CBD
Alright, where do we start?
When one hears “cannabis products”, there is still at times a perception that at the core of it, there is the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the component responsible for making you “high" (THC).
Being the primary yet non-psychotropic cannabinoid in the Cannabis plant, CBD seems to stimulate receptors to not only positively affect and enhance homeostasis but also modulate pain sensations and counteract organ disfunctions, inflammation as well as neurodegenerative diseases.
With the legal situation becoming more lenient and thereby CBD products becoming more accepted, there is no shortage of supply in a large variety of shapes, forms and dosage. Needless to say that it pays to do your homework and research as to where the hemp used was grown, how it had been tested, the exact ingredients and how it is meant to help with the targeted ailment.
My first exposure to CBD was in oil form, which differs from tinctures in that cannabis is infused in carrier oil as opposed to soaking it in alcohol and water. While browsing for products I discovered a range of providers that seemed to wildly differ in how and what they were offering, which can a bit of a concern, given the still unregulated territory CBD operates in.
After quite a bit of research, I landed with Formula Swiss. What I found appealing was how transparent their presentation of their products was, with detailed information about ingredients, with all of their products having a THC content of less than 0.2%) as well as clearly stating that the products are not meant to treat or cure diseases and that a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted if in doubt: No empty promises are made and their site offers insight into various scientific studies.
Using pressurized carbon dioxide extraction, Formula Swiss also put emphasis on the preservation of the purity of the hemp by using CO2 not unlike a solvent to get the benefits of the full spectrum of other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, nutrients and antioxidants. Though there is much to be learned about the effectiveness of CBD, reports are manifold that CBD may provide a safe, powerful natural treatment for many health issues and Formula Swiss seems to be dedicated to offering quality products with ethics in mind, being actively involved in cannabis policy reform and regulation and being an actively contributor in related associations.
Now, what effects does CBD have? While THC tends to commonly cause the enhancement of both euphoria and anxiety along with short-term memory impairment, CBD acts on the other end of the spectrum, stimulating the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine and glutamate, which enhance attentiveness and cognition.
I found Formula Swiss’ CBD oil, which offers six potencies from 300-2500mg, to have subtly calming effects, however, not in a sedative way but in a manner that helps to sharpen focus and cut through the noise of the humdrum around you.
Research on the potential health benefits of CBD oil is ongoing, so new therapeutic uses for this natural remedy are sure to be discovered and given that Formula Swiss is committed to sustainability and quality instead of creating fancy sounding herbal concoctions, it is on the trustworthy and value-for money end of the spectrum on the CBD market.
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image from company website
