BD stands for “cannabidiol,” which is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. This cousin of THC has taken the spotlight in recent years due to its many uses and benefits for a wide range of afflictions, both physical and mental. Numerous studies have shown that CBD can help treat anything from muscle soreness to anxiety. Here's how to supplement your wellness routine with CBD.

CBD and wellness: what can you use CBD for?

When the endocannabinoids in CBD enter the body, they have influence over the body's endocannabinoid system. To put it simply, the endocannabinoid system helps the body regulate certain functions, including pain—and introducing CBD to that system can have an extremely positive effect. Here are some of the ways that CBD can lessen pain:

• Reduce inflammation
• Relieve sore muscles
• Lower blood pressure
• Aid heart health
• Promote restful sleep
• Reduce chronic anxiety and depression
• Soothe sunburns or skin irritation

How much CBD should I take?

Every body responds to CBD differently, so each person’s dose is different. It’s best to start out at a low dose (5-10 mg) and adjust from there. Dosage is also dependent on the reasons you are taking CBD. It’s always important to talk to your healthcare provider!

How to take CBD

The most common application of CBD is in tincture form. This can refer to an alcohol or an oil base, but it usually means it’s taken sublingually. There are many different carrier oils that CBD is available in, such as MCT, coconut, hempseed, and olive oil. Other forms of CBD include capsules, topicals, snacks, and cooking oils.

The easiest way to incorpoarate CBD into your wellness routine is by taking a tincture sublingually, which means dropping the oil under your tongue where it is quickly absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

How to use CBD edibles

Adding CBD into recipes and food is another easy and delicious way to incorporate it into your life. For example, you can use Luce Farm Hemp-Infused Honey in any recipe that calls for honey! It’s a great addition to yogurt and granola or for spreading on toast with peanut butter and cinnamon. Just know that adding CBD into a recipe means it will take a little longer for your body to digest and get it into your system.

How to use topical CBD

Topical CBD products are great for focusing on certain areas of your body or giving your skin some extra love. These products are ideal for sore muscles, sunburns or skin irritations. The best part of topicals is that you can use them to target and treat specific areas. It’s great to find a topical CBD product that also has other beneficial ingredients for your skin, like cocoa butter or vitamin E.

Is CBD safe? Are there any side effects?

Everyone responds to CBD differently, so it's crucial to speak with your healthcare provider before incorporating it into your wellness routine. When it comes to safety, it's also important to know where you're sourcing your CBD from. CBD products aren't highly regulated, so knowing exactly where yours came from, how the hemp was grown, and what extraction methods were used guarantees that you're getting the highest quality product you can. It's also important to note that as with any supplement, CBD can interact negatively with certain medications. Side effects can range dependending on the individual, the dose, and many other variables, but the most common side effects include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and changes in mood.

Does CBD get you high? CBD vs. THC

Both hemp and marijuana are a part of the cannabis family. The distinctions between them are in regards to their levels of THC, the psychoactive compound present in marijuana. Hemp (the type of plant that CBD is derived from) is classified as a cannabis plant that contains 0.3% THC or less, whereas marijuana plants have a much higher amount of THC. CBD products that are labeled “full spectrum” usually indicate that there are still trace amounts of THC present, as well as many of the other cannabinoids that flourish in the cannabis plant. Due to the extremely low THC level, CBD does not produce the "high" or psychoactive effects that marijuana does.

Luce Farm Wellness produces farm grown, plant-derived wellness products featuring hemp and other botanicals, maintaining a culture founded on caring for the earth, people, collaboration, and integrity.

Luce Farm hemp is grown on the farm's hillside using exclusively organic practices, fed naturally by the sun and freshwater streams, and started from seed in soil amended with manures from the farm's resident poultry and goats.

Founders Rebecca and Joe Pimentel reside on the 200-year old homestead in Stockbridge, Vermont.