBD can be an effective remedy in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Besides, it can also help in alleviating pain and reduce inflammation. Further research and anecdotal evidence also show that CBD is useful in treating insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Does CBD help sleep better?

To understand how CBD improves sleep, we must first understand what leads to poor sleeping habits. Common causes of insomnia include:

• Lack of a conducive environment for sleep, such as loud neighborhoods, uncomfortable bedding, or intrusive lighting among other factors as well.
• Physical conditions that cause discomfort or chronic pain, e.g., restless muscles, body injury, headaches, and many more issues that may exist.
• Caffeine consumption at night.
• Medication that interrupts the sleep cycle
• Mental health disorders; these could include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychosis.

CBD research is still in its preliminary stages and a lot is yet to be understood on how CBD works. Anxiety is the root cause of many sleep disorders. The mind simply cannot be calm enough to allow the sleep process to take over.

In 2019, research was conducted to analyze the benefits of CBD vape oil on sleep and anxiety reduction. 72 subjects took 25mg of CBD per day and 79.2% of them reported lower anxiety levels, while 66.7% claimed they slept better after taking the medication. This serves as hard evidence that CBD can be useful in treating sleep disorders.

Can CBD help alleviate pain?

CBD also shows potential for alleviation of pain. Evidence indicates that CBD soothes pain, which in the long run serves to improve sleeping patterns. We all know or have experienced the discomfort pain can cause and the effects on your sleeping patterns. CBD has analgesic properties that are known to help alleviate pain. Some people with sleeping disorders, especially those with Schizophrenia, may experience nightmares, forcing them to stay awake. CBD can help them sleep better by improving REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), a sleep disorder whereby the patient acts out their dreams.

Taken in various doses, CBD can display sedative properties. This is important when treating insomnia as it can help to calm the mind, thus inducing sleep. Such interaction enables the patient to develop a healthy sleep-wake cycle.

How does CBD work to help with sleep?

As discussed earlier, CBD influences the functions of the ECS. CBD is known to reduce cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is also known as “the stress hormone.” Furthermore, CBD has anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties. Once consumed, it can calm the user by reducing cortisol levels and inhibiting the metabolism of anandamide. High anandamide levels in the body result in higher psychosis tendencies in schizophrenic patients. If you are experiencing night-time awakening, especially when suffering from schizophrenia, CBD can offer a sedative effect and this can help you sleep better for longer hours.

CBD Dosage for Sleep

There is no specific rule when it comes to CBD dosage. However, small doses of CBD have stimulating effects, while a higher dose can have sedative effects. You should choose the amount of CBD depending on the severity of your sleeping problems. A general rule for taking cannabidiol is starting with a lower dose and increasing the amount gradually. As a result, you will understand how your body tolerates varying amounts of CBD doses.

Consequently, insomnia also disrupts the sleep-wake cycle. When a user consumes CBD in relatively higher doses, it can induce a sedative effect. This is helpful as CBD helps induce sleep. However, experts say that 40mg-80mg is a proper dosage to treat sleep disorders. Some doctors prescribe a dosage as high as 300mg per day.

Conclusion

Insomnia is a common ailment facing almost half of the general population at some point in their lives. You have to admit that you have experienced sleepless nights now and then. Many people are now trying out CBD for their sleeping problems. It is generally safe and improves sleep duration, and balances out the sleep-wake cycle. Over time, people have established CBD usage for various reasons, including reducing seizures, anxiety, and pain. Sleep treatment is now a relative discovery that is dominating the medical scene. Proper and clear-cut dosage levels are yet to be established since research is still underway. However, lower doses induce stimulant effect

Whether it’s relieving anxiety and depression or providing a better alternative to melatonin to combat insomnia, there’s no shortage of the physical and mental benefits provided by CBD. However, understanding the difference of CBD verses CBD with THC is something you should know.

As you’re perusing CBD products online or in brick and mortar stores, you may notice that some items contain various amounts of THC. Should you consider these options, and what are the pros and cons?

Let’s get down to brass tacks to give you an understanding of standalone CBD products versus CBD with THC options.

CBD: What You Need to Know

If you’re new to the world of cannabidiol, let’s quickly clear up some misconceptions. Unlike its THC counterpart, CBD is not a psychoactive agent providing a “high” sensation. It’s extracted from cannabis plants, often diluted with coconut or hemp seed oil, and can provide relief for everything from muscle soreness to cancer medication side effects.

Your dog can even take it.

In a nutshell, CBD “supports the natural neurotransmitter in our bodies. CBD binds to a receptor that triggers serotonin release leading to a reduction in stress and anxiousness, which balances moods.”

CBD is legal in the United States, so it’s perfectly kosher to have it shipped to your doorstep or purchased at major retailers like Whole Foods. You can even travel with it domestically.

The benefits of cannabidiol can’t be overstated, but what about CBD items possessing THC as well?

CBD with THC: What You Need to Know

CBD products with THC should be treated differently than CBD-only items.

Depending on how much THC is in each product, you could find yourself relatively “high,” euphoric, or sleepy, making the CBD-THC combo ideal for falling asleep or back to sleep.

It can also be an excellent way to unwind at the end of the day, similar to a glass of red wine (but without the unwanted calories and red teeth).

CBD with THC can also provide a one-two punch considering research has shown they both help with anxiety, nausea, and various types of pain and discomfort.

There are a few issues to keep in mind if you decide THC with CBD is right for you. Cannabinoids store in your body fat so that the THC can show up on potential drug tests, which could cost you your job depending on your state’s laws.   

You’ll also want to adhere to the cannabis maxim of “You can always have more, but you can never have less.” That is to say, start with a minimal amount versus eating a 50-milligram chocolate bar right out of the gate. Not sure how many milligrams to begin with? Consult your doctor, and dispensaries always have experts to assist you online, over the phone, and in the store.

Most importantly, it’s critical to check your state laws regarding THC products of any amount because what’s perfectly legal in one state could be highly illegal in another.

Cannabis has been used for thousands of years. From native Indians to various subcultures, people have used cannabis for several reasons. However, there has always been a stigma surrounding cannabis use. Although a lot of people used the plant, it was never widely accepted by the general public.

However, things started changing in the last 40 years. Today there are many countries in which medical cannabis is legal, and there’s tons of research about this plant and its benefits. This change is obvious for another reason as well, currently there are thousands of medical dispensaries where people can legally buy cannabis.

For example, residents of California can drop by Venice Beach cannabis dispensary and instantly get cannabis for their needs. One of the reasons these medical dispensaries are so popular is because they promote responsible cannabis use. Here’s how they work.

They Offer Better Product Quality

In the past, people had to get cannabis from unreliable sources and shady channels. Simply put, there wasn’t a legal way to get marijuana, which made it difficult to find quality products along with a reliable source they could always count on.

It was also very unsafe. People had issues because they often bought low-quality products with no guarantee of what they were getting. People had to trust that the seller would deliver good quality. Today, products at medical dispensaries come from professional breeders and cultivators.

Customers know the exact strain they are getting and these producers are held to a higher standard. Simply put, they need to pass various quality checks to be able to sell their products.

They are Safer

Using cannabis responsibly is not just about having a reliable supplier – the way you get your products matters as well. Whenever illegal production and supply are involved, there are certain risks for everyone, including consumers.

As a buyer you don’t want to meet someone in the back alley, not knowing what to expect. You can potentially get robbed, scammed or even arrested if cannabis is illegal. Medical dispensaries are far safer. First of all, the cannabis they sell is completely legal and legit.

You don’t have to worry about being scammed. You can just drop by and purchase the product you need. At the same time, dispensaries often have security personnel and cameras that protect you from potential criminals.

You Know What You are Getting

Dispensaries must be transparent. What does this mean? A couple of things:

• Every medicine and product that’s being sold goes through rigorous checks.
• The origin of each product can be traced back to the producer.
• Product packaging clearly states the content of the product and all its ingredients.
• If you have additional questions, you can talk to the pharmacist working at the dispensary

When buying medical products you need to know what they contain, since people use cannabis for treating different conditions. Professional producers breed different strains that are better at alleviating various symptoms.

For example, some marijuana strains are better for treating depression and anxiety while others might be better for arthritis. You can always find a product that’s best for your needs.

Dispensaries Can Educate Users on Proper Cannabis Use

Dispensaries often have medical professionals working at them. These pharmacists are there to accept various medical forms and prescriptions that people use to get their medical products. However, there is another advantage of having medical professionals at the dispensary.

They have a lot of knowledge about different medications, how they work, and how they should be used. So, you’re not buying cannabis products from a random person – you’re getting it from people who have a medical background.

They can give you valuable advice on how to use your medicine properly, which is especially important when you’re taking cannabis for the first time and don’t know what to expect. A pharmacist can help you understand how you should use your medicine, when, and in what dosage.

Chances are you’ve heard about various cannabis side-effects, but in reality most of them are caused by improper use. People take high doses in uncontrolled environments and they suffer the consequences. A medical professional can guide you to avoid this from happening.

Bottom Line

The use of cannabis for medical purposes has gone a long way. All over the world, we are seeing more and more countries letting people treat several conditions with this medication. At the same time, we are also seeing an increase in cannabis-based drugs.

Dispensaries have made supply a lot easier to obtain. They make these products available to everyone who has an appropriate medical prescription. At the same time, people can use cannabis responsibly to get the desired effects.

With all of the hoopla in the media these days surrounding cannabidiol, you may be wondering what CBD is, its benefits, how to read labels and the correct amount to consume.

So, what is CBD?

Let’s look under the hood to discover more.

What Is CBD And What Are The Health Benefits? 

Derived from hemp plants, CBD triggers particular receptors in the brain and nervous system, resulting in serotonin release. This release can reduce anxiety, depression, muscle soreness and more in both humans and canines.

One of the most significant benefits of CBD is combatting insomnia. As Portland-based startup Mendi states, “The common benefit people notice with CBD is better sleep, because if you have less pain, stress, anxiousness and reduced inflammation, you’re likely in a more calm state and less likely to have disrupted sleep.”

Understanding CBD Labels

Let’s break down what to look for on CBD labels, some of which may include THC information:

• The products: Do you prefer mints, Starburst-like candies, chocolate bars, or even sodas? CBD labels will tell you things like flavors and ingredients.
• Milligrams: This is your starting point. Most labels will encourage microdosing, so you don’t take too much (more on that in a bit).
• Suggested Use: Unless you’re told otherwise by your doctor, follow all suggested use information.
• Time: Many labels will tell you how long it takes for the product to kick in, which can be anywhere from 15 minutes to 90.
• Nutritional Facts: Like grocery store items, total fat, sodium, carbs and more are typically listed.
• CBD to THC Ratio: This is critical because THC may be illegal or require a medical card depending on what state you live in. Know your state’s laws and those you may be visiting. The last thing you want is to bring illegal substances across state lines unknowingly. And because THC is the psychoactive agent of the plant, consuming it is a very different experience than CBD-only items.

CBD Dosage: How Much Is Too Much (Or Too Little)

There’s a hilarious saying in the cannabis world when it comes to products possessing THC: “You can always have more, but you can never have less.” If you’ve ever scarfed down an entire THC-loaded brownie, you probably learned this lesson the hard way.

This axiom should always be respected, but do understand that because CBD does not contain the psychoactive agent found in THC, you don’t need to be afraid of a “bad trip.”

However, there’s no reason to take more CBD than required. If you don’t know how many milligrams to take, dispensaries are known for providing expert advice via email, online chats, phone, and inside brick and mortar stores. Explaining your pain points, what you’re looking to achieve, and, if you’re comfortable, physical attributes like gender, height and weight can help the experts determine the ideal dosage for you.

From life-threatening viruses to raging wildfires to skyrocketing unemployment, 2020 is testing the human spirit in unimaginable ways. One such symptom of this year’s chaos is maintaining proper mental health as bad news continually wafts through televisions sets like a skunk’s scent from a bedroom window.

Anxiety and depression are running amok. Some studies discovered that “In mid-July, 53% of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus. This is significantly higher than the 32% reported in March.”

With so much uncertainly swirling about, how are CBD, anxiety and depression intertwined, and how can cannabidiol products help during such trying times?

CBD and Anxiety

In 2011, a study reported that CBD possessed the power to reduced anxiety during public speaking for those anxious in social situations. How was that possible?

CBD aids the neurotransmitters already bouncing around your brain by promoting the release of serotonin. It’s a potential alternative to sketchy “happy pills” like Prozac, and you can purchase it at outlets as popular as Whole Foods.

No grocery stores in your area with CBD items? No worries. Products are legal to ship to your doorstep in the United States.

CBD and Depression

CBD can help with depression, similar to relieving anxiety issues. Early studies on canines and CBD showed great promise in raising low serotonin levels.

Science has only progressed in purporting that CBD has incredible antidepressant effects, but it’s always smart to speak with your doctor about your unique situation, including how many milligrams to begin with and any potential side effects.

Say Goodbye to Insomnia

Pandemic or not, you know full well how difficult everyday tasks are following a night of fitful sleep, and a lack of solid slumber can exasperate anxiety and depression.

To maximize your chances of saying goodnight to insomnia, check out products consisting of tinctures easily added to evening teas, soothing bath salts, yummy edibles (don’t worry, no THC here) and more.

In Sickness and in Health

Whether you’re battling a life-threatening disease, anxiety and depression or simply looking to feel your best, CBD helps in additional ways:

• Reduces pain and inflammation
• Can help increase the lack of appetite often arising from anxiety or depression
• Exercise is closely linked to alleviating anxiety and depression. CBD can provide muscle recovery afterward
• Offers a viable alternative to traditional drugstore items unhelpful in providing relief
• Confidence in knowing products are legal and regulated
• Depending on where you live, home delivery is possible

These are challenging times, to say the least, and we aren’t clear of the forest yet, but with an assist from over-the-counter CBD items, you can increase your odds of keeping anxiety and depression at bay.

The idea of your dog taking marijuana products can be scary. You don’t know how they might react to the effects. Don’t worry, though, CBD won’t make your dog high because it is not psychoactive.

CBD is one of the cannabinoids found in marijuana. Unlike THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which is psychoactive, CBD is known more for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Humans have used cannabis for over a thousand years to treat various illnesses. Now, many pet owners are turning to cannabis products to treat their sick pets as well and finding it very beneficial.

Cannabinoids like CBD are potential treatments for various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pain, lack of appetite, and epilepsy. CBD is also used in the management of cancer, nausea, and vomiting.

Dogs have an endocannabinoid system similar to that of humans. It means that a substance that affects the human endocannabinoid system will affect dogs in the same way.

Many pet owners are turning to CBD oil for dogs. Here is why:

1. It Relieves Stress and Anxiety

Does your dog have separation or noise anxiety? Does it bark a lot and get jittery when you leave? CBD may help.

CBD binds to dogs’ endocannabinoid system and helps in balancing emotions. When you give a dog CBD, the drug is known to intiate neurotransmitters that convey hormones that calm the dog when stressed.

CBD is not only useful for dogs with separation anxiety but also phobia. If your dog can’t be around people, you can try giving it some CBD.

2. Improves Brain Function

When you bond with your dog, you become lifetime friends. Sadly, dogs do not live as long as humans. They have a lifespan of about 13 years. Your dog will start aging rapidly after about eight years. This can be a sad process as its brain starts to waste.

Inflammatory Central Nervous System (CNS) Disease is common in older dogs. When a dog has CNS, it may lose the sense of its environment. Communicating with it will become difficult, and it may lose its way around frequently.

Endocannabinoids play a key role in modulating neurotransmitter activity in the CNS system. This provides evidence that the dysfunction of the cannabinoid system contributes to canine inflammatory CNS diseases.

Placing your aging dog on CBD therapy can help boost its endocannabinoid system. CBD supports mitochondria development and cellular function. CBD is also known to have anti-inflammatory benefits, which improve brain health.

3. CBD Treats Itchiness

You probably have a dog that itches a lot, and no medication seems to work. The cause may be food, fleas, or lice. Some dogs seem to respond better to these allergies than others. The secret is that they have a strong immune system.

CBD offers relief for many allergic reactions in dogs such as dermatitis. The anti-inflammatory properties in CBD can be useful for itchy dogs. CBD can also boosts the dog’s immunity, giving it a better chance to manage allergies.

4. CBD Increases Appetite

Is your dog giving you trouble eating and you can’t find a solution? Dogs need to have a good appetite because that is what makes them healthy.

If the dog is unwell it may have nausea, which may cause a lack of appetite. Without eating, your dog may not have a good chance of fighting off diseases.

CBD can stimulate appetite and help dogs that are struggling to eat. CBD can also help sick dogs relax and get quality sleep, which is helpful for healing.

5. CBD Relieves Pain

Chronic pain is a prevalent condition in dogs. This type of pain is maladaptive as it does not offer any protective function. Pain causes stress in dogs and takes out their joy. If your pet seems dull, it could possibly be suffering from chronic pain.

CBD can be efficient in treating hard to treat pain. It also is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation that causes pain. The endocannabinoid receptors that CBD binds to also help modulate pain transmission.

While CBD is not a conventional treatment for dogs, many holistic veterinary practitioners recommend CBD for dogs suffering from joint pain. Joint pain caused by arthritis is common in aging dogs.

CBD can relax the nerves and help soothe the pain resulting from damaged nerves or cartilage. CBD can also be beneficial in alleviating intestinal inflammation.

6. CBD is natural and Non-toxic

If you are worried about CBD toxicity, worry not. Many studies that focus on the toxicity of marijuana look at the psychoactive element THC and not CBD in isolation.

CBD is not psychoactive, and it will not give the euphoric high associated with marijuana. CBD contains therapeutic properties without the psychoactive element.

There is no toxicity associated with CBD. You don’t have to worry about your dog overdosing and getting sick from CBD.

What this all Means

CBD is seen as a revolutionary treatment for many diseases in humans and now the benefits are being extended to dogs. CBD is not only known to offer relief from ailments, but it also can improve the overall health of the dog.

There is limited research on the benefits of CBD to dogs. However, initial studies show promising outcomes with fears of toxicity having been ruled out. Some dog owners and vets are already experimenting with CBD on their sick dogs. While there is still a long way to go, the results show great potential.

In the wake of the booming CBD market, more and more consumers choose hemp flowers, rich in CBD, over other over-processed products from the CBD hemp range.

Smoking hemp flowers can have a very soothing effect, and many people are looking to tap into some of those potential health benefits associated with consuming CBD. Others are just into relaxation and love the taste of an herbal smoke without altering consciousness or getting high.

Whether you’re into smoking hemp for CBD health benefits or you think of it as a perfect recreation, smoking hemp buds might just be what you need. Let’s delve deeper into how CBD-friendly smoking really is.

(Another article you might be interested in https://www.thecannifornian.com/cannabis-business/types-cbd-oil/)

The Smoking Hemp Trend

It all started back in 2018 when the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp legal to grow and cultivate. Today, consumers are moving to consume high-CBD hemp flowers rather than other traditional tinctures and CBD oil.

Because there is a wide range of top-quality CBD products available and easily accessible to people worldwide, It’s only common sense that consumers decided to try smoking their CBD buds.

And this is where the one question has arisen: Is smoking hemp flowers a good way to consume CBD?

The majority of these concerned consumers have already witnessed all the fuzz around CBD oil and all the potential therapeutic benefits that go with it. But how about smoking CBD-rich hemp buds? Let’s find out more.

Hemp Flower – A Closer Look

The female hemp cannabis plant produces CBD buds. It is considered to be the essential part of the cannabis plant and the most potent source of the precious phytocannabinoids, including CBD.

CBD can be extracted and processed into a range of different hemp CBD products, most notably, CBD oil. However, in the last couple of years, there is an increasing demand for fresh CBD flowers that is fully smokable.

The plant is rich in CBD, but there are other cannabinoids in hemp buds. While CBD oil can be made from the whole cannabis plant, smokable buds come from hemp flowers only, as they are the most potent source of pure and rich concentrations of CBD. Other cannabinoids include CBC, CBG, CBN, and so on.

While the industrial hemp was mainly bred for producing food, building materials, clothes, seeds, and fiber in the past, modern cultivators use a specific variety of cannabis with low THC and high CBD content for the greatest effect. These varieties help optimize the medicinal value, bringing out the best sides of CBD.

Smoking Hemp Buds – Potential Benefits

According to the consumers of hemp buds, smoking fresh CBD flowers is a real feast for the senses. It has a very distinctive and aromatic taste. Many of these users say it’s the best, most enjoyable way to consume the flower, while it, pretty much, smells, tastes, and looks like marijuana. Let’s see if there are any benefits to smoking hemp.

1. Relaxation

The most significant difference between cannabis and marijuana is that smoking cannabis won’t alter your consciousness or get you high. On the contrary, smoking CBD can be amazingly relaxing, with no psychoactive effects. Unlike THC, CBD leaves the consumer clear-headed.

(Another article you might be interested in https://www.thecannifornian.com/cbd/5-benefits-of-cbd-for-insomnia/)

2. Quick Results

The most significant benefit of smoking CBD buds is the fact that it starts taking effect almost immediately. Smoking allows the cannabinoids to get into direct contact with the user’s lungs and distribute them all over the body via the bloodstream. The only faster way to get such quick results is by taking CBD intravenously.

Other ways of consuming CBD include edibles and taking CBD sublingually. While other methods eventually provide the wanted effect, smoking CBD flowers is an effective and quick way to calm your mind and body immediately and relax.

3. Higher Bioavailability

Smoking CBD hemp buds significantly increases the bioavailability of the compounds found in hemp. The term refers to the degree and rate at which CBD compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream. The higher the degree and the rate, the more effective the hemp.

The CBD smoking rates of bioavailability can range between 25% and 50%. In other words, smoking CBD allows for faster absorption of the CBD compounds. When compared to other consumption methods, this is rather a great result.

4. It’s Affordable

While THC-rich marijuana is quite expensive and can be accessed in certain countries only, CBD strains containing high levels of CBD and other cannabinoids like terpenes and flavonoids, are much more affordable and accessible.

Conclusion

It all comes down to what you want. And to answer the question – yes, smoking hemp flowers is a good and quite an effective way to get the most out of your CBD. Keep in mind that smoking CBD includes other side effects that are associated with smoking. Other than that, smoking hemp will give you the desired effect, just like any other administration method.