What is CBD? Uses, Benefits, Research, and a Discount!

As you may know by now, I found yoga as a means to deal with my back pain, my migraines, and most importantly, my anxiety. The journey I have been on has been absolutely magical and I am immensely grateful. One of the most amazing things my journey has brought are the connections I've made along the way by sharing my practice with the world. One of those connections (made through another Instagram connection - @milena.moon), is a company that I believe in wholeheartedly: Blue Ridge Hemp.

They were my first experience with CBD and I am so in love with the results that I'm feeling! For the past few months I have been ranting and raving about how amazing it is to anyone who will listen – but, much as I was, most people I've talked to have been skeptical or have had questions. So, here's a bunch of information/resources to help get you started on your CBD journey.

PS. If you already want some and you're just here for the discount scroll all the way down!

What is CBD?

CBD is a key component of Cannabis sativa L., which accounts for many of the plant's natural health benefits. It is classified as the second most prominent phytocannabinoid in the Cannabis sativa L. plant.

Cool... but, 'what the hell are phytocannabinoids?' is probably your next question. They are plant derived compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system.

Cool... but now, 'what the hell is the endocannabinoid system?' is probably your next question. The endocannabinoid system is a complex network within all mammals bodies. Cannabis wouldn’t get us high or have some of its therapeutic benefits if our bodies didn’t already contain a biological system capable of interacting with its active chemical compounds, like THC. The endocannabinoid system isn’t there just to allow us to enjoy the effects of our favorite strain. It is extremely important for our health and well-being, as it regulates key aspects of our biology.

To best understand this we should talk a little bit about homeostasis – which is basically they body's way of playing Goldilocks. It keeps us regulated, ensuring that our bodily systems are optimized. The body’s endocannabinoid system is a vital molecular system for helping maintain homeostasis.

The endocannabinoid system is made up of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoid molecules, and their metabolic enzymes. Because of the system's vital role in making sure that cells and systems remain in their physiological 'just right' zone, the endocannabinoid system is highly regulated; it gets deployed exactly when and where it’s needed. This DOES NOT MEAN that activating the ECS, by use of cannabis (or any other means), will always make things 'just right'. This is why it is important to remember that this is NOT a cure-all. Like most of biology, it’s complicated.

Some things CBD can help with:

Natural pain relief or anti-inflammatory properties: A promising study found that CBD significantly reduced chronic inflammation and pain in some mice and rats. Personally, I use it on my muscles when they're sore after an intense workout or more recently to help with inflammation and pain in my knee after slightly tearing my MCL.

Anxiety disorders: This one I can speak to personally. When my anxiety acts up THC can sometimes amplify my anxiety and make it exponentially worse (I've spoken with a lot of other people who have experienced similar feelings). A review from Neurotherapeutics suggests that CBD may help reduce the anxiety. Many current medications, several of which I have personally tried, can have SO many negative side effects that renders them unsustainable as a long-term treatment.

If you're interested in doing more research on how CBD can help you quit smoking, help with addiction, epilepsy and so much more, Blue Ridge Hemp has an amazing resource for you!

What CBD is Not:

CBD Is Not Psychoactive: The way you get 'high' when smoking THC does not happen with CBD.

CBD Is not habit forming or addictive.

CBD Is Not Illegal: It can be legally purchased and used throughout the United States

Save Some $$

So, I do get a little money if you buy any of their products using my code. But here's the thing – when I first started sharing my practice online a TON of random companies reached out and offered me opportunities to be an affiliate for them. I was overwhelmed and excited, I jumped at the opportunities. As the products started coming in, I realized that a lot of this shit was poorly made, not sustainable or sustainably made, and just not something I believed in.

Needless to say, I was disappointed – this wasn't my end goal. All I have ever wanted has been to help people who suffer. I heard from many of my friends about how good these products were, but I was still skeptical. After it arrived I started experimenting with it, and in that time this is how it's enhanced my life:

If I get a migraine, I rub it along my cervical spine & temples and they typically go away (considering I've cried on my bathroom floor for hours due to migraines this is a major relief).
If I go too hard on my practice/workout and know I'm going to feel tight in the morning, I rub it on my muscles and joints and it feels exponentially better the next day.
Byron uses it on his wrists (he injured them both snowboarding a few years ago). It alleviates so much pain and discomfort.
When I injured my MCL skiing a few weeks ago I rubbed the salve on my knee every few hours to help with the inflammation and pain.
We all used it on our sore muscles this past weekend after skiing. It can be exhausting to ski all day for three days straight but rubbing the salve all over my muscles and stretching out with a little bit of yoga was the perfect mix to help us hit the slopes the next day.

Not only does this product actually make a huge difference in my life, it also is made in a way I believe in. Eco-friendly, vegan, non-gmo AND it's not tested on animals! If you have any questions please feel free to comment, email, DM or any other creative way you can think of to get in touch with me!

Discount Code: Mollon10