"When I first heard about CBD oil, I admit I was a little sceptical. I was immediately reminded of reefer and the disconcerting experiences I had had with increased anxiety in college. For me, a person who is already predisposed to overthinking, marijuana, regardless of its form, tends to set my mind into overdrive and cause a common but dreaded side effect: Paranoia."

But let's back up a bit. What is CBD?

What is CBD?

Doing a little research on the internet I found out that the active ingredient in bove health's Balance Oil hemp oil, the product I was offered to try, was the naturally occurring compound CBD, which stands for cannabidiol. Unlike THC, the other crucial compound in hemp and marijuana plants, CBD (when derived from the hemp plant) does not produce the psychoactive effects that make you feel "high"; instead, emerging science has hinted that CBD can actually relieve anxiety, something that certainly catches my attention.

Although the science behind the efficacy of CBD in the treatment of anxiety, pain and insomnia is still in its infancy, the inspiring story of so many people, of all ages, around the world, who claim how cannabis has improved the quality of their lives, from epilepsy sufferers to people with anxiety and post-traumatic stress (learn more about the scientific evidence for medical cannabis). here .

For example, a study comparing the effects of THC and CBD found that while THC increased anxiety by activating neurotransmitters involved in the 'fight or flight' response, CBD suppressed autonomic arousal, i.e. the nervous system response associated with sudden increases in heart rate or breathing. In other words, CBD may be ideal for people looking to relax and unwind.

Is CBD Oil safe?

Today's CBD industry is like the early years of the internet... the Wild West. Legally speaking, with the growing interest in CBD, it is important to note that since CBD is currently unregulated, it is difficult to know what you are buying (whether it is a tincture - commonly known as CBD oil, which is often combined with a carrier oil such as coconut oil - topical products such as creams and balms, sprays or capsules), despite product labels and brand promises. blog.

It is also important to note that people experience CBD differently. For the most part, the Institute National Medical School says that while most people can tolerate CBD, there are side effects. These can include dry mouth, drowsiness and reduced appetite, among others.

That said, those interested in exploring the potential benefits of CBD should consult with their doctor (especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication) and be aware of your dosage. And before you buy, Carlos VeraThe co-founder of Bove Health always warns that you should always look for a certificate of analysis. "Ask for a COA for the batch number of the product you have, as these products are made in batches," she said. "You have to check the batch number against the COA, a lab analysis that certifies the percentage of cannabinoids and terpenes that correspond to your product. Next, analyse the report for potency (i.e. does the number of milligrams of CBD advertised on the product label match the lab report), for contaminants and pesticides, and for microbes (which should be listed in the "Microbiological Testing" part of the report). Go one step further and see if the testing lab is GMP (Principles of Good Manufacturing) certified.

With that, I was unconcerned and asked for a sample. This is what happened - including what it felt like - when I used a full dropper of bove healht's CBD oil, THE BALANCE OIL, for seven days.

My first impression

Actually, it was a bad case of anxiety after a lot of things came together, such as work, university and my art life that inspired me to finally try CBD oil (I admit that my Cannabis-based thoughts prevented me from trying it for the first few months). Knowing that the oil had also helped people with sleep problems, I used a full dropper of CBD oil. Balance Oil I followed the instructions, and waited.

On reflection the next morning, what surprised me most was the fact that I never felt "high" in any way - there was never a moment of freak-out effect. Bearing in mind that it takes time, consistency and the correct dosage to experience the full effect, I continued to take the oil once a day for the next six days. This is what happened.

"It made me less anxious and nervous. Instead of overthinking a harsh email or analysing a social interaction, I found it easier to recognise the irrationality of these thoughts and let them go.

While I usually stumble over little things like an overly crowded underground car or a full inbox at work, the CBD oil seems to have removed some of my anxiety. Instead of overthinking an email or analysing a social interaction, I found it easier to recognise the irrationality of these thoughts and let them go. In a way, I feel more like myself. That said, I still experience some social anxiety when I meet new groups of people; I would be interested to see what effect taking the full recommended dose would have.

"I'm sleeping better"

I fall asleep faster. I suppose this is also a side effect of feeling less anxious, but I seem to fall asleep faster; 20-30 minutes instead of the usual 45 minutes to an hour (or more). Not only do I seem to skip, or at least shorten, the whole tossing and turning phase of the sleep cycle, but I am able to get out of the excessive thoughts that often keep me awake at night. Of course, there's no telling whether a major life event could interrupt this new-found happiness, but I'd like to think it has helped my day-to-day life.

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