OPINION: CBD Products – Do They Really Work?

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I’ve been reading so much lately about the benefits of using CBD products for conditions like pain, anxiety, insomnia and a myriad of other maladies. As someone who is skeptical of trendy, organic, non-pharmacy-prescribed treatments, I’ve been hesitant to embrace this particular movement. Yet, just out of curiosity, I reached out on Facebook one day to see if anyone I know personally uses any of these products.

I was stunned by the number of replies I’d received from people I trust and respect, raving about CBD products and their effectiveness. From those who suffer from arthritis and accident recovery, to athletes and others, they all choose to rely on CBD-based supplements to relieve their pain, often without the addition of a prescription and over-the-counter assistance. Not one single person had anything negative to say.

I went online and researched the hell out of it, and tried to educate myself on the different types of products (salves, lotions, tinctures, etc.) and what they’re made from (hemp seed vs full-flower, etc).  I read article after article on what to look for when trying to find the right (and the best) product. There’s a LOT of information out there, so I would suggest you do some serious reading before purchasing.    

I purchased a bottle of CBD oil that was recommended as an effective product on several websites, the tincture kind that you use in a dropper and place under your tongue. Initially, I felt like I had no reaction at all to it. The taste is less than awesome, and I don’t know what I was really expecting. CBD of this kind has no THC in it, so there was no high, of course. So, I stuck it out and waited to see if something… anything… happened.

It’s been two weeks now since I began using this product and, I will admit, there have been real results. Maybe not the instant BAM! I was looking for, with the sudden energy to do cartwheels down the street. But I can honestly say, I haven’t slept this well in months. My constant back and neck pain have quieted significantly. And I feel calmer in stressful situations (not necessarily child’s-pose-yoga-calm, but definitely ‘I don’t think I’ll freak out in this meeting’ calm).

CBD products are not approved by the FDA. That is, they haven’t been presented with conclusive and hard evidence to say firmly that, yes, CBD is perfectly fine to use and can actually do everything it promises to do and more. (If they did that, would we still have use for big pharma? I’m just asking.) Yet, despite this, it has become a wildly popular treatment to those seeking something legal, safe, effective and easy to find.

You should always consult your doctor before adding any supplement to your body, and you should do your research. There will always be the snake-oil salespeople out there, who want to take your hard-earned dollars. Fortunately, there are now many retailers who are educated on the benefits of CBD products and what they can possibly do for you. Good luck!

 

About Ann Luongo

Ann Luongo has been writing for Cape Cod and South Shore publications for over 15 years.



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