CBD—the non-intoxicating cannabinoid that shows up in everything from dog treats to beauty products has quickly become one of the hottest active ingredients in the wellness market. For the last few years, during CBD’s explosion in popularity, more and more people have found a therapeutic use for this exciting compound. Even people with no previous cannabis experience are starting to experiment with CBD—people you may not expect, like the English teacher at the local high school or the soccer mom at the end of the cul-de-sac.
CBD makes cannabis accessible to everyone, even your mom and dad. But do parents need to worry about CBD negatively impacting their parenting skills?
What Exactly Is CBD?
CBD, which is an abbreviation of cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring, psychoactive molecular compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. When we consume CBD, the compound interacts with a system of neurotransmitters and neurotransmitter receptors in our body known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis and influences a smorgasbord of bodily functions such as appetite, sleep patterns, mood, and memory retention.
CBD Vs THC
Cannabidiol isn’t the only compound found in the cannabis plant. In fact, there are over 100 different psychoactive molecules classified as cannabinoids produced by cannabis. You may have heard of THC, another notable cannabinoid. THC and CBD are by far the most well-known cannabinoids out there, but they’re extremely different.
Both CBD and THC are psychoactive, meaning they interact with our brains and nervous systems, but only THC is intoxicating. All the quintessential stoner tropes, the couch-lock, the brain fog, the short-term memory loss, the insatiable appetite, the giggling euphoria, are all produced by THC exposure. On the other hand, CBD won’t leave users feeling high or confused, making it perfectly alright for busy parents to partake.
What Is CBD Good For?
If CBD doesn’t get you high, then what exactly is it good for?
There are actually tons of different uses for CBD. According to one 2014 study, cannabidiol may help prevent acne and breakouts by discouraging the build-up of a waxy material called sebum when applied topically. This explains why so many skincare lines are adding CBD to their ingredient list.
However, CBD may be good for much more than just our skin. Few things in this life are as stressful as parenting. Preliminary research suggests that CBD may be useful in reducing stress and treating several different kinds of anxiety. Managing our own stress in healthy ways is essential to being more available for our children.
The hustle and bustle of parenting can also take a toll on our bodies physically. Nobody wants to be the dad who’s too sore to throw the ball around in the backyard, but traditional pharmaceutical remedies for pain can lead to addiction and debilitating side effects. Early studies indicate that CBD could potentially be a viable therapy for pain management without all the harmful side effects.
While there haven’t been enough clinical trials for the FDA to approve the majority of CBD products for medicinal use; the research that has been conducted is incredibly promising.
Is CBD Legal?
Since cannabis historically has been a controlled substance, many parents are rightfully concerned about CBD’s legal status.
In 2018, congress passed the most recent version of the Farm Bill, which included a section that federally legalized hemp. Hemp, as defined by the farm bill, is any cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC per dry weight. So, as long as CBD is derived from a hemp plant, it’s legal on the federal level.
However, ultimately each state makes its own laws and regulations regarding CBD. Fortunately, most states have followed the federal government’s lead, though there are a few exceptions.
Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?
Even though CBD may be legal where you live, you might have a job that requires frequent drug screening. There isn’t a drug test for CBD; however, certain types of CBD may cause you to fail a screening for marijuana. Full-spectrum CBD products have trace amounts of THC to encourage the entourage effect. While this can increase the efficacy of your CBD, it may not be the best option for those worried about drug testing. Instead, look for products made from CBD isolate, as they contain no amount of THC.
Best Way To Consume CBD
Inhalation methods (like with our elon®) offer the highest rate of bioavailability out there. This means that your body is able to use more of our natural hemp-derived CBD, giving users a better effect with a smaller dose. Plus, the disposable eco-friendly stelo™ cartridges and buttonless design make it incredibly easy to use, even for someone with no prior cannabis experience. The Starter Bundle comes with the device itself, as well as a choice of two of our hemp blends, stelo™ Uplift, stelo™ Relax or stelo™ Relief, so you can choose from something to either lift up your day or end your long grueling work day.
