Social media has become the largest marketplace for dietary and wellness products. You might have seen your favorite celebrity promoting a product of the sort. Recently, billionaire cosmetics mogul Kylie Jenner became among the countless celebrities taking to Instagram to endorse CBD products. On her Instagram story, Jenner promoted “Happy Tea”, which is a CBD-infused hemp supplement made for weight loss. Here, we’ll discuss why so many celebrities have jumped on the CBD bandwagon.
What Is CBD?
Despite the stigma revolving around the use of marijuana, CBD users are growing by the day. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the 120 compounds found in Cannabis. The compounds are collectively called Cannabinoids. CBD, just like the famous Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been discovered to have many health benefits. This particular compound, however, doesn’t induce sensations of high.
People suffering from physical ailments have embraced the use of CBD infused products for pain relief. The compound also offers relief to mental ailments such as depression and anxiety.
History of CBD Use
For thousands of years now, people have been reaping the health benefits of Cannabis. Emperor Sheng Nung of China is the first documented medicinal user of Cannabis. In 2737 BCE, he drank tea infused with Cannabis to treat assorted ailments. People continued to use the plant over the centuries. However, it was not incorporated into modern medicine until the 19th century. In 1839, William B. O’Shaughnessy published a study that looked into the health benefits of Cannabis. This study brought great controversy.
His study paved the way for Robert S. Cahn, a British Chemist, to discover the Cannabinoid compound. This discovery occurred 100 years after O’Shaughnessy’s study, thanks to the advancement in technology. In 1942, Rodger Adams, an American researcher, found a way to isolate the first cannabinoid and discover THC.
The study of cannabis in a health context continued. A few years later, 1963-1964, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam successfully determined the stereochemistry of THC and CBD. He discovered the type of molecules that were responsible for various euphoric and health effects. Following this, products infused with the components started to emerge. The use of CBD infused products has continued to grow ever since.
Use of CBD Products
It’s important to realize that all CBD products don’t work the same. The intensities of a dosage can vary from one user to the next. As such, one user may require a lower dosage than the other. Users are, however, advised to start with a low dosage. They can increase gradually until they have achieved the desired results.
CBD products also differ in how quickly they deliver their benefits. People using the products for mental disorders prefer to ingest it in the form of oil or tasty gummies. Brands may differ in terms of quality and taste. CBD users for pain relief often take it as drops. Creams and lotions can also be used for localized pain. It is important to consult with a CBD expert or a doctor to determine which product will best suit your needs.
Interestingly, CBD is not only a solution for humans but for pets, too. CBD use for dogs is increasingly popular. Special formulas with anxiety relief properties are helping to treat man’s best friend.
How It Works
The brain has an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that responds to certain cannabinoids. This system regulates the essential functions of the body. Digestion and appetite are the most dominant. However, it also regulates sleep, inflammation, fertility, memory, mood, pleasure and pain. When something related to one of the following functions is wrong, the ECS corrects it. The interaction of the receptors with endocannabinoids and enzymes treats the issue.
Ingesting CBD products boosts the ECS. Let’s take an example of a case where the body has an endocannabinoid deficiency. The phytocannabinoids found in external cannabinoids such as CBD prove to be of great importance.
THC has a wide range of health benefits. However, it also induces a “high” sensation when ingested. This is where CBD proves to be a better component. Its psychoactive properties do not negatively alter the user’s state of mind.
Who Can Use CBD Products?
CBD can relieve many ailments that alter the body’s natural balance. One of the most popular uses is for the relief of inflammation and pain. Arthritis patients, therefore, use the products widely. Cancer patients also use CBD products to soothe cancer-related pain. It is preferable to THC because it does not get them high.
Contrary to the common opinion, CBD does have psychoactive components. However, these components are not intoxicating. This is why it can be used for temporary relief for people experiencing depression or anxiety. Additionally, CBD does not cause addiction as some pharmaceutical drugs do. People experiencing PTSD and insomnia also use CBD for relief.
There are many other supposed benefits of CBD. These have yet to be proven clinically. However, personal testimonies suggest that it can be beneficial for reducing acne and preventing the spread of diabetes and cancer.
Popularity of CBD
It’s difficult to pinpoint when CBD became so popular. Marijuana has been in use for a long time for various medicinal uses. However, there was a kind of stigma revolving around it. It made non-users hesitant to try. People who were hesitant to try THC are more open to CBD. The latter does not induce sensations of high. The fact that it is a natural product also has contributed greatly to its marketability.
Final Thoughts
CBD has many benefits. It’s no wonder you have seen some of your favorite celebrities endorsing CBD-infused products. Mandy Moore even announced on the Golden Globe red carpet that she had used CBD to soothe her feet.
Other than advocacy, celebrities have also funded CBD based research. Some have even started businesses related to CBD products. Whoopi Goldberg and Montel Williams are good examples. The use of CBD is on the rise. This natural component of cannabis has proven to be a great and viable alternative to traditional pharmaceutical drugs.
