What is CBD? with Hempfield Botanicals

Yesterday’s celebration of National CBD Day 2020 put the spotlight on CBD companies all over the country, and even had mainstream companies like Quizno’s tweeting about how to enhance your life through cannabinoids. For many more Americans, the trend begged the question, “What is CBD?”

Simply put, CBD (short for Cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid – a compound or component found only in cannabis – which has been found to be particularly effective in producing healing effects similar to medical marijuana, without the “high” of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Products infused with CBD oil are now commonly found throughout the United States, from luxury skincare items to medical treatments to coffees and teas and even pet treats.

To find out more about CBD, we consulted with Hempfield Botanicals, an award-winning company based out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania that specializes in hemp-derived wellness products. Founded by husband-and-wife team Nathan and Heather, Hempfield provides soothing vegan CBD products and promotes plant education through medical cannabis consultations in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. A certified B Corporation, they proudly ensure that their operations impact not only consumers, but workers and the wider community in a positive way. Here are some of the most important CBD facts they shared with us.

How should CBD be used?

CBD is commonly used to treat:

Inflammation
Anxiety
Pain Relief
Stress
Nausea
Seizures

Check out top CBD products that are most recommended here: https://www.healthcanal.com/best-cbd-oil/anxiety

How do I dose CBD?

Topicals (products used on the skin rather than ingested) are dosed a bit differently as they are localized to an area. While being metabolized through the skin, the body’s tolerance doesn’t exactly absorb the amount that is applied. Though it is great for quick relief, this is partially the reason why topicals do not last as long as edibles or tinctures.

The contents of the product will be measured in mg (milligrams), as in, “This topical has 600mg CBD.”

What are the benefits of topicals?

Topicals are great for fast relief, in regards to physical pain, inflammation, migraines, cramping, arthritis, etc.. The almost instantaneous activation of CBD used topically is a huge benefit.

Why use Topicals vs. Edibles/Tinctures/Supplements (i.e., products to be ingested)?

Topicals work more quickly; they are great for localized purposes, menstrual cramps, pain relief or migraines. They are exclusively for pain and don’t metabolize internally for anxiety or stress benefits.

However, CBD options that are available for internal use are great for all-over relief. As an adaptogen, CBD finds areas of the body that are in need of its services.

Personally, a combination of the two is ideal, topicals provide quick results, while tinctures, edibles or supplements are best for a longer period of relief from anxiety, stress and inflammation, as well as pain.

Our Review: Hempfield Botanicals’ Muscle Recovery Topical (600mg)

Lovely scent with notes of peppermint and eucalyptus (though the product actually contains menthol and pink grapefruit essential oil). The consistency is nice, very light, absorbs quickly. It has wonderful cooling effects, which we find so relaxing and refreshing.

Very effective, long lasting and definitely a new favorite!

What should you look for when shopping for CBD?

Certifications of Analysis (COAs) are documents that show a cannabis-derived product’s “score” through laboratory analysis for adulterants such as heavy metals, mold, pesticides, and other components. COAs, batch codes, and QR codes are ways for companies to provide third party lab results for their products, as well as date specific products to the batches they were made, in the event of inconsistencies. If you can’t find any of these codes or data for the products you’re looking at, start searching elsewhere.

Also, keep an eye out for products that have multiple reviews. A greater number of reviews will likely tell you the different effects people are experiencing with these products, how strong the relief from the CBD oil might be, best times of day or night to use it, and other information that may help you with your own dosing.