Getting back to Science
In recent years, cannabinoids have become the talk of the town, with everyone from celebrities to your next-door neighbor raving about their health benefits. But what exactly are cannabinoids, and how are they being used in everyday life?
First off, let's define what cannabinoids are. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD). While those 2 compounds are becoming mainstream, there are over 100 compounds in the cannabis plant. These compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes such as appetite, mood, and sleep. It’s important to acknowledge that this is not a “new” discovery, the use of cannabinoids in throughout civilization has been well documented. Modern science has known about the medicinal effects of cannabinoid use for quite some time, however, due to a lack of government interest in changing the classification for THC, there has been very little “official” researching done, however, this does appear to be changing. The public interest in the legalization of marijuana across the US is applying pressure in all the right places.
So what's all the fuss about? Well, it turns out that these compounds have a wide range of health benefits. For example, CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, and improve sleep. THC, on the other hand, has been shown to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
And it's not just people with medical conditions who are using cannabinoids. These compounds are now being used by people of all ages and walks of life as a natural way to enhance their overall health and well-being.
One of the most popular ways to consume cannabinoids is through CBD oil. CBD oil is derived from the hemp plant and contains only trace amounts of THC, so it won't get you high. It's used by people to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and relieve pain. CBD oil can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin.
Cannabis for Dummies
For many years, there has been a stigma about who uses “weed/mary jane/leaf/[insert your favorite name here]”. It’s the “stoner kid” or the “old hippie” etc, but the reality is that anyone and everyone can and has used THC/CBD in some fashion. I can certainly attest (though) that ever expanding product selections can be a little harrowing and overwhelming to sift through. How do I use this? Are there tools involved? Breaking down the “how to” of THC is a topic for another day, but on a high level (ha ha) one of the most convenient ways to consume cannabinoids is through edibles. Edibles are food products that contain either CBD or THC. These products come in a variety of forms, including gummies, chocolates, and baked goods. They provide a convenient and delicious way to consume cannabinoids and are becoming increasingly popular as people look for a more natural way to enhance their health. Does it taste good? I can tell you in my rookie experience that the gummies are the best tasting so far. Is it a lack of culinary experience? (because anyone can bake a brownie, right?) or is the distillate just a really awful and strong tasting substance? My assumption is that it is a combination of both “you don’t eat it for the taste….” . My argument is why not?
So, there you have it. Cannabinoids are the miracle compounds of the 21st century, and they're being used in all sorts of ways to improve health and well-being. Whether you're using CBD oil to reduce anxiety, taking edibles for pain relief, or using THC for its anti-inflammatory effects, there's no denying that these compounds are changing the way we think about health and wellness.