What is CBD, how does it work, and what is the best CBD product for me?

If you’re new to CBD, you might notice that there is an abundant amount of information and research to explore. If you’re looking to implement CBD into your wellness practice, but unsure of where to begin, check out our CBD 101 guide to help you go from novice to connoisseur in no time. 

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is the second most active component derived from the cannabis plant. Commonly referred to as hemp, the cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, or naturally occurring compounds, that interact with receptors in our central nervous system to achieve a broad spectrum of effects. While CBD and it’s psychoactive counterpart THC are among the most widely known cannabinoids, other components like CBN and CBG are becoming increasingly popular. They contain their own set of health benefits. 

How does it work?

CBD is a powerful stimulant that helps to activate the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is responsible for creating cannabinoids, which work to regulate and maintain balance in many of the body’s functions. CBD helps the body produce its own cannabinoids, which support a wide range of physiological processes, including appetite, pain, memory, mood, stress, sleep, and immune function.

What can CBD be used for?

Studies have shown that CBD can be an effective treatment for easing symptoms of many common health issues, including pain, anxiety and other mood-related disorders, skin conditions, inflammation, high blood pressure, etc. 

What kind of CBD products should I use?

There are many different methods for distributing CBD. The best way to decipher what product is best for you is to consider what area of the body needs support. For relief from internal conditions, or if you’re looking for a quick mood-boost, you might want to reach for a CBD oil or tincture. For nerve discomfort or skin issues, including acne, eczema, and insect bites, a topical salve or lotion will be more effective in targeting localized pain. Additional consumable products include CBD gummies, capsules, and hemp flower prerolls. 

How do I know if my CBD is of high quality?

With so many CBD brands on the market, it’s important to know what to look for in a quality product. The most tell-tale signs that your CBD is pure, effective, and free of synthetic elements in its packaging. If your CBD derives from hemp that was grown in areas that require soil testing, the product comes with transparent, third-party CBD oil test results, and guarantees that it was made from whole-plant extracts instead of CBD isolates, you’re in the clear. If a CBD brand is ambiguous about its manufacturing process, has prices that are “too good to be true,” or makes any outrageous medical claims, you might want to put it back on the shelf and seek out a more viable CBD option.

What makes Green River Botanicals different from typical CBD brands?

With so many CBD products on the market, a trustworthy brand that prioritizes quality, transparency, and ethical engineering is a diamond in the rough. Green River Botanicals’ certified organic CBD and hemp oil products are tested for potency and contaminants and handcrafted using only the purest of ingredients. At our small family farm nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, we’re able to keep our manufacturing process entirely in house, which means we know exactly what goes into our CBD products, from seed to stem to bottle.