Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, hemp and other products that contain CBD have taken their spot in the marketplace. Reports indicate that a broad cross-section of the population has tried CBD. (1) The results show that 40% of people ages 18-29, 32% of people ages 30-44, 23% of people ages 45-59 and 15% of people 60 and older have tried CBD in some form. These numbers confirm that CBD is not a passing trend.
Introduced initially as a special option in alternative health treatments, shops have sprung up all over the U.S. in physical retail shops and via online stores. Sellers offer oils, tinctures, gummies and other edibles to cater to various uses and consumer delivery preferences. It is easy to see its appeal to today’s women because of the industry’s exciting product offerings that include bath bombs, makeup, bath bombs, and animal treats.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a primary ingredient found in Cannabis plants that include hemp and marijuana. (2) The plant-derived substance comes in various strengths and forms, including pills, powders, creams, balms, tinctures, candies and oils, which are, by far, the most popular form. Some forms allow for topical use since forms like creams, balms, powders and oils can be absorbed through the skin while tinctures, oils, edibles and vapes can be ingested or inhaled.
A significant selling point for CBD—and a key factor in its widespread availability despite legal issues associated with marijuana—is that it does not make you feel high when consumed since the main, high-inducing ingredient in marijuana called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is only present in trace amounts, according to Healthline. (3)
It is important to note that over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products, available in boutique shops and via online sellers, have not received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); therefore, there are no standards and controls in place ensuring effectiveness. The lack of regulation makes it vital that you do your research to find reputable sellers who offer transparency about their products and their customers’ experience.
These products work by interacting and exchanging messages with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a regulatory system comprised of organic Cannabis-like molecules in the body. They send signals throughout the body to create and maintain homeostasis. CBD and THC communicate with the ECS at key receptor points, helping to ease pain and discomfort.
Why Has CBD Oil Become So Popular?
The skyrocketing popularity has taken many people by surprise over the past few years. It seemed that all of a sudden, shops were opening offering this mysterious new product that promised to ease a variety of illnesses, ailments, aches, pains and other ailments. CBD can even help ease pet pains, so no wonder people have gravitated to this natural product.
A huge boost for CBD products came in 2018 with the U.S. Farm Bill that legalized industrial hemp and hemp products, notes CNet. (4) It doesn’t hurt that, state-by-state, medical and recreational cannabis laws are passing, giving CBDs even more credence as holistic health products. Consumers and healthcare patients seek alternatives to traditional medicine for reasons that include saving money, avoiding distressing side effects of pharmaceuticals, and aligning with personal values and perspectives, and CBD suits many of these goals.
Where Can You Find CBDs?
CBDs have become so popular that you can find them in a variety of doses nearly anywhere you go. From specialty shops that carry a huge variety of forms, delivery methods and brands to the gas station at the corner, you can easily find these products daily. For the highest quality and dosages, though, it is best to visit the boutique shops where you can talk to well-informed and trustworthy staff members who receive intensive training about their products to provide high-level customer service. Since the market is so competitive, sellers understand that they must do everything possible to attract and retain customer loyalty.
Why Are Women Considering CBD?
Today’s woman must manage a flurry of issues when trying to manage a busy work and home life. CBD has increasingly become a way to help women alleviate some issues that include anxiety, stress, sleep loss, pain and period cramps, according to Bustle. (5) The 2019 Bustle article cites a study that indicates that millennial women ages 20-39 are the largest segment of the population using CBD at 71% while baby boomers are not as receptive to this alternative, with only 11% of that population using CBDs on any scale.
What Are the Primary Benefits Associated with CBDs?
There are several potential medical uses for CBDS that people find appealing, which include relief for anxiety, protection of nerves, reduction of seizure episodes, relief for pain, treatment for cancer and a remedy for acne.
How Is Today’s Woman Using CBD?
Women are discerning consumers, especially when monitoring a budget and working hard for their money. Women also understand that it is important to act as your own advocate, determining whether pharmaceuticals or standard OTC drugs are suitable for every condition, illness, ache or pain. YouGov shares that around 63% of women are more likely than men to research treatment options on their own before visiting a physician, even if they do not act on their research. (6) As many as 31% of men surveyed disagree with this approach, confirming that they are more likely to readily rely on a doctor’s advice and any prescription provided.
Women see the list of associated benefits and wonder how this potent substance can improve their health and lives. Here are some ways that today’s woman is using CBD in various forms.
Improved Sleep
The Sleep Foundation shares that women are more likely than men to report insomnia. (7) Women report suffering from insomnia a few times a week at a rate of 63% of women studied versus 54% of men studies. As women strive for better career options, promotions, while also seeking balance with family and outside interests, achieving quality sleep can become challenging. At first, women may sacrifice sleep to study for exams, finish important reports, or care for a sick child. At some point, burning the candle at both ends can become ingrained, making it difficult for women to get back on track for healthy sleeping sessions. The cycle of sleeplessness can be difficult to fight and overcome since calming the nervous system is an essential factor in making this crucial switch. Many women try medication, yoga, nutritional supplements and prescription medications to calm their nerves, so they can get some high-quality shut-eye. Now, an increasing number of women are reporting improved sleep when consuming CBD oil regularly. Keep in mind that higher doses promote drowsiness and good sleep, while lighter doses can keep you in a more alert and wakeful state. Relief for Anxiety and Depression
Relief from Anxiety and Depression
Researchers believe that CBDs may alter the way the brain’s receptors communicate with serotonin, which is a chemical associated with mental health. (8) The receptors are small proteins attached to your cells that allow receptors—particularly 5-HT1A serotonin receptor—to give and receive chemical messages and respond to various stimuli. Doses of around 600mg have proven effective for people suffering from social anxiety.
Mental Health America notes that 12 million women in the U.S. experience clinical depression each year. (9) CBD can sometimes cause neurogenesis, which helps develop new brain cells, allowing for new ways of thinking, which is crucial for depression sufferers who often become stuck in a mental rut of negative thinking. The neurogenesis spurred by CBD can heal, rejuvenate and create healthy neural pathways to help those suffering from depression and anxiety. Hemp alternative treatments can help women with limited resources and would like to avoid SSRIs and traditional counseling treatments.
Autoimmune Diseases and Conditions
The cases of autoimmune conditions and diseases are steadily rising. Women are more often one of the 24 million American autoimmune disease sufferers than men. (10) Women suffer enough stress without their bodies attacking themselves. Accompanying symptoms of autoimmune diseases often include exhaustion, chronic and frequently debilitating pain, and inflammation. Many women turn to CBD because its properties reduce inflammation and bring the body’s systems back into balance, counteracting some of the effects of inflammation. Further, CBDs naturally alleviate issues associated with autoimmune diseases, such as pain and discomfort.
Pain Relief
CBDs help your brain’s receptors manage pain more effectively. There are even reports that CBDs offer pain relief from chemotherapy treatments, arthritis, muscle pain, spinal cord injuries, chronic pain and issues stemming from multiple sclerosis.
Menopause
Navigating menopause is tough for many women, thanks to the tide of emotions and anxieties. CBD’s anti-anxiety effects can help on that front, but it also helps to prevent osteoporosis by improving bone strength and accelerating the repair process after a bone fracture.
Is CBD Right for Your Life?
As a busy woman, you may need some help in keeping stress, anxiety, depression, pain and other irritations at bay. To stay on top of your schedule, you may need a trustworthy supplement to help you feel your best. CBDs offer you relief and sleep to help your body heal naturally.
