Unless you haven’t refreshed your Instagram (or the internet) in the past year, you know that CBD is all the rage within the wellness bubble as an all-around game-changer for staying balanced.
But even though CBD has become a staple part of a lot of people’s wellness routines, there’s still a ton of confusion concerning the topic. “There are a lot of misconceptions about CBD,” Virginia Savoie, product development manager for Manitoba Harvest Foods says. “People are still confused as to what CBD actually is and it is our goal to make it easier to understand.” (See? You’re totally not the only one asking the important questions.)
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is one of over a 100 naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids extracted from the hemp or cannabis plant. “The most well-known cannabinoids are CBD, which is non-impairing, and THC which can lead to impairment,” Savoie explains.
Okay, so now that you have a basic understanding of what CBD is, it’s time for a few more lessons on the subject. To gain some clarity on the latest addition to everyone’s wellness routines, Savoie shared her most frequently heard CBD questions.
Keep scrolling for 5 CBD questions this industry insider hears most often—and all the answers you need before adding it to your daily routine.
1. Will it make me high?
The short answer is no. The long(er) answer, according to Savoie, is that pure CBD isn’t actually intoxicating, so you can’t get high.
“The scientific community generally recognizes that CBD containing less than .3 percent of THC as non-impairing,” Savoie says. “Our Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD products are essentially THC-free (less than 0.01 percent),” Savoie adds
Instead of feeling high, the key benefits of Manitoba Harvest Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD products are improving overall quality of life by providing support and balance to your endocannabinoid system (more on this below), according to Savoie.
2. What are some benefits of CBD?
“CBD is a great supplement to help calm things down,” Savoie says. “It helps with focus, everyday stress, and even quiets a busy mind, so that you can get the rest you need.”
If there’s muscle tension in your body—like after an intense HIIT or barre sesh—CBD can help those hardworking muscles (that you didn’t even know you had) feel less sore.
3. How does CBD work?
Okay, this is where the good stuff (AKA science) comes into play. CBD is structurally similar to compounds produced inside the human body as part of the endocannabinoid system, says Savoie. Endocannabinoid what?
“It is a vital part of our physiology,” Savoie explains. “It is present in all vertebrates, and it’s classified as a homeostasis regulator—which means it is the system our body uses to maintain a constant and balanced internal environment.” That’s basically a fancy way of saying it’s designed to help you stay grounded, in the best way.
4. How much should I take?
It really depends on the product and your body. Everyone reacts differently to CBD, but many experts suggest starting with small, daily servings and to increase slowly as you start noticing the desired effects.
Just like any other supplement you take regularly, monitor how you react after each dose and trust how your body feels. Less is always more, at least to start.
5. What product should I take?
“The best product for you depends entirely on your personal needs and preferences, so we offer a variety of options (CBD Oil Drops, CBD Oil Sprays, CBD Softgels, and CBD Protein Powder),” Savoie says.
Savoie stresses the importance of choosing a brand you trust (ahem, Manitoba Harvest has been the leader in hemp foods for 20 years), reading labels thoroughly, and completely understanding the exact amount of CBD per serving you’re ingesting—whether that’s a hemp extract or a CBD isolate. Who else is ready to CBD it up now that all the what-ifs are out of the way?
In partnership with Manitoba Harvest
Top photo: Good Vibrations Images/Stocksy
