You’ve probably heard of “CBD” before. Cannabidiol, its real name, can be found in a variety of products such as oils, tinctures, vape pens, pills, edibles, balms, energy drinks, and even skin care products. With CBD surging in popularity, people have questions and want to learn more.

I first tried CBD last year as a natural remedy for my anxiety and insomnia, and it’s been a game changer for me. The CBD I use helps me sleep through the night without any adverse effects, and I have also seen a considerable improvement with my anxiety. I feel calmer when panic sets in, and I’m able to get full, deep, complete breaths instead of the shallow, rapid breathing I experience with anxiety or panic attacks.

The products I use are from Joy Organics, a Colorado-based, family-owned business specializing in a wide range of pharmaceutical-grade CBD products. I take one 25mg Soft Gel in the morning and one in the evening, and I also use a CBD Vape Pen as needed throughout the day for anxiety as well as in the evening before bed. 

The information here is from an interview I conducted with Joy Smith, owner of Joy Organics, and from my own research. I encourage you to continue reading, research on your own, and/or consult your healthcare provider if you’re looking to try CBD for the first time. I’ve added several research links at the bottom of this page.

I personally use and recommend these products because I’ve found them to be genuinely helpful, and I only align myself with brands I find to be highly reputable and trustworthy. If you make a purchase via this post, use code *bloom10* for a 10% discount.

 

What is CBD?

 

“CBD is a compound that comes from the cannabis family of plants. It’s a powerful natural extract that’s been used medicinally for thousands of years. We use what’s called a phytocannabinoid-rich hemp plant, a plant that is very high in CBD and low in THC” (tetrahydrocannabinol is the strain used to produce marijuana, which gets you high). “Our products have absolutely no THC in them, so you will not get any kind of high feeling. We completely take out the THC,” Joy explained.

 

What is CBD used for, and is there scientific support?

 

“There is science behind CBD helping with depression, schizophrenia, inflammation, pain, epilepsy, and as an analgesic,” Joy says. There’s also good evidence suggesting that CBD is an effective treatment for general anxiety, social anxiety, as a treatment to cancer side effects, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep problems, and many other conditions. 

It’s important to know that while CBD is not a cure, it is an option for, or supplement for, managing anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and other conditions.

Can CBD benefit my pets?

Absolutely yes! Veterinarian-formulated CBD pet tinctures and treats can help with: 

• Pain reduction and inflammation for mature animals or animals suffering from arthritis or hip issues
• Anti-convulsant for dogs suffering from seizures
• Reducing anxiety, especially common for rescue dogs but can also help dogs adjusting to new home environments, when traveling, from loud noises, separation, or for high strung dogs
• Increasing appetite and reducing nausea and vomiting

(research links below)

 

How does CBD work?

 

“Cannabis is designed to work with the human body. We have what are called endocannabinoid receptors in our bodies, so we’re already producing CBD in our bodies. The CBD product actually awakens our receptors to work the way they’re supposed to by boosting our own natural cannabinoids leading to improved mood and overall well-being,” Joy said.  

“The endocannabinoid system oversees or regulates parts of the nervous system, endorphins, immune system functions, hormones, mood and emotions, metabolism, and many other chemical messengers in the body.” ~Dr. Bill Rawls, a physician who uses and recommends natural herbal therapy.

Our endocannabinoid system regulates everything, and if it’s not functioning properly, everything can be thrown off. You might have an endocannabinoid deficiency if you feel run-down all the time even if you exercise and feel healthy.

 

Is CBD legal?

 

Hemp-derived CBD is legal in all 50 states. The Farm Bill, signed in December 2018, legalized industrial hemp for the first time, legally separating it from marijuana and removing hemp, or any hemp derivative, from the Controlled Substances Act.

In September 2018, The Drug Enforcement Agency reclassified CBD products containing no more than 0.1 percent of THC to the same category as prescription cough syrups and painkillers. Joy said, “For the CBD industry, that was a huge turning point because prior to that, it was classified as a Schedule 1 drug—in the same category as heroin, and it’s nothing like heroin. CBD is more of a supplement, not a drug.”

This should really be encouraging to people looking for natural alternatives or considering CBD for the first time.

 

Are there any negative aspects to CBD? Can you become addicted?

 

Research says that CBD oil may have different effects depending on the dosage. Taken in nominal doses, CBD is unlikely to cause drowsiness. However, taken in higher doses, there is the potential that it could cause drowsiness.

Other than that, it can be difficult to know if the CBD product you’re buying is good quality; some labels can make false promises, be deceptive, or be confusing.

Full-spectrum CBD products give the best results, and all of Joy Organics’ products are full spectrum, which means they are made from the whole plant and therefore contain everything the plant contains, minus the trace of THC.

Joy explains, “You cannot get addicted to CBD. It doesn’t work in our bodies the same way, say like alcohol or marijuana does where you actually build up a tolerance and end up taking more and more. Rather, the way CBD works with our receptors is that eventually, you should be able to take less when your receptors are working properly and responding like they’re supposed to.”

Can everyone benefit from it?

 

Joy’s theory right now is that people are using CBD in kind of a desperate mode, whether it’s for pain, inflammation, anxiety, or other conditions. She believes that in 3-5 years, people will be taking CBD as any other supplement for preventative purposes like we do with vitamin C, glucosamine, or fish oil pills. She says that in essence, whether or not you’re dealing with pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, or insomnia, your body can still benefit from using CBD.

 

Testimonials

 

I asked Joy if she had a particular story that stood out about how CBD helped a client. She said that she and her team hear people every day saying, “thank you for changing my life,” or “for giving me my life back.” In fact, they started keeping a log to record testimonials. “When we’re face to face with people sharing their stories with us, I want to capture those stories.” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joy’s mission is to help as many people as she can by providing the most pure, organic, and bioavailable full-spectrum cannabinoid products on the market at an affordable price. In addition to a wide range of CBD products, her boutique carries products, such as jewelry, purses, art, and other items that empower women around the world and are helping to break the cycle of poverty in women. 

Joy Organics ships CBD products to all 50 states and Canada, to a company in Mexico, and talks of international shipping are in process.

See Joy Organics’ Ultimate Guide to CBD Oil for more in-depth information.

Midlife in Bloom followers get 10% off every purchase at JoyOrganics.com with the code *bloom10*. Click HERE or on any picture to start shopping.

Do you know someone who is curious about CBD or who would benefit from reading this? If so, please consider sharing this post. Or, leave a comment or question in the comment box, and let me know if you’d like your comment to remain private.

 

Links for further research:

General uses and overview
New England Journal of Medicine on CBD Oil for seizures
Cannabidiol: Promise and Pitfalls
Panic attacks and anxiety disorders
Insomnia
Veterinary News

 

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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires that Joy Organics inform you that the efficacy of CBD oil products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research as a treatment for any medical condition. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, rather it is here to help you make educated decisions about why and how to use CBD oil or CBD products. It is not intended to provide medical advice.

It’s important that the reader seek the advice of a qualified medical professional who is well versed in the therapeutic use of CBD before beginning use.