My Journey With CBD

If you actively follow healthy living blogs or keep up with the trends on health, skincare, or wellness, chances are you have heard about cannabidiol—widely known as CBD. As someone who struggles with mental health and past trauma, I have tried countless methods to improve my headspace and finally feel like I have found my solution. I sat down with Marlies Ledbetter, a good friend of mine and certified cannabis consultant who specializes in wellness—also known as the CannaBoss—to discover the amazing benefits and uses of CBD.

What is CBD?

To start, CBD is a part of “hemp”, the parts of the cannabis plant that cannot get you high. Although it is derived from the cannabis plant, CBD oil does not have the classic effects of marijuana like many people believe. Through extensive study, CBD is considered safe to use daily because it does not interfere with the ability to perform essential tasks or inhibit an individual’s perception. It has been used for thousands of years from the mummification of Egyptians to the clothes of the Vikings!

In the 1960s, CBD was extracted on a molecular level and was studied for a variety of benefits, leading to much of the knowledge that we have about it now. When it comes down to it, CBD is a molecular compound and can be used in isolation or combined with different compounds of the plant. In the United States, 0.3% THC or CBD is legal and you can travel with it throughout any of the 50 states! Marlies recommends traveling with a product that has a scannable QR code on the bottle identifying the batch and the information about its specific testing. 

How does CBD work?

Everyone has a system in their bodies called the Endocannabinoid System, a cellular receptor system that sends signals back and forth, binds, and activates to communicate with each part of the body. When you use CBD, a phytocannabinoid, it interacts with many different parts of your body to promote homeostasis, a state of balance in the body. CBD “talks” to many different receptors, especially the ones that are responsible for depression or anxiety-type symptoms. Pain, inflammation, and even seizure symptoms can be slowed or inhibited by CBD in the body because of how it interacts with the receptors; it is a very important system in the body that was only recently discovered—and as of 5 years ago, has been implemented into the medical curriculum. Because the Endocannabinoid system is so diverse and interacts with thousands of parts in the body, CBD can be used for so many different treatments. CBD comes in many forms such as oils, extracts, capsules, lotions, and more depending on how you plan to use it.

What are the benefits of CBD?

A study conducted by the Brightfield Group, a cannabis market research firm, revealed that over 60% of CBD users have taken it for anxiety. The strain has been proved to provide relief for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and better sleep. CBD also helps to reduce the effects of high glucose levels on cells in the body and boosts serotonin levels through the Endocannabinoid system. It is amazing for anti-inflammatory and pain, interacting with neurotransmitters in the body to promote homeostasis. Unlike modern Western medicine, CBD targets the source to heal your body rather than mask the symptoms. Although it is mainly used for mental illness, there are so many different benefits that cannabidiol can provide. Pets can also have anxiety from the loud noises of fireworks, going to the vet, traveling, and more. Did you know that you can give CBD to your pets to ease their stress too? CBD is pet friendly and works wonders to calm them down!

Why do I endorse CBD so much?

After enduring many years of sexual abuse during my childhood, I was diagnosed with PTSD as an adult. I’ve done both traditional and Biblical counseling and EMDR as a part of my treatment, over the years. Each year I progress and feel very blessed to have the resources I have. 

The last few years have been particularly hard for my mental state, as it has been for many. I started working with a new therapist who administered a PHQ9 and I scored positive for a moderate-high episode of depression. I met with a psychiatrist and began taking Prozac. I’ve never taken any medicine for mental health issues. After taking it for only 60 days, I had some negative side effects including — itching, anxiety, cold sweats, confusion, difficulty concentrating, irregular heartbeat, breast pain, and lengthening of my menstrual cycle. After doing research, consulting with doctors and friends, I decided to stop taking the medicine and replace it with a CBD regimen and add in serotonin-boosting foods. The results have been so rewarding and I’ve felt so much better than I have been, which is why I’m so passionate about this natural medicine!

How can you get started on your journey to better mental health using CBD?

I love Green Compass and have been using their products religiously ever since beginning my CBD journey. My goal and focus are about living intentionally, and shopping sustainably plays a HUGE part. Green Compass emphasizes its commitment to owning its entire supply chain, which allows the business to control its product quality and adhere to legal regulations. They are the cannabis version of farm-to-table and I love supporting a brand that values ethicality and sustainability.

Retail customers can enjoy a quality CBD directly from their farms with no obligation to purchase again, and as always, there are guaranteed products for 30 days and free returns or exchanges. Preferred customers are offered 20% off of their purchases, with the opportunity to earn free shipping on the third consecutive month and all months following with no minimum purchase amount required. You can edit the date and products any time or cancel with a click of a button, and share a custom link to earn product credit as well. There is a 30-day guarantee with all products along with free returns and exchanges. Shop with me to become a preferred customer through Green Compass!