My true journey into wellness began a little over 4 years ago when I found out I had a non-cancerous brain tumor. Three months from the day I found out, I traveled to a different state to have surgery to safely remove the tumor. Thankfully, prayers were answered and everything went well for me and my family throughout all of the craziness. However, I am still experiencing after effects of both the tumor and surgery, and I am searching for natural options to help me heal.
Healing with hemp might be a new idea to you. In many ways, it was new to me, too. My wellness journey has allowed me to learn about many “alternative” treatments. I believe there is a necessity for western medicine, hospitals, doctors, nurses and medications, but not always. I also believe there are many natural methods we can use that were meant to help support our bodies and minds. I think these two worlds can exist together, as long as we open our minds and don’t abuse either one.
I had heard of CBD as a treatment for many conditions, but never really thought much of it. I mean, I had heard of hemp, cannabis, CBD, and of course I had heard of marijuana, but I pretty much thought they were all the same and did all of the same things. Turns out, there’s a lot to uncover here. Especially when we are learning what the health benefits are of using CBD and how it works in our bodies.
So, please walk through this info with me as we learn, together.
So, what’s the difference?
Cannabis is the main species under which all hemp and marijuana exist. There are 3 subspecies of cannabis: cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis.
Both hemp and marijuana are types of cannabis sativa. Both of these help support balance and equilibrium. The difference between these is that hemp contains a very little amount (less than 0.3%) of THC while marijuana contains higher levels (more than 0.3%). THC is what makes you feel that “high” sensation. Think of it this way:
Marijuana makes you feel, Hemp makes you heal.
CBD is a compound derived from the hemp plant.
How does CBD work in the body?
Have you ever heard of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in our bodies? If not then, please allow me to share what I have learned:
-The ECS system is a receptor system found throughout the body and is involved in regulating many of our critical biological functions. Some of these include:
– Memory and Learning
– Sleep
– Appetite stimulation and Digestion
– Mood
– Hormones
– Energy Balance
– Heart Function
– Metabolism
– Blood Pressure
– Nausea and Vomiting Control
– Immune Response
– Inflammation/Pain Response
The purpose of the ECS system is to maintain a happy homeostasis within the body. When homeostasis is not maintained, then these biological functions are going to be out of whack and you may start to feel the negative effects.
CBD works with the ECS receptors throughout the body and is an excellent way to boost the ECS signaling, which can promote a healthy homeostasis. If you are already feeling great, then most likely taking CBD will help you to keep that going! If you are feeling “off”, then taking CBD daily is a great place to start getting back to a healthy, stable ground.
Is all hemp created equally?
The short answer here is, no. Just like any other crop, hemp is only as good as the conditions it is grown in. Much of the hemp used in CBD products in the United States is imported from countries where it is grown in abundance as a side crop. This imported hemp is typically low quality, which means it costs less for CBD producers to buy. The CBD made from low quality hemp is going to be, you guessed it, also of low quality and have very little to none of the supposed benefits. The hemp industry is growing, but the regulations are very loose.
When selecting a CBD product, maybe look into the following:
– Where is the hemp grown?
– Is the hemp certified organic?
– Can the company trace where their hemp came from and the conditions it was grown in?
– Who owns and runs the company?
So, will CBD magically cure everything?
Ummm, no. CBD is not a magic, one-time only, cure all. CBD is a great tool to help support the functions of your endocannabinoid system. It is recommended that you take a high quality CBD daily to gain health benefits. However, these benefits can only start to happen if you also incorporate healthy lifestyle changes, for both body and mind.
Other examples of how you can naturally activate your ECS are: vigorous exercise, eating foods with a good balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, taking probiotics, limiting alcohol consumption and getting regular massages.
Hemp, there it is!
As we wrap things up here, let’s reflect on some key details:
– Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a set of receptors located throughout the body. These receptors help our bodies carry out biological functions.
– Although they are both subspecies of cannabis, hemp and marijuana are different.
– Think of it this way, marijuana makes you feel, Hemp makes you heal.
– CBD is made from the hemp plant.
– CBD works with your ECS to support and maintain your body’s homeostasis. This is a great starting point for your body. As you implement healthy lifestyle changes for both body and mind, the CBD may continue to help your ECS work more smoothly.
– The hemp industry is loosely regulated and not all hemp is created equal. Until regulations can be properly set, do your research and figure out what is important to you before selecting a CBD product.
– CBD is not a magic little pill, but rather it is a tool to help support your body’s natural functions. You must be willing to make changes to your lifestyle.
If you struggle with anxiety, stress, poor sleep, pain, easily overwhelmed, or are functioning in the wired and tired state, then maybe it is time for you to give CBD a try.
Healing with hemp is not a new idea, but it is an area that deserves more attention. As I am learning and discovering more about the many benefits of CBD, it is exciting to know there are natural, high quality options out there. 
Thanks to what I have learned, I have chosen to partner with Green Compass, a family owned company with great values and a dedication to making high quality products for people and pets. I started taking this CBD based on testimonials from several people, all of whom were happy to share what a positive impact these products have had on their overall well-being. So far, I feel a sense of ease and feel as though my body and mind are not battling me.
I would love to share more about this with you, so feel welcome to reach out with any questions via comments or on Instagram.
Love this! Thank you for your amazing friendship and wonderful insight on hemp wellness.
Thank you for taking the time to read, I really appreciate it!