With the legalization of cannabis we’ve seen an upswing in new growing and extraction techniques that are starting to gain momentum. This evolution has completely changed the landscape of what we know about the plant and what we can do with it. If you’re of age and in the right state, you can of course smoke and use all types of marijuana, where legal, but there are new and fascinating alternatives going mainstream all of the time. The latest and perhaps biggest discovery as of late has been the healing power of the CBD compound found in all cannabis. The thing to understand is that there’s THC, which is the psychoactive molecule produced by the female flowers of the plant, and there’s CBD, among a range of lesser-known cannabinoids that we still have much to learn about.
CBD is the non-psychotropic cannabinoid found in hemp, the male non-flowering part of the plant, which has been found to have inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, as well as sedating, hypnotic, anti-epileptic and anti-dystonic effects, among other healing attributes. CBD does not ‘get you high,’ as they say, but it will relax you, soothe pain, help regulate sleep patterns, control certain cancers, stimulates bone growth, and stops the growth of bacteria, as well as it suppresses muscle spasms and convulsions, slows inflammation, reduces blood sugar levels, reduces the risk of artery obstructions, decreases pressure in the blood vessel walls, helps control epileptic seizures, reduces risk of nerve damage, and eases nausea.
For example, since I’ve been dealing with neck and back pains, insomnia (from anxiety and from my back pain), I have employed several of their terpene infused crumbles and their muscle cream. I’ve had the pleasure of testing their Blue Dream CBD Crumble, their Green Crack CBD Crumble, their Grandaddy Purp CBD Shatter (similar to crumble, but in a more crystalized form), and their Muscle Cream. Each has their own characteristics…
- The Blue Dream CBD Crumble has a more euphoric, cerebral and energizing effect, making it perfect for busy days where you still need to be active and relatively clearheaded. The smell is gorgeous, with a mix of sweet berry, earthiness.
- The Green Crack CBD Crumble is pure sativa, which has less of a euphoric effect and more of an energizing and uplifting effect. I found it to be perfect for tough and sluggish mornings. The Green Crack crumble has a sweet citrus, earthiness scent.
- The Granddaddy Purp CBD Shatter is a heavy indica, which offers soothing effects for insomnia and lack of appetite. It also has a sweet earthy scent that is so intoxicating.
- For direct application, Extract Labs has Muscle Cream’s which are infused with Full Spectrum CBD, and a range of all-natural ingredients that allow for the CBD and essential oils to be worked directly into sore muscles. I can’t describe how important these types of topical salves are for my neck and back issues. Their Muscle Cream includes shea butter, jojoba oil, arnica, menthol, lavender and rosemary, making it a powerful healing salve.
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*This article is for entertainment use, and should not replace the diagnoses of any disease or the subscribing of any medication. Always consult with your doctor or a medical professional for any and all health-related advice.