While I’ve always enjoyed wine, I’ve never been much of a weed enthusiast.
In fact, heavy THC strains at times leave me feeling anxious, dizzy and claustrophobic. Full confession: my last time passing around a joint ended with me nearly in tears, lying in the fetal position clutching a family size bag of Salt n’ Vinegar kettle-style potato chips.
However, with CBD being touted as a panacea for seemingly everything from anxiety to insomnia to nausea and chronic pain (don’t worry, I know it’s not), I decided to give CBD tea a shot.
First, what is CBD?
CBD is a compound naturally found in the cannabis plant. The non-psychoactive cousin to THC, CBD can’t get you high. Instead, when ingested, CBD gets to work on your body’s overall wellness and balance. It’s being look at specifically for its interaction with our body’s endocannabinoid system, which is in charge of regulating sleep patterns, appetite and general mood. Our bodies already produce cannabinoids in its regulation of emotion and sleep, and while the science is still developing, researchers have begun looking into how CBD interacts with that system.
What does CBD do?
In general, it’s thought that CBD works with the nervous system to intercept the transmission of pain signals in the body, as well as how it may influence the release of specific hormones and enzymes. When you look at history, cannabis has been used for centuries to help relieve stress, soothe senses and promote relaxation.
Pass On The “Scary High”
I’ll admit it – when my friends first suggested I try CBD I was skeptical. After all, CBD comes from the same plant as THC. However, CBD does not get you high or make you feel intoxicated. In fact, some experts argue that CBD helps counteract the anxious, paranoid, “scary high” feelings of THC. So the next time you start feeling too high and that paranoia sets in, take a dose of CBD to calm down and chill out.*
CBD For Self Care
Many people rely on that glass of red wine (or a cold beer) to unwind after a long day of work. As someone who has a hard time both relaxing and getting a good night’s sleep, I often count on that glass of rosé to help me take a load off and slip off to dreamland. With the chorus getting louder on the harmful effects of alcohol on women and CBD’s surge in popularity, I decided to give hemp-derived CBD tea a chance. Drinking a mug of CBD tea in the evening after work is a calming ritual that helps relax your body, quiet your mind and prepare you for bed.*
Cannabis Doesn’t Make Me Nauseous…
I’ve never gotten nauseous or thrown up from weed or hemp-derived CBD, but I can’t say the same for alcoholic beverages. In fact, CBD may help settle the stomach from occasional aches and pains. In combination with other medicinal herbs regularly found in teas (such as peppermint, ginger, lemongrass and licorice) can provide relief for an upset tummy.*
…Or Disrupt My Sleep Schedule
While a glass of wine can act as a helpful sedative, too much alcohol can disrupt your sleep, leaving you feeling groggy in the morning. On the other hand, CBD is being looked at on how it may work with your endocannabinoid system, supporting how you sleep. After swapping my glass of wine for a mug of Golden Dream CBD Tea, I noticed that I felt more rested, even with fewer actual sleep hours logged. This is because calming teas promote rest.
… Or Ruin My Diet Plan
Sure, weed has the reputation of causing a late night munchie attack. While its true that both CBD and THC can be used to stimulate appetite, CBD tea itself has very few (or zero) calories. On the other hand, the average glass of wine has 132 calories. You do the math! By switching to a mug of zero-calorie CBD tea every night, that leaves way more room for more desserts. After all, what’s more important than that?*
*The Apothecary LLC are not doctors and we do not provide medical advice. None of the information on this site, including information in any press release or blog post, constitutes legal or medical advice by us.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.
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Jesse Richardson is a brother and co-founder of The Brothers Apothecary. Jesse studied Political Science at the University of California, Los Angeles and Medicinal Plants & Ethnobotanical Research at Cornell University. He is an avid student of nature and is always working on something new at The Apothecary!
