Sitting With Sam: Let’s Talk CBD…

CBD is the new craze. With the legalization of marijuana in Canada, there has been a lot more information being released regarding the health benefits especially CBD. I was skeptical about trying CBD as I have diagnosed anxiety disorder and I have heard through the grapevine that CBD can work wonders for anxiety. So I took the leap.

I decided to trust a Canadian brand called Birch + Fog because they are so informative and open about their products, lab results, where they get their CBD from, etc. Their website is extremely helpful if you are new to CBD (like me) and they explain it in a way that’s easy to understand and grasp without being confused about all the science etc. They also have an Instagram page where you can get the inside scoop on deals and if you have any questions they are really quick with responding via direct message!

So, why CBD? Why not just smoke weed? Well, CBD (cannabidiol) is an all-natural cannabis compound that provides all of the medicinal benefits of cannabis without the feeling of being “high”. For people like me, I don’t smoke because I get very paranoid and it actually heightens my anxiety. But, CBD provides a calming effect and I love the all-natural compounds compared to prescription medication such as pills, etc that can give you a ton of rough side effects depending on which medication you’re on.

When choosing a method, it’s important to think about how fast you want it to take effect. Tinctures take around 20 minutes to take effect and are pretty discreet, but some people aren’t too keen on the taste. Edibles such as gummies can take up to 1-2 hours but this also depends and varies from person to person. Vape pens are almost immediate and take effect within minutes – this is my favourite method because it is so small, discreet, tastes fine, and is easy to put in my purse for on the go. But, I have heard that tinctures can be so great and easy to use as well and most people will drop it in their coffee in the morning as some of the tinctures are pretty tasteless. Or, you can drop it under your tongue if you don’t have much time. I love that all of these methods aren’t harsh at all and are very quick and easy to use while also being convenient to take with you in your bag etc.

The most important part is to define what your needs are and the dosage you should be taking. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or a health professional before getting started on a new form of medication, even if it is natural. They will help you decide which one is best for you and the correct dosage! I have heard the tincture drops are best for before bed to aid with your sleep, especially if you are like me and have multiple nights that require over an hour just to fall asleep. Do your own research before committing to a product and read reviews.