Tag: CBD

The Use of CBD for Public Speaking

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This article by Madeleine Taylor was originally published on SundayScaries.

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The extreme fear of public speaking is called glossophobia. Yes, it’s actually a phobia. It is a form of social anxiety disorder (SAD). The onset of this phobia often occurs when one is on stage or even when they are simply talking to their own family members or friends (in the most extreme of cases). Many people resort to dealing with this phobia by either avoiding talking completely or being utterly miserable while speaking.

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How CBD Can Help with the Fear of Public Speaking

CBD oil is rich in cannabinoids, which bind to certain receptors in the brain. According to a 2011 study, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, the cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2, which play a significant role in the body and are present in our:

  • Liver
  • Kidneys
  • Lungs and other organs

These receptors are tasked with affecting the immune system and blood cell formation. All these make the endocannabinoid system that influences moods, appetite, pain, reproduction, memory, etc.

CB1 receptors are located in the brain, whereas the CB2 is found in the immune system. These locations help the receptors to fulfill their primary function of stress reduction, balanced immunity, neuroprotection, and homeostatic regulation.

CBD rapidly interacts with your body’s cells since it has a similar chemical composition and generates therapeutic effects that return your body to a state of balance.

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Cannabidiol in Anti-anxiety Studies

Studies show that the relationship between adenosine and cannabidiol help treat anxiety. Adenosine receptors play the major role in the cardiovascular system and affect the regulation of myocardial consumption of oxygen as well as blood flow.

So, when CBD stimulates the production of adenosine, there exists a rise of dopamine and glutamate neurotransmitters. Dopamine is tasked with motor control, motivation, perception, and reward, while glutamate affects memory, learning, cognition, and excitatory signals. Because of this, some benefits of CBD include helping with anxiety (with no THC side effects) and lowering resistance to anxious responses, which helps in a social setting—and with public speaking.

This 2012 study outlines CBD’s anxiolytic properties, which help with acute anxiety in humans. The study shows that a person with no stress or anxiety administered with CBD does not experience feelings of relaxation; however, administering when there was acute anxiety showed a significant anxiety-reducing effect. Though being efficient in the management of anxiety, there is no commonly accepted dose of CBD meant for treatment. When administered in animals, the result was a bell-shaped dose-response curve with moderate doses of anxiolytic that is lost at high doses.

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CBD vs THC for Anxiety

When looking for the most ideal anxiety management system between the two compounds, CBD is considered legal and non-psychoactive despite both compounds being of benefit to the patient. A number of people with anxiety cannot use THC because it encourages anxiety and an irrational state of mind.

Some findings suggest that THC also has the potential of reducing the onset of neuropathy and can serve as a treatment for insomnia, depression, nausea and appetite loss just as CBD does.

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Management of Anxiety Using CBD

There is overwhelming evidence that shows CBD can effectively manage stress and anxiety—including the stress and anxiety that come with the fear of public speaking:

  • Acute Stress-Induced Anxiety: A 2017 study of public speaking related anxiety confirmed the bell-shaped CBD dose-response in humans. The study indicated that a 300mg dose of CBD effectively reduces anxiety but a 100mg or 900mg dose cannot.
  • THC-Induced Anxiety: It’s worth noting that anxiety caused by THC can be counteracted by CBD at lower doses than the doses needed when managing anxiety from acute stress. For instance, a dose of 15-60mg and 70mg were able to manage anxiety caused by THC, a dose lower than what is required to manage acute stress-induced anxiety.
  • Chronic Anxiety: In cases of chronic anxiety, the doses administered are generally lower. This is attributed to the changes in the endocannabinoid system in people with chronic anxiety. No clinical studies have been undertaken to establish a regular dosing regimen for chronic anxiety.

When using CBD oil yourself, doses and effects may differ.

It is recommended that you try low doses of CBD and see how it works first. You can begin with a dose of 10mg to experiment, unlike the huge doses used in studies, 400mg and 600mg, which are high. It’s better to start with a lower dose to learn its effects rather than diving into the unchartered waters of the unknown high doses or potentially wasting your CBD oil altogether.

From the findings, CBD is highly recommended to be administered to persons with social anxiety. CBD showed a significant reduction of anxiety that seen in speech performance discomforts and cognitive impairment. When administered, all these signs decrease and alertness in anticipatory speech decrease is seen.

How Long Does It Take for CBD Oil to Work?

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This article by Madeleine Taylor was originally published on SundayScaries.

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CBD products from the cannabis plant, such as CBD oil and hemp oil, have been proven to work as a symptom treatment for a wide variety of ailments, including post-traumatic stress disorder, which is exactly why it has become so popular over recent years. And, after more states and countries have taken steps to legalize cannabis, medical professionals are now advocating the use of CBD oil to alleviate the symptoms of many conditions. From serious physical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and chronic pain to emotional issues like anxiety, depression, and insomnia, CBD oil has proven to be effective as a possible symptom treatment for pretty much any illness that you can think of.

And as more media attention is drawn to marijuana and particularly CBD oil, those who are considering taking CBD to improve their health are left wondering exactly how long it will be before they can experience the benefits of taking it.

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What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol is the primary substance that contributes to the efficacy of CBD oil. It differs from its counterpart, THC, in that it does not produce psychoactive effects. Therefore, CBD-based products do not give you the same mind-altering effects, which has allowed it to become completely legal in the US and is quickly becoming widely available nationwide.

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How Long does CBD take to Work?

There are a few different factors that will determine how quickly CBD oil will begin working in the body after it is consumed. First, the precise symptom or condition that you hope to alleviate will be a key influencer on how quickly you can expect to experience the effects of CBD. For example, if you suffer from chronic, debilitating pain, you may find that you start noticing a difference only after you have been taking the CBD oil for a while. You will also need to consider the concentration and dosage of the product you are taking. Not all CBD oils are created equal, which is why it is important only to purchase high-quality products from a reputable supplier. The largest and possibly most important determining factor that comes into play when considering how long it takes CBD to work, is the method you use to take it.

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Vaping CBD Oil

The benefits of CBD are impressive. Moreover, vaping a high-grade, high-concentration CBD oil is going to offer you one of the fastest ways of experiencing its beneficial effects. This is because all the rich healing compounds will be delivered pretty much directly into your bloodstream via your lungs. The majority of users who vape CBD oil report that they can experience positive effects in as little as 10 minutes after vaping. It is important to remember that vaping CBD is not the same as smoking a joint. You won’t feel high or woozy, but you will notice a sense of calm and relief.

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Sublingual CBD Tinctures

Sometimes, a medication will be placed under the patient’s tongue if it needs to take effect quickly. A CBD tincture is essentially an oil that is dropped under the tongue and absorbed directly by the mucous membranes in the mouth. This allows it to go straight into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver and the digestive system. Many users of CBD oil prefer to take a sublingual tincture, as it tends to taste better—or at least you can largely avoid it flowing through your taste buds.

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CBD Gummies or Edibles

As cannabis-derived products become increasingly popular to treat everyday issues like migraines and insomnia, manufacturers are always looking for alternative ways to ingest it that actually taste good. While CBD oil is one of the most effective ways of experiencing the benefits quickly, many people don’t like the taste or texture. A good alternative is to invest in flavored CBD edibles. It is also worth noting that you can add CBD oil to any food or drink, but it will take longer to kick in. This is because it needs to be digested and then your liver needs to metabolize it before you feel the effects.

If you prefer to consume a CBD-based edible, then you should take it on an empty stomach, otherwise, it will take quite a while to take effect.

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Topical Creams

If you are interested in taking CBD for skin conditions or for anti-inflammatory purposes, then a cream or ointment could work well. You simply rub the product directly onto your skin and the underlying cells will absorb it over time. This will cause the beneficial effects to last longer, especially if you are regularly applying a topical CBD cream.

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How Much CBD Oil Do I Need to Take?

Everyone is different, so it is important to remember that what might be an ideal dose for one person may not be enough for another. You can find the perfect dosage of CBD by taking the following into account:

  • Your bodyweight
  • Your tolerance
  • The severity of your issue
  • Your chosen method of ingestion

With this in mind, we suggest that you start with a dose of around 2 mg. This will not only let your body become accustomed to the CBD oil and its effects, but the majority of people easily tolerate this dose and still experience its benefits. If you feel that isn’t quite cutting it, then from this point you can gradually increase the dosage you take until you hit the sweet spot.

As a rule of thumb, once you notice that your symptoms are starting to ease away you don’t need to increase the dose. Generally speaking, the dosage should no longer be increased once your medical symptoms are alleviated. It should be noted, however, that very high doses of CBD oil can induce feelings of sedation and fatigue.

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How Long Will the Effects Last?

You will be pleased to hear that the effects of CBD oil will last for a few hours or more. So, unless you suffer from severe anxiety or insomnia, you won’t have to worry about taking a huge amount to stop it wearing off too quickly. Slow and steady wins the race every time! It can also be useful to think about the timings of your doses and plan accordingly depending on what you need the CBD oil for and how you will consume it. For example, if taking it for anxiety and you know you have a big meeting at 3pm, then factor this into your schedule.

Reduce Sport Injury Pain with CBD Tincture

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This article was originally published on SundayScaries.

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Athletes of every level are familiar with sport-related injuries and pain, regardless of whether it’s a result of competition level intense training or a specific event. And while both sportsmen and their coaches are largely knowledgeable about how to treat pain, the search is on for natural treatment options that can get them back in the game as soon as possible.

Recent years have seen a new and powerful treatment option rise to fame in the sports world in the form of CBD oil, which is non-invasive, entirely natural, and has few side effects. In comparison to traditional pain remedies, CBD is pocket-friendly, easily accessible in every state in the US, and it doesn’t require a prescription or inpatient treatment. It has been clinically proven to be an effective treatment for chronic pain and inflammation and according to personal testimonies it also offers other bonuses like promoting better sleep quality, enhancing focus, and increasing energy levels.

Previously, professional athletes had little choice but to rely on aggressive anti-inflammatory pills or injections to treat swelling and pain occurring as a result of a sports injury. The side effects of these traditional medicines have resulted in many professional careers being destroyed. It is for this reason that more athletes are turning to CBD tincture as a way to naturally combat pain, as well as enhancing their day to day performance. Further research is underway to determine if CBD can eventually be classified as a medicine by the notoriously strict FDA. It has already been cleared for use by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

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How CBD Works to Reduce Sports Injury Pain

A hemp plant contains over 400 beneficial natural chemicals that synergistically work together to improve one’s health—one of the most important being CBD, or cannabinoids. Inflammation that happens as a result of our pain receptors being triggered is effectively reduced by the antioxidant properties that cannabinoids contain, whilst simultaneously interacting with the serotonin and vanilloid receptors that alter our perception of pain. This winning combination has been so effective that athletes who once relied on highly addictive opioid-based painkillers are now opting for a daily dose of CBD tincture.

In addition to helping combat pain and inflammation initial research has revealed that CBD also works as a neuroprotectant, which is invaluable to participants of contact sports, such as boxing or football. It also relaxes muscle spasms, soothes aching muscles, and replenishes muscles post-workout, further adding to its ever-growing appeal as a recommended supplement for athletes.

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CBD Tincture or Topical Balm?

Both CBD tincture and CBD infused balms have their advantages when it comes to treating sports injuries but for maximum effect a combination of the two is best. Taking a sublingual tincture for sports medicine is the quickest and most convenient way of benefitting from CBD and many will argue that it is the fastest way of experiencing the long-term benefits. Topical ointments are perfect for treating localized injuries such as muscle spasm or sprains and strains. CBD balm can be applied liberally as many times as you like. So, for example, if you have knee pain, you can apply a topical CBD lotion or balm to reduce swelling and aid the healing process. Your knee tendon pain should begin to subside as the blood flow increases and the CBD acts to relieve pain. The same would go for your shoulder, rotator cuff, or other ligaments that can be torn or strained during physical activity.

If your pain is severe, a tincture will metabolize quicker than a topical balm and you will experience a greater sense of relief in less time, as well as being able to sleep better despite your injuries.

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Will CBD Tincture Make You Feel High?

Despite thousands of articles already existing clearly stating that CBD oil does not have any kind of psychoactive effects, some athletes are still concerned that it could negatively affect their performance. Rest assured that the opposite is true; not only can it help enhance your determination and stamina, you also won’t have to worry about failing a drug test providing the CBD tincture you are using contains the legal amount of 0.3 percent THC.

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Conclusion

CBD has already marked a turning point for athletes looking to manage pain and recover from injury with natural anti-inflammatory medications. The only issue is that until more research and studies are carried out, we are left wondering about how CBD is best and most effectively used among athletes and how it can be used as a preventive measure for injury and joint-related issues. But the same is true of many new products that emerge in the sports world; we know they are beneficial, but the specifics of how they are beneficial still remain a little vague. The sports world is ever-evolving and new workout fads are coming and going out of fashion faster than ever. One thing we do know is that with CBD tincture making headlines via anecdotal evidence of helping treat fatal illnesses like epilepsy and cancer, it will likely become a mainstream medicine in the future.

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A word of warning for professional athletes:
Always make sure that you purchase a CBD tincture from a reputable source, and you request verification of the ingredients by obtaining a lab report. The Anti-Doping Agency has approved the use of CBD oil that contains 0.3 percent THC (as per federal law). If you’re injured, ask your doctor or physical therapist about incorporating CBD for pain relief into your healing process.

Goodbye Wrinkles and Blemishes: CBD For Skincare

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This article was originally published on SundayScaries.

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CBD sits right in the junction of modern society’s current concerns about beauty, health, and emotional wellbeing. Given the trials and tribulations that life presents us with on a continuous basis, it really is no surprise that everyone is in search of the holy grail that will provide them with the serenity that we are all seeking in one way or another. Cue CBD, which has taken the world by storm by shaking the stoner stereotype often associated with marijuana and donning a sleek, luxurious cloak.

These days, CBD can be found in everything from organic gummies and potent tinctures to iced lattes and gold-plated vape pens that casually adorn the shelves of luxury boutiques. Celebrities have latched onto the CBD trend too, with personalities such as Kim Kardashian wanting to throw a CBD-themed baby shower. And let’s not forget about that ultra-chic brand, Beboe, that has swiftly become one of the most in-demand CBD skincare brands in the US.

A recent report from a popular marijuana delivery platform revealed that the percentage of women forming the cannabis consumer market outweighed the quantity of men. It was also shown that the likelihood of women incorporating cannabis into their personal care regimes is 67 percent more than men. With all the environmental issues that our planet is experiencing, it makes perfect sense that people are now more inclined to want to use naturally derived products. And this is why we can expect to see CBD positively thriving in a billion-dollar beauty products industry.

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What are the Benefits of Using CBD in Skincare

Experts in the beauty industry agree that CBD offers a multi-faceted approach to nourishing skincare. It has strong anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties and it’s also a powerful anti-oxidant. Inflammation and skin aging catalysts for each other, and CBD has been proven to reduce inflammation. It also hydrates the skin and stimulates collagen production, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles. It is rich in vitamins that contribute to healthy, balanced skin.

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How Does CBD Combat Wrinkles and Skin Conditions?

Our skin features the highest concentration of cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found all throughout the body and this comprises what’s known as an endocannabinoid system, which is basically responsible for regulating essential bodily functions and responses to things like stress, immunity, sebum production, and hormones. Research has revealed that CBD interacts with these receptors, which is the reason our skin responds so well to it. When dealing with issues like inflammation, bacteria, and lipid reduction (which can cause acne), CBD balances everything via the stimulation of the cannabinoid receptors in the skin.

Research still has a long way to go before skincare brands can start making firm claims with regard to CBD’s ability to soothe skin complaints and reduce the signs of aging, but what we know so far is that it definitely has strong potential to be highly effective at reducing skin irritation and redness, making wrinkles less visible and treating conditions like psoriasis and acne.

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Which Method of Using CBD is Most Effective for Healthy Skin?

Taking any form of CBD definitely increases your chances of having healthier skin, but there is a difference between eating a CBD infused gummy and applying a topical serum. For starters, you should understand that if you ingest CBD, there is a 100-percent chance of that active ingredient reaching your bloodstream. Whether that is through mouth tissue or your digestive system, you will reap the benefits. But, due to the fact that it passes through your body into the bloodstream, bioavailability will differ.

When CBD is applied directly to the skin it has less chance of reaching your bloodstream, but when the endocannabinoid receptors in your skin absorb it, it tends to works quite fast for localized surface-level treatment. So, if you want to improve issues like sore or dry skin, blemishes, or wrinkles, the topical application will be a winner thanks to the localized concentrated effect.

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What About Skin Conditions Like Acne?

Many people who suffer from acne and oily or sensitive skin have had fantastic results after using CBD skincare, reporting that their skin quickly felt and looked better. Redness and greasy skin can improve in as little as just a few applications, depending on the severity of the complaint you are experiencing. But, those who suffer from breakouts that are stress-related or linked to poor sleeping and eating habits have also found that CBD oil taken sublingually has been responsible for the drastic improvements they have experienced. At this stage, both methods appear to be successful based on word-of-mouth testimonies.

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What to Look for in CBD Skin-Care Products

With so many options available in the CBD skincare realm, it’s important to know what qualities to look for when making a choice. A premium quality product will be made using full-spectrum CBD oil, so you benefit from the goodness found in every part of the cannabis plant and not just CBD. It should be pesticide- and GMO-free, as well as being subject to third-party lab testing. Lab testing is important, as it is proof that the ingredients on the label match those found inside the product. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the brand, do your research and listen to advice provided by reputable brands.

Here’s the Tea: CBD Gummies or Tincture Infused Tea Recipes to Try

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This article was originally published on SundayScaries.

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If you’re feeling a little adventurous, and you want to explore novel ways to consume CBD, then you are not alone. Every day sees new companies and products popping up in the CBD world, and as new ideas are developed regarding the ways in which the all-natural supplement can be consumed, new trends are emerging.

2019 has seen a range of businesses popping up left, right, and center—from spas specializing in deep tissue massage using CBD oil to cafes offering CBD smoothies and CBD-infused coffee. You will most likely find it somewhere nearby.

CBD gummies are definitely a trend across the United States, but due to their ever-increasing popularity, it can be a struggle to find dispensaries in your area that have good quality gummies in stock. In light of this, many people are now getting out their baking equipment and looking for recipes that allow them to make their own gummies from the comfort of their own home and experiment with a wide range of different flavors and textures.

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CBD Gummy Recipe to Try

You don’t have to be a master chef to make these CBD gummies. You just need to mix all the ingredients together, stir, and pour into a silicone mold for them to set. The hardest part of the whole process is measuring out how much CBD you want each gummy to contain, which isn’t exactly a deal-breaker.

Tip: If you work out that you want 10mg of tincture in each gummy, look at how many gummies the mixture makes in total and multiply by that amount.

You can also add the CBD oil into each little mold after you have poured the rest of the ingredients, though this does require a bit more skill and dexterity!

You will need:

  • Flavored gelatin
  • CBD oil
  • Silicon mold

Step by step:

  1. Follow the instructions on the gelatin packet. Remove the dissolved mixture from the heat and either add in the desired amount of CBD oil at this point and pour into a mold to set, or add it in when you have poured the mixture into each mold individually.
  2. After around 30 minutes, put the molds in the fridge and in a few hours your gummies will be ready to eat! Yes, it really is that simple.

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CBD Infused Tea Recipes

If CBD gummies aren’t your thing, or you simply cannot be bothered to make a mess in the kitchen, then rest assured you can still enjoy all the benefits of CBD in a simple tea form. Certain herbs and spices complement CBD better than others, so for the following recipe we will be focusing on particular types of tea.

The first thing to do is to have your end goal clear in your mind. Do you want to make a CBD tea that will help you to relax and drift off to sleep at the end of a long day? Or do you want something more energy-enhancing, like green tea CBD mixture, to start the day alert and focused? Once you have selected your tea of choice, either loose-leaf or in a tea bag, you have already made a good start.

What you will need:

  • Tea of choice (we will be using matcha green tea gunpowder)
  • Milk of preference (coconut milk works great!)
  • Good quality full-spectrum CBD tincture
  • Your favorite teacup!

Step by step:

  1. Boil around half a cup of water and pour over your tea bag or loose-leaf tea of choice. Stir and leave to infuse for a few minutes
  2. The next step is to add your milk product of choice—remember that oil and water don’t mix, so adding a fatty component into the mix is essential for the CBD oil to absorb properly
  3. Add your desired dose of high-quality CBD tincture, stir, and leave for a couple of minutes. Enjoy

Making your own CBD tea at home really couldn’t be much simpler, and it also is quick and convenient to prepare. There is another option, which is to buy pre-made CBD infused tea bags (or loose-leaf tea).

In this instance, you will get better results if you place the teabag in the cup and first cover with warm milk of choice. After you have allowed the CBD oil to fully absorb into the warm milk for around 10 minutes, top up with hot water and enjoy!

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Top Tip

Try to use hot water as opposed to freshly boiled water, as you will avoid a burnt taste that can be especially prominent when using gunpowder teas or loose leaf. And of course, don’t forget the strainer!

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Why Coconut Milk?

The reason we chose coconut milk for this homemade CBD brew recipe is that it increases the bioavailability of the cannabinoids. This is why many CBD tinctures and balms use coconut oil as a carrier oil—it helps the cannabinoids pass into the bloodstream quicker.

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The Takeaway

CBD teas and homemade gummies can be a tastier way for you to take your CBD tincture, and many people prefer these methods over taking the oil sublingually. While you might notice a faint earthy taste, it will be nothing compared to ingesting CBD oil neat.

3 Benefits of Practicing Meditation with CBD

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This article was originally published on SundayScaries.

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Meditation has long been practiced within the Buddhist religion as a means for heightened awareness. In society today, you may think of people who practice meditation as being hippies or activists of some kind. The truth is meditation has amazing qualities for anyone who can set aside time for the practice. This includes those needing relief from everyday stressors or those who seek mental clarity.

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, has been introduced within the past few years as another route to achieving calmness. It has been gaining in popularity within the yoga and meditation communities. There are many people who practice meditation who also incorporate CBD into their routine for heightened benefits. Unlike the THC also found in the cannabis sativa plant, CBD will not get you high.

Below are three of the top 3 benefits for practicing meditation with CBD. If you seek to find mental clarity, self-awareness, and/or relief from symptoms of anxiety or stress, then this could be an interesting endeavor for you to try.

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Stress Relief and Reduced Anxiety

As humans in the 21st century, we are constantly busy. Our world today paints the picture of perfect living as one that has us working in high-paying jobs, living in huge houses, and driving high-end cars. Plus, we’re inundated with media on all our different screens, from our phones and laptops to TVs. This sort of materialistic driven living can produce a lot of stressors. We all want to be successful and have nice things, but at what cost to our own happiness?

Monday morning rolls around and we find ourselves dreading work. We make memes about it and post them to our social media accounts, just so everyone knows we dislike our job. But, we still do it. What choice do we have? If we want to live a good life attaining success and acquiring material items, sometimes the job becomes a necessary evil and a source of anxiousness. However, with products like Sunday Scaries CBD Gummies, you can overcome that dreadful anxiety.

Stress and anxiety can develop into physical symptoms throughout our body. For this reason, many people have turned to those Buddhist rooted traditions like meditation. According to some physicians, CBD can promote physical and mental relaxation and reduce levels of anxiety.

CBD for anxiety, along with guided meditation, can increase the level of relaxation for both your mind and body. It has been shown to provide mental clarity, help develop different moods, and prevent the brain from reacting to certain chemicals that cause the body to feel pain. This can be extremely helpful if you are seeking to reduce stress and anxiety, and effectively gain more mindfulness within your daily life.

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Improved Mental Clarity

Some people experience brain fog or a cloudy feeling in their mind at times. This can be due to high levels of anxiety and stress interrupting proper mental functions. This is when it can be useful to meditate or practice yoga. To get the most out of these practices and truly reduce stress levels, you can incorporate CBD to your routine. Researchers have proven that products that contain CBD with very low levels of THC can and do help with mental clarity and relaxation.

Meditation has already shown to produce many health benefits. It can promote overall happiness that can lead to a reduction of stress and anxiety. This is why many yoga studios across the country are taking the opportunity to use CBD in coordination with their practice. If one of these is already known to give us more mental clarity and heightened happiness, then both combined should amplify the results. However, some yoga class attendees aren’t so sure. The main reason being that most CBD products do take time to metabolize. This would mean that to have an optimal experience in using both, it would be better to take some form of CBD daily and within certain time frames. Taking right before a yoga class may not get you the results you are looking for.

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Advancement in Mental Health Practices

Scientists have been researching the various effects that CBD has on mental health and have begun using CBD when applicable. This emergence of practical everyday use of CBD has led many people with mental health disorders to try various forms of the product. Along with therapy and guided meditations for those dealing with social anxiety and mood disorders, relief has been found without continued use of prescription medications in some patients.

The government has been pressured for years when it comes to legalizing CBD. Sixteen states have legalized or decriminalized possession of CBD with little to no THC largely thanks to medical professionals who are studying the benefits of CBD and its growing number of applications.

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Growing Benefits

As society moves forward on the road to enlightenment, the use of multiple practices to help relieve symptoms like stress and anxiety is growing rapidly. Meditation has long been used as a foundation for bringing a person back to a tranquil state of mind. The continued research and use of CBD products coupled with this practice will be the advancement needed for many people to reach their overall health goals.

What Are the Rules about CBD and Alcohol?

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This article by Madeleine Taylor was originally published on SundayScaries.

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Most medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, come with warnings about mixing with alcohol. This is because both alcohol and medicines alter a person’s brain chemistry and if drugs are mixed with alcohol, it can have an unpredictable effect on the brain and body. The wrong mix of medication and alcohol can be fatal.

The awareness of the dangers of mixing medication and alcohol has led many people to ask if it’s safe to mix CBD and alcohol. The truth is, mixing hemp or CBD oil and alcohol can actually prove helpful for some people in an indirect manner. What’s more, using CBD oil can help a person curb their craving for alcohol, making it an effective treatment for alcoholism for some people.

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CBD and Alcohol

Though more research is needed, like with cannabis, there is some evidence that using CBD and then drinking can result in a lower blood alcohol content. This means you can drink the same amount of alcohol as usual but suffer less of a toxic effect on the body. Some believe CBD reduces the risk for alcohol poisoning—though nobody would suggest you take CBD and then binge drink just for the sake of testing the theory.

One study showed that transdermal CBD patches applied to rodents significantly reduced the brain damage associated with drinking too much alcohol. It could be that CBD protects the brain from the dangers of alcohol, which means it could be safer to enjoy an alcoholic beverage without concern for the long-term effects.

Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean you won’t get drunk, nor does it make it safe to drink and then operate a vehicle, or to drink in large quantities. However, there is evidence that CBD, which comes from the cannabis plant, enhances function after drinking and slows a person’s response time to alcohol. CBD also balances out the reaction to alcohol from a reward standpoint. This means it could prevent someone from developing an addiction to alcohol because they do not experience that exciting rush from drinking.

There is also some evidence that the positive effects of mixing, say, a tincture that contains high CBD and alcohol could extend beyond the brain into other parts of the body. One study showed that CBD protected the livers of mice from exposure to alcohol.

The positive effects—or reduction of negative effects—when mixing alcohol and CBD has led to some savvy bartenders creating CBD-infused cocktails. Though this is illegal in many areas and has yet to catch on so far in any widespread manner, it’s likely that, as more people discover the benefits of CBD oil and other CBD products, more and more businesses will use it to enhance and market their products.

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Using CBD to Treat Alcoholism

Perhaps the most notable link between CBD and alcohol is the potential for the compound to help those with an addiction to alcohol. This is the case whether a person has developed full-blown alcoholism, or they just tend to overdrink but haven’t yet made it to the point of having an addiction. Essentially, CBD can help a person have a healthier relationship with alcohol.

One of the biggest challenges alcoholics face is their withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. They not only give up the rush alcohol produces in their body, but their body will respond in negative ways. For instance, many people who are heavy drinkers and stop find they develop a tremor. Alcoholics going through withdrawal also tend to experience a general sense of nervousness, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, nausea, and irritability.

CBD has been shown to ease these symptoms in a variety of situations and could be an effective tool for helping a person kick their addiction to alcohol long-term. Not to mention the cost considerations for treating alcoholism. Many people would benefit from spending time in a long-term care facility to help them deal with their addiction, but these places are often cost-prohibitive. CBD is an affordable option for people who want to break their addiction to alcohol but don’t have the money to invest in an inpatient program.

CBD helps people who are struggling with alcohol and makes it easier to overcome their addiction by supplementing what the body can no longer do properly because of the damage from long-term over-drinking. It also substitutes the feelings produced by drinking. CBD acts as a natural “replenishment” of the body’s depleted supply of endocannabinoids, which are erased over the course of alcohol abuse. It can also reduce cravings for alcohol as a person goes through detox.

CBD can be helpful for getting a person through withdraw and then for helping them avoid the temptation to drink once they’ve kicked their drinking habit.

Unfortunately, the stigma that still surrounds CBD has kept it out of the hands of many people suffering from alcoholism. Too many people assume that using CBD to treat alcoholism is just trading “one drug for another.” Others falsely believe that CBD is even more dangerous than alcohol or that it will produce psychoactive effects and not allow a person to recover from alcoholism in their normal functioning state.

The truth is CBD is not psychoactive. There are a number of misunderstandings and myths out there about CBD and too many people link it to marijuana and THC because it is derived from a similar source. CBD does not get you high or stoned. It does not interfere negatively with your body’s natural ability to perform and, as a matter of fact, many people find it has a positive effect on their performance. People who are not struggling with alcoholism use CBD to help them focus, feel more relaxed, and to meet the demands of everyday life in their optimal condition.

If you are struggling to overcome alcoholism or you’re wondering if CBD can help you approach alcohol consumption in a healthier manner, it might be time to give it a try.

How Can CBD Help Senior Citizens?

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This article by Madeleine Taylor was originally published on SundayScaries.

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Cannabis-based products like medical marijuana have been getting more and more attention since Canada legalized marijuana in October 2018 year. While the healing drug from the cannabis plant is already legal in countries like Uruguay, Canada’s decision to make marijuana legal has pushed the healing capabilities of the herb into the limelight like never before.

Not a day goes by where we don’t see one of our friends share a post on social media about the therapeutic effects of CBD oil in particular, and we are often hearing of legitimate testimonials from people who have treated or helped treat their ailments and even terminal illnesses via ingesting cannabis-based products.

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Ways CBD Can Help Senior Citizens

CBD oil has received a lot of attention this year, due to its efficacy at relieving ailments like chronic pain, arthritis, and even dementia in elderly people, and in this article we will be looking at exactly how CBD can help our loved ones during the later stages of life.

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Combats Pain and Reduces Inflammation

As we get older, we start to notice aches and pains in our joints more frequently. And while many of us find the stiffness tolerable to a degree, when we reach a certain age, it can become debilitating and unbearable and many often turn to prescription drugs. A long time ago, CBD was found to provide long-term relief for pains that arise as a result of:

  • Arthritis
  • Neuropathy
  • Crohn‘s disease
  • Cancer
  • ALS
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Post-traumatic stress
  • Huntington’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

Many more ailments frequently cause pain in individuals of all ages, but especially the elderly. Thanks to the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabidiol oil, more doctors are prescribing nature’s powerful healing potion to senior patients as they feel it is a better alternative to dishing out traditional painkillers that can cause damage to other organs if used for too long.

With more publicity surrounding the use of CBD-based products to naturally combat the uncomfortable symptoms of aging, it quickly became the multi-purpose medicine of choice in states where it is permitted for medicinal purposes.

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CBD Heals Your Aching Bones

When taken in the correct manner, cannabis can help damaged joints. One of the most common symptoms of aging is the reduction in bone density, which is accompanied by the tendency to be prone to Osteoporosis. This degenerative condition makes the elderly highly susceptible to fractures, especially women over the age of 50 who have been through the menopause. CBD can be used as a preventative measure and also in a curative sense when it comes to dealing with bone-related issues in seniors.

Research has revealed that CBD is capable of halting bone degeneration in its tracks and even reversing existing damage. It triggers the regeneration of healthy bone tissue, as well as growth. The result of taking regular doses of CBS is one that senior citizens very much need—increased bone density and stronger bones. It also has the added benefit of relieving pain caused by the inflammation of joints and surrounding muscles.

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It Enhances Quality of Sleep

It comes without much surprise that many senior citizens have difficulty sleeping. They struggle to fall asleep, they can’t stay asleep for a long time, and they also usually struggle to maintain healthy sleep patterns. Not only can this lead to increased fatigue and irritability during the day, but inconsistent sleep in old age can also encourage degenerative diseases like dementia, glaucoma, and Alzheimer’s.

Fortunately, the benefits of CBD when it comes to sleep are countless. First of all, contrary to traditional prescription sleep meds, CBD enhances alertness throughout the day. However, it works much better as a sleeping aid when it is taken in the morning as opposed to right before bed. It cures insomnia by promoting lengthier, more consistent sleep patterns and also allows sufferers to overcome symptoms like anxiety, stress, and irritability that often accompany a lack of sleep. CBD is also a much safer alternative to pharmaceutical sleep aids, as there are no negative side effects associated with it whatsoever. For those of us who have elderly loved ones, this is possibly the most important advantage of the tincture.

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What Are the Safest Ways for Senior Citizens to Take CBD?

Smoking marijuana strains rich in CBD is not recommendable for the elderly, as high quantities of THC will also be ingested. That means that grandpa will be walking around in a complete daze most of the time, possibly as high as a kite. The safest and most effective methods of experiencing all of the healing benefits that cannabis has to offer, especially among senior citizens, is to consume CBD infused edibles such as under-the-tongue tinctures, and, of course, CBD oil.

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Final Thoughts

The benefits of choosing CBD products include no addictive properties and common withdrawal symptoms. Second, and perhaps most importantly, there are no side effects associated with CBD and a recent study revealed that in order to reach toxicity, one would have to consume over four pounds of marijuana in one day. CBD is paving the way for the world to focus on entirely natural treatments becoming commonplace in traditional medicine and with so many success stories emerging every day, the future is looking incredibly bright for cannabis-based products.

CBD Edible Oil: Food Infusion

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This article by Madeleine Taylor was originally published on SundayScaries.

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When it comes to consuming CBD, there are several different options to fit your individual needs. A few of the more popular CBD methods are vaping, smoking, and ingesting edibles. But one of the up and coming methods of consuming CBD is CBD edible oil. And with cannabis becoming legal in more and more areas, it is now easier than ever to get your hands on some.

While CBD edible oil is extremely versatile and can be used in just about anything you can think of, it is becoming increasingly popular in cooking and even making your very own edibles. Now comes the big question: Should you purchase your edibles and food pre-made, or should you buy your own CBD oil and infuse it into foods yourself? While buying foods with CBD oil already infused is much easier, it definitely isn’t nearly as fun. That’s why infusing CBD edible oil into foods yourself is the way to go.

To make sure that you are using your CBD oil safely in your cooking, here are some pointers that will help you create an amazing experience and have the absolute best results possible.

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Always Purchase Your CBD Oil from a Reliable Source

When you are ready to go shopping for your CBD oil, the most important thing you can do is research who or where you are buying it. You always want to make sure that you are only purchasing your CBD oil from someone who is not just reliable, but also has many positive reviews and a solid reputation in the market. While you can easily do a Google search to find a seller near you, many of these sellers may not be offering a pure, high quality, tested product.

It is always best to take a few extra minutes to research several different brands and sources. You want to keep an eye out for things like:

  • Where it is originally sourced
  • What the extraction method of the oil is
  • It’s bioavailability (this is essentially the proportion that enters the body and is able to have some type of effect)
  • Any type of greenwashing tactics (this is when the seller lies to you about the benefits of the product or any environmental practices)

Once you have done your research and have found a high-quality CBD edible oil to use with your edibles and other foods, it’s time to get started. While it sounds like a great idea to jump in with both feet and start using CBD oil in everything, it’s actually not a good idea at all.

There are a couple of factors at play including the taste of your food or edibles, as well as how you react after ingesting the food or edibles. That is why it is best to follow these simple tips.

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Get Familiar with Your Ingredients

If you want to start cooking with CBD oils, you should first understand the ingredients you plan on using and how the two may mix. A good way to start is to use recipes that use a fat or oil-based ingredient. Something like butter is a perfect way to get your feet wet when it comes to cooking with CBD oils.

It is easy to mix the two and will help you learn about infusing food with CBD oil. However, if you are cooking food without a fat or oil ingredient, this obviously won’t work. While you can infuse CBD oil with other ingredients, try to stay away from things that are water-based.

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Always Start Off with a Test Batch

Like any new ingredient, you should always use a smaller amount of CBD oil initially. You should also only make a smaller amount of the food you are planning to make. This way you will be able to see how the infused food affects you, as well as how it tastes. Once you have found out what the effects are going to be and how the taste is altered, you can then tweak the amounts of CBD oil being used. After this, you can start making larger quantities of your food and know exactly what the end results are going to be.

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Always Keep an Eye on the Temperature

One important step in cooking with CBD oil is the cooking temperature of your food. Now, keep in mind that CBD oil will start to evaporate at about 320 degrees. This means that cooking foods at a temperature of 400 degrees is not a good idea, as it will burn off all of the CBD oils.

So, when you are looking for a recipe to use, be sure to check the cooking temperature the food needs in order to be consumed safely. This will ensure that any CBD oils that were used will not evaporate and still be there after your food has finished cooking. As a rule of thumb, the lower the temperature you cook your food at, the greater the amount of CBD oil that will be present when it has finished.

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Always Store Your CBD Oil Infused Food Correctly

While the more experienced will usually be more aware of how to store their CBD oil infused foods, if you are new to cooking with CBD oils you probably don’t know that it is both heat and light sensitive. This means that when it comes time to store your CBD infused foods, you should take extra precaution to make sure and avoid issues such as the taste of your food changing or the CBD evaporating or becoming less effective. The best way to avoid any of these issues is always to be sure and store your edibles in a cool, dark place.

When it comes to using CBD oils with cooking, it can be a great experience that helps to make you feel better, as well as tastes great. If you do decide to try your hand at cooking with CBD oils, be sure to always use your common sense, and it will surely be one a great experience.

CBD Oil for Acne: What You Need to Know

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This article by Kim Torres was originally published on SundayScaries.

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Although you probably remember learning about mitochondria and the Cold War back in high school, there’s one lesson we all wish we’d learned then: that leaving our teen years behind does not necessarily mean being acne-free.

While most of us hoped that our breakouts would be the least of our worries after our prom photos were taken and our dorm rooms were moved into, the reality is: It is completely normal (and unfortunately common) for people to get acne well into their twenties, thirties, and beyond.

If you still struggle with blackheads and zits, it may be weighing down your self-esteem. Of course, no one should feel embarrassed or insecure about acne, but for many of us, we would still prefer to enjoy clear skin.

You may have tried over-the-counter drugstore products, do-it-yourself face masks from the internet, or even dermatologist-prescribed medications to treat your acne. If nothing has been successful so far, there is one potential new solution that you might not be aware of—CBD oil.

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What Is CBD?

You might not be familiar with CBD, CBD products, or hemp oil. If you are, you might be thinking, “Hey, that is just marijuana, right?” You may also be thinking, “How will that help me with my skin?”

Yes, cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid derived from hemp—it comes from the cannabis plant—but CBD is not the same as THC. THC is the chemical that makes you high when you smoke or consume marijuana. This means that even if you wanted to get high or buzzed from CBD, it will not happen. It simply does not have the same effect as THC.

However, research shows that there may be a number of medical benefits associated with CBD. Compared to a lot of other products on the market, CBD is just starting to receive the attention from researchers that it deserves, but so far studies are showing CBD can be an effective treatment for anxiety and seizures.

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CBD and Skin Care

It is important to understand that skin health is one of the many things that are influenced by our endocannabinoid system (to keep the scientific language to a minimum, this is the same bodily system that cannabis products, including CBD and THC, interact with). Our endocannabinoid system is the reason why cannabis products can influence so many aspects of our health, and why people experience such a broad range of results when using them.

So, it makes sense that CBD products can affect the general health of our skin and even treat acne. In fact, CBD is now being used in more and more beauty products. So far, research has suggested that cannabidiol oil can influence our skin health in two distinct ways: reducing inflammation and regulating oil production.

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Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation is a leading symptom of acne—it is the reason why, even under a thick layer of foundation, your zit will remain red and obviously visible. By reducing inflammation, you can reduce the appearance of acne and speed the healing process.

So far, research has pointed to CBD as having an anti-inflammatory effect, which could improve the health of your skin.

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Regulating Oil Production

Although inflammation is an all too common symptom of acne, oil production is the actual underlying cause. Sebum, which is produced in the sebaceous glands, is a naturally occurring oil used to lubricate your skin. But…when it is over-produced, your pores end up clogged and a break-out erupts. You end up with oily skin and clogged pores through dead skin cells.

Studies are starting to show that CBD can be used to not only manage the unpleasant symptoms of acne but address the root causes as well through regulating the glands that produce sebum. This can help keep your pores clean and reduce acne without drying out your skin.

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Other Skin Care Tips

When it comes to dealing with acne, there are a lot of different factors at play. Some people are genetically more likely to break out while others mainly notice acne appear with lifestyle changes, such as a poor diet or stress. Likewise, some people will notice acne primarily during puberty, while others will battle with it well into adulthood.

Whether or not you think CBD is right for you, there are other actions you can incorporate into your lifestyle to prevent acne and heal breakouts, including:

  • Avoid over washing your face: although it may be tempting, washing more than twice a day can be damaging to your skin in the long run
  • If you wear makeup, remember to remove it before going to bed
  • Try to cut greasy, heavily processed foods from your diet
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day
  • Do not forget to moisturize, but choose an oil-free product
  • Avoid touching your face throughout the day
  • Wash your pillowcases often and keep your phone screen clean
  • Talk to a dermatologist if your current routine is not working and your acne is severe

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How to Use CBD for Acne

If you are interested in using CBD for acne, you might be wondering the best way to start taking it. You might even be wondering if it is safe and legal.

The good news is that CBD is a safe product that millions of people are already using worldwide—and as it does not contain THC, it is legal in all fifty states.

As mentioned before, more research on CBD is underway than ever before. So far, studies have been focusing on it being taken orally or transdermally (directly on the skin) when it comes to acne treatment.  For this reason, it is up to you. You might want to start by taking a tincture or edible product to see if you notice an improvement.

You can also purchase skin care products that contain CBD or purchase a tincture and create your own home treatments (in the long run, this option might save you money and ensure you know exactly what ingredients are in your skin care products).

Ultimately, the choice is yours—whether you wish to use it as a face wash or take it orally, the only thing you have to lose is your pesky acne.