CBD: Your Questions Answered
A few months ago I worked with The Chillery and last night (May 31st) I hosted an Instagram Live with Marisa Schwab, co-founder of The Chillery, to answer all your CBD related questions. When I first worked with The Chillery, I loved the effects of the CBD tincture on my anxiety. I struggled to describe it but Marisa said it perfectly, “It just turns down the noise”…and that’s exactly it. It quieted my anxiety, turned down the volume, created space for more positive energy. The covid-19 pandemic really triggered my anxiety, especially at the outset and I found that CBD really helped me manage it so, when The Chillery asked if I’d like to host an Instagram Live with them, I jumped at the chance.
So, here are the answers to your questions. If you decide to go ahead and try CBD, then use the code NOTSOSMUGNOW for 10% off at The Chillery (this is an affiliate deal so I will make a percentage of sales). If you have any other questions that we haven’t covered here then please feel free to DM The Chillery via their Instagram account.
What is CBD?
CBD is a derivative of the Hemp plant (as opposed to the marijuana plant). Though it’s a compound found in the cannabis plant, CBD (or cannabidiol, to give it its official name), doesn’t get you high as THC does. Nor is it addictive, which means it can safely work its purported magic without you getting hooked. The secret to its apparent success lies in its interaction with your body’s natural endocannabinoid system, which regulates numerous bodily functions and is said to range from appetite to reproduction, stress to temperature control and inflammation.
How does CBD make your feel? How do you work out dosage?
CBD comes in many different delivery forms and the effects of those are different. There are vape pens, tincture oils, creams, chocolate, intimacy lubes, gummies…the list goes on. For stress and anxiety the vape pens or tincture oils work best and for acute pain the creams are great. Dosage is a very personal thing and something that you need to work out over time. You won’t feel immediate effects of CBD (unless you use the vape pen) so you need to give it a few days to build up.
What do you use CBD for?
CBD has been shown to be beneficial for a host of different ailments but most people use it to manage insomnia and stress/anxiety. It can be beneficial for pain management too - both acute and chronic. It’s worth trying CBD before you head down a traditional pharmaceutical route (not that there’s anything wrong with that!) just in case you find it helps.
What dosage should you take?
The dosage of CBD can be very confusing. The Chillery send out a really straightforward chart with your products that helps explain it all but they’re also really willing to answer any questions you may have if you’re still confused. Dosage largely depends on each individual - we are all different - so it is about sticking with it for a few days and checking in with how you feel. It’s about finding balance so it’s a case of trying and testing according to the guidelines until you feel like it’s working for you.
Is there any THC in CBD?
THC is the mind-altering component that essentially gets you ‘high’. Marijuana plant derivatives can contain up to 30% THC but the hemp plant derivatives (from which CBD comes) by definition will only have 0.2% THC which is nowhere near enough to have a mind altering effect on you. CBD is not addictive and while it does build up in your system, there are no known issues with stopping CBD. As the CBD leaves your body, the effects will simply reduce with no specific side effects.
CBD seems expensive. Can you buy cheaper products?
Like everything else, with CBD you get what you pay for. CBD is still unregulated so you need to make sure that you are buying from a reputable company and the better quality CBD product, the higher the price. The Chillery has certification on every product it stocks and is happy to send that to you to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
Can you take CBD with other medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds or the contraceptive pill?
You really need to talk to your GP when it comes to taking CBD in conjunction with other medications. In terms of the contraceptive pill, it will depend whether you are on an eostrogen based pill or a progesterone based pill. Your GP will be very willing to have the conversation so don’t feel worried about bringing it up!
Are there any side-effects to CBD?
Some people talk about suffering from an upset stomach but that seems to be very rare and usually is more to do with an intolerance to the carrier oils rather than the CBD itself. Other than the side effects that you want there doesn’t seem to be much evidence of any adverse side effects but again, please speak to your GP if you are concerned.
Can you use CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There have been very little studies on the effect of CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding so while the information is limited the advice is to be very cautious.
If you are interested in trying CBD products, then please head to The Chillery and use the code NOTSOSMUGNOW for 10%. (This is an affiliate deal so I will make a percentage of any sales).