With all of today’s buzz words floating around like tourists in the Dead Sea — some health-related, others just really big words — it’s hard to sift through what’s good for your body, what’s potentially detrimental, and what’s altogether taboo. Speaking of “tabs”, don’t open another in your preferred browser just yet! We did some extensive research (read: a fit of intense Google-ing and a deep dive down the rabbit hole) to define and understand just what the heck a cannabinoid actually is and how you can incorporate it into your routine, should you choose to do so.
To give you the stripped down version (because who really has time for anything else?), a cannabinoid is a chemical compound. See? Simple enough. This compound is produced both by the cannabis plant — also known as phytocannabinoids, but we doubt you’ll remember that part; we almost didn’t! — as well as within the human body (endocannabinoids, if you’re being an overachiever). Both types interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors and when they do, the reaction is said to help maintain mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid, as it is derived from the cannabis plant. So is CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, by the way. However, both are extremely individualized when it comes to their functions and subsequent effects. And, THC and CBD are but two cannabinoids on a list that goes on and on.
To break it down even further, THC is known for the that intense, euphoric feeling and the subsequent psychoactive high that often come along with ingesting marijuana (also see: weed, ganja, pot, dope). CBD, on the other hand, is less intoxicating, but is known to still provide much relief when it comes to symptoms such as anxiety, inflammation, pain, seizures, and so on. Often times, many CBD products will contain trace amounts of THC, too. For all intents and purposes, we’ll keep all eyes on the ladder. Although, if you choose to light up (or snack on an edible or however else the kids are interacting with the green stuff these days), more power to you — your body, your choice. If you’re in the market for something slightly more mild, however, and are looking to experiment, we’re here to introduce you to the world of CBD and its offerings. It’s also important to note — because these days everything needs a disclaimer, it seems — that the jury’s still out on a lot of the claims made by CBD companies and their supporters. And, while several members on our team have had great experiences with CBD, it’s important to check with your doctor before participating. So that’s it! That’s all we’ve got for this week’s installment of “what the heck is it?”. Enjoy, folks! And, if you’re a CBD user yourself, we would love to hear your experience — the good, the bad, and the not quite sure.
Holy CBD
Prismatic Plants Good Day
Said to keep you "cool, calm, and collected, so you can handle whatever comes your way", Good Day is one-half of a CBD-adaptogenic duo created by Prismatic Plants. Some effects are said to include an immediate reduction in anxious feelings and overall calm. And, over time, an improvement in one's mood, less stress, and perhaps even a reduction in a need for caffeine.
Prismatic Plants , $70Lord Jones All Natural Old Fashioned Gum Drops
If you're looking for a fun way to do CBD, Lord Jones' old-fashioned gum drops are an edible treat with a hint of zen. The product comes in a variety of flavors from black currant to green apple, and the beautiful packaging makes them a great gift.
Lord Jones , $50Lagom Teas Bloom Tea
This organic orange rooibos tea is already beloved for the natural healing properties and antioxidants found in the flavors and ingredients themselves, but Lagom Teas takes it one step further by infusing 15mg of hemp in each bag for elevated creativity and flow.
Lagom Teas , $30Mineral Sousa Body Treatment Oil
From cult-followed and beloved brand Mineral comes their latest launch, Sousa, a cannabanoid-rich treatment oil that hydrates, cools, and relieves dry and inflamed bodies. After the shower, apply Sousa for an intoxicating blend of blood orange and lavender, and an altogether relaxing and elevating experience.
Mineral , $70Yuyo Botanics 300mg Whole Plant (FS) Formula
Yuyo's Whole Plant Extract is perfect for daytime use as the product is infused with MCT Coconut Oil. It also includes small amounts of CBN and CBG which are said to help relax the mind and have anti-inflammatory effects, respectively.
Yuyo Botanics , $70Wildflower Aches Vaporizer
If you're one that experiences discomfort due to aches and pain on a regular basis, this CBD+ vaporizer may be just what the doctor ordered. Infused with aromatic blends of peppermint, lavender, and of course CBD, one 5-second draw of this product is said to help manage pain throughout the day.
Wildflower , $60Prima Rest Easy Functional CBD Powder
These doctor-formulated CBD powders are created using micro-encapsulation so that your body absorbs what it needs quickly and effectively. Formulated with whole-plant hemp extract, naturally occurring CBD, and L-theanine, this powder (which can be added to both cold and hot drinks) helps enhance sleep quality, so you get the rest you deserve.
Prima , $55Lily Lily CBD 500mg
Lily's organic hemp CBD oil is said to help your mind, body, and sleep. Harvested over a three-month cycle, this under-the-tongue oil helps with insomnia, concentration, creativity, indigestion, and more.
Lily , $95Modern Nature Relieved Capsules
Say you want the no-fuss way to get your daily dose of CBD. Modern Nature's capsules are an excellent option. The non-psychoactive blend of full-spectrum CBD and the brand's turmeric and curcumin complex helps promote a healthy inflammation response and increased joint mobility.
Modern Nature , $50Soul Addict Hemp CBD Flower Prerolls (5-pk)
If you prefer to smoke, Soul Addict's Hemp CBD Flower Prerolls are a beloved option. Made with organic hemp grown in North Carolina, each roll contains less than .3% THC, so while it won't offer you the psychoactive high of weed, they are said to reduce anxiety and period pain, aid in sleep, and be an aphrodisiac.
Soul Addict , $46Ildi Pekar Uplifting Blend Roller
This little rollerball is the perfect companion for your purse or bag. Offering 500mg of CBD isolate in one bottle, this product is said to aid in reducing inflammation, relaxing the muscles, and even reducing scar tissue.
Ildi Pekar , $58Dram Gingergrass Adaptogenic CBD Sparkling Water (12-pk)
You read that right, Dram Apothecary offers CBD in sparkling water form. The bubbly beverage is said to increase resilience to stress, promote immunity support, and reduce inflammation. It's even said to aid nausea caused by travel or hangovers — win win.
Dram , $49Beboe Therapies High-Potency CBD Sheet Mask (5-pk)
Whoever said sheet masks are a hoax clearly never tried Beboe Therapies. Said to be a "therapy session for stressed skin", a 30 minute soak with one of these babies offers your skin 50mg of hemp-derived CBD, plus plant-extracted AHAs, Vitamin C, and so much more. All this goodness is said to support cell turnover, brighten, and moisturize even the dullest of complexions.
Beboe Therapies , $78Not Pot Not Pot CBD Gummies
With only 10mg of hemp per gummy, this 100% vegan product is your strawberry-flavored daily dose of stress relief. Said to be tested by some of the best medical doctors and scientists, this is an easy-to-use, easy-to-remember product that helps you receive the benefits of CBD daily.
Not Pot , $40Potli Hemp Infused Raw Honey
If you're not so much into the traditional CBD oil pipette, Potli's CBD-infused raw honey might just do the trick. With 120mg of CBD per tablespoon, this product offers a delicious way to receive all the benefits in your morning cup of tea.
Potli , $42Lord Jones Royal Oil
We wouldn't recommend this oil if you're just dipping your toes in the CBD pool. With a maximum strength of 1,000mg, this face and body oil can stand alone or serves as a great boost if your skin is in need of a little extra nourishment.
Lord Jones , $100Vybes Peach Ginger CBD Drink (12-pk)
Unlike many of its peers, Vybes hemp-derived CBD drink contains 0% THC. Said to curate a new kind of beverage experience for the mind and body, each drink contains 25mg of CBD, 25 calories, and 5g of sugar. That, combined with the brand's unique flavor combinations helps to provide anti-inflammatory benefits and react with the body's endocannabinoid receptors.
Vybes , $96Proper Hemp Co. CBD Infused Coffee Beans By Doma
Proper Hemp Co. has teamed up with Doma Coffee Roasters to offer a unique CBD experience. Said to provide controlled energy in your daily cup of coffee, this product contains flavor profiles of chocolate, almond, and malt. CBD is directly infused with the oils from the beans to maintain both the vibrancy of the coffee itself, as well as the healing properties and benefits of the CBD.
Proper Hemp Co. , $75Vireo CBD-Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil
We're just going to say: who doesn't love olive oil? And, now you can get all of the benefits of the healthy fat with an added dose of chill. An 8-oz. bottle of this product contains 100mg of CBD.
Vireo , $35Leonard Leinow CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis
If you want to dive even deeper into the world of CBD, especially its medicinal prosperities, might we recommend Leonard Leinow's bestseller that offers a wide range of information for both the first-time user, as well as the cannabis aficionado.
Leonard Leinow , $14The Good Patch Period Patch
Period's suck. There's no way around it. Luckily, The Good Patch has created a small, transdermal solution that offers 15mg of CBD paired with menthol and cohosh and is said to relieve symptoms such as pain and cramps.
The Good Patch , $12Prima Soak It In Bath Gem
Prima's Soak It In Bath Gem offers 25mg of hemp-derived CBD, plus tons of other relaxing minerals and epsom salts that is said to offer intense relaxation, deep hydration, and an overall elevated bathing ritual.
Prima , $16Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum
This antioxidant-rich serum contains over 20 botanical ingredients including rosehip, sea buckthorn, and CBD oil in order to help cleanse and restore both the skin's complexion and the mind. The brand is cruelty-free and vegan and the product is gentle enough to be used twice a day.
Saint Jane , $125Khus + Khus Rasa Restorative Potion
A tantalizing mixture of CBD isolate, restorative botanicals, and hemp seed oil blend together to bring you Khus + Khus' full-body restorative balm. Said to restore balance within the nervous system, this product also contains ingredients such as reishi mushroom and yuzu for an overall uplifting experience.
Khus + Khus , $52Vertly CBD-Infused Workout Recovery Body Spray
If you're big on physical activity and working out, you might want to consider adding this cooling recovery spray to your routine. Infused with healing properties such as aloe vera and mineral magnesium, this product is said to reduce muscle tension, making it that much easier to get back to your next workout.
Vertly , $42