The Power of Plant-Based Wellness: Exploring CBD's Role

The overall impact of conventional animal agriculture, concerns about environmental sustainability, and the growing awareness of the health risks associated with various aspects of the standard American diet have contributed to a dramatic rise in the number of US adults embracing plant-powered wellness.^1,2 Although experts tuned in to today's trends note a marked increase in the number of people adopting a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, plant-powered wellness encompasses far more than dietary choices. 

Concerned consumers are also switching out their chemical-laden household cleaners for products made with natural, eco-friendly botanicals, choosing clothing made with organic fibers and natural dyes, and supporting muscle growth with plant-based protein powders. A steadily increasing number of people looking for a natural way to support multiple aspects of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being are also investing in the health and wellness potential of CBD. Should you? 

Understanding CBD: A Key Component of Plant-Based Wellness  

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of at least 113 potentially beneficial cannabinoids in hemp flower extract. It's also produced in lesser amounts in marijuana plants. But don't let that association sound too many alarms just yet. CBD is not the cannabinoid that produces the type of intoxication cannabis is known for. That distinction belongs to an entirely different cannabinoid, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).³  

THC binds with a specific receptor in the brain like a key fits into a lock. CBD interacts with the same chemical receptor but does not bind. In fact, CBD alters the shape of the receptors activated by THC in a way that renders the cannabinoid less impactful.^4,5 Although unaltered hemp flower extract does have a small amount of THC, the 25-30:1 CBD to THC ratio ensures there's little risk of intoxication. Consumers also have 0% THC options. That statement makes a lot more sense once you understand the overall composition of the three main types of hemp-derived CBD products.   

Full Spectrum CBD Products  

Plant-powered wellness products made with full spectrum hemp flower extract (full spectrum CBD) deliver the complex array of the plant's minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals produced in the plant. They have less than 0.3% THC.⁶ CBD oil tinctures, topicals, softgels, and gummies made with full spectrum extracts are considered the more potent of the three main options because the combined effects of the minor cannabinoids and terpenes amplify the impact of each active component – a property cannabis researchers call an "entourage" effect.⁷ 

Broad Spectrum CBD Products  

Options made with high-quality broad spectrum hemp flower extract give you the same additional cannabinoids, aromatic terpenes, and flavonoids as full spectrum products, but manufacturers use a process called chromatography to reduce their THC content to non-detectable levels⁸– 0.01% or less. Although CBD oil products made with broad spectrum hemp flower extract have the minor cannabinoids and terpenes needed to initiate an entourage effect, some (not all) CBD users feel that removing THC from hemp's cannabinoid profile diminishes the impact of its potency-optimizing potential.⁹   

CBD Isolate Products 

CBD isolate is the purest form of cannabidiol available. A process called "winterization" removes the minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and other unwanted plant components from the oil extracted from hemp flower trichomes.¹⁰ All that remains once that process is complete is a flavorless, odorless powder with 0% THC. Products made with refined CBD isolate powder don't have the cannabinoids and terpenes needed for an entourage effect. But there's no cause for concern. Researchers often use the "pure form" of CBD to ensure their test results aren't influenced by hemp's many other active components. 

Topic Overview: How CBD Fits into a Plant-Powered Lifestyle  

People embracing a plant-powered lifestyle tend to prioritize sustainable cultivation, mindful consumption, and holistic health practices– meaning they invest in products and services that support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Within that framework, CBD has emerged as a powerful ally. It's widely available, non-habit-forming, and has the potential to address multiple aspects of overall health by interacting with more than 65 molecular targets, including the receptors of your serotonin, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), adenosine, and endocannabinoid systems.^11,12 

Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) has three main components – the messengers made as needed in your body (anandamide & 2-AG), their corresponding receptors (CB1 & CB2), and the metabolic enzymes that break down the ECS messengers once their purpose is fulfilled (MAGL & FAAH).¹³ Cannabis researchers believe CBD's influence on CB1 and CB2 helps restore equilibrium (homeostasis) when internal and external stressors threaten essential balance¹⁴ – a mechanism of action credited for an impressive list of possible benefits, including the following examples. 

Calming Mild or Temporary Anxiety 

Everyone feels anxious from time to time. Most mild or temporary anxiety symptoms are caused by the surge of cortisol and adrenaline preparing your body to fight or flee a threatening situation – an autonomic nervous system response that can make it nearly impossible to focus on anything but the cause of your distress. During a 2011 study, volunteers given CBD before a public speaking event reported fewer anxiety-related symptoms and less stress-induced impairment than the control group.¹⁵ 

Providing Natural Sleep Support 

Sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality can sour your mood, drain your energy, and increase your risk of multiple health complications. Although deep, restorative sleep invigorates nearly every cell in the human body,¹⁶ most people don't get enough. A publication highlighting data compiled during a two-year study detailed "statistically and clinically significant" improvements in participant sleep scores. A similar CBD investigation suggests a positive impact on sleep duration – without morning grogginess.^17,18   

Enhancing Mental Clarity and Focus  

The human brain is continuously processing information – including potentially distracting thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Maintaining focus and mental clarity requires memory recall, multiple aspects of executive function, and the ability to filter distractions – processes impacted by stress responses. A study investigating the effects of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs suggests the practices increase the production of anandamide and 2-AG,¹⁹ – the same ECS messengers impacted by CBD. 

Easing Discomfort After Physical Activity  

Activity-induced discomfort is typically caused by microscopic injuries to muscle fibers – the type of damage essential for building strength and endurance.²⁰ Researchers investigating CBD's possible benefits for post-workout pain reported that study participants had significantly less discomfort after physical activity, and a 2020 Sports Medicine – Open report credits CBD for several effects potentially beneficial for athletic recovery and factors relevant to repetitive motion.^21,22 

Exploring the Many Ways Hemp-Derived Products Support Your Plant-Powered Lifestyle  

Choosing a plant-powered lifestyle offers numerous benefits for our people and our planet. Advocates for nutrient-rich plant-based diets, for example, point out that consuming less meat can be beneficial for digestive health, weight management, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.²³ From an environmentalist's perspective, plant-based living minimizes the strain on vulnerable ecosystems, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and fosters a more sustainable food system.²⁴  

As an agricultural commodity, industrial hemp requires significantly less water than natural textiles like cotton, absorbs more carbon dioxide per hectare than most trees, and is naturally resistant to pests. Plus, every part of the plant supports responsible consumption. Hemp seeds, for example, are a significant source of protein and essential fatty acids, and fabrics made from hemp fiber are durable, breathable, and hypoallergenic. Consumers choosing products made with hemp flower extract have the peace of mind that comes with knowing they're investing in natural, eco-friendly products with the potential to reduce their reliance on synthetic alternatives for multiple wellness concerns.   

Discover How Our Ethically Sourced Products Could Support Your Plant-Powered Lifestyle  

CBDistillery® is a vertically integrated company. Ourplant-powered wellness products are made with non-GMO, U.S.-cultivated hemp flower grown without the use of chemicals or organic pesticides. Plus, our full spectrum and broad spectrum hemp oil is CO2 extracted. That's an important distinction. 

Your CBD experience is largely determined by the purity and potency of the products you select.CO2 is an eco-friendly, renewable resource that doesn't leave potentially toxic residue or harmful manufacturing byproducts behind. It's also the best choice for preserving hemp flower's many potentially beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.^24,25 

People supporting their plant-powered lifestyle with CBDistillery® CBD oil tinctures, topicals, softgels, and vegan gummies also appreciate our commitment to providing rigorously tested, quality-assured products made with 100% clean, ethically sourced ingredients. According to a 2019 CBDistillery® survey of 1,900 customers, most CBD users report positive results for relaxation, better sleep, mild or temporary anxiety, and discomfort after physical activity within 7-14 days of consistent use. 

If you're leaning towards trying CBD to help support your plant-based lifestyle but not quite sure where to begin, visit CBDistillery® to take our 3-minute CBD Product Quiz or request a Personal Consultation. 

References  

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2. Nichols H. (2023) Western diet: How Does It Impact Health? Medical News Today. 

3. Rudd J. (2023) CBD vs THC – What Are the Main Differences? Analytical Cannabis. 

4. Iversen L. (2009) Cannabis and the Brain. 126(6) Brain: A Journal of Neurology 1252-70. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awg143 

5. Alger B, Ph.D. (2013) Getting High on the Endocannabinoid System. 14, Cerebrum. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3997295/ 

6. Jacobs J. (2016) Difference Between Full Spectrum and Standardized. Natural News Blogs. 

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8. Ashton L. (2022) Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, Capsules, Edibles: Definitions & Benefits. CFAH. 

9. Wilkins T. (2022) What Is the Entourage Effect? How This Enhances CBD Effects. Marijuana Takers. 

10. Chang C, Zhongoli P. (2021) Cannabidiol and Terpenes from Hemp – Ingredients for Future Foods and Processing Technologies. 1(2) J of Future Foods 113-27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfutfo.2022.01.001 

11. Elsaid S, Foll B. (2020) The Complexity of Pharmacology of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Its Implications in the Treatment of Brain Disorders. 45 Neuropsychopharmacol 229-30 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-019-0518-1 

12. How CBD Works: CBD and Neurotransmitters (2019) The CBD Insider. 

13. Ren S, Zhang Y, et al. (2020) Potential Application of Endocannabinoid System Agents in Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases—Focusing on FAAH/MAGL Inhibitors. 41(10) Acta Pharmacol Sin 1263-71. doi: 10.1038/s41401-020-0385-7. PMID: 32203086; PMCID: PMC7608191 

14. Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

15. Bergamaschi M, Queiroz R, et al. (2011) Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients. 36(6) Neuropsychopharmacology 1219-26. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2011.6 

16. Dworak M, McCarley R, et al. (2010) Sleep and Brain Energy Levels: ATP Changes During Sleep. 30(26) J Neurosci 9007-16. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1423-10.2010 

17. Vigil J, Stith S, et al. (2018) Effectiveness of Raw, Natural Medicinal Cannabis Flower for Treating Insomnia Under Naturalistic Conditions. 5(3) Medicines 75. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5030075 

18. Moltke J, Hindocha C. (2021) Reasons for Cannabidiol Use: A Cross Section of CBD Users, Focusing on Self-Perceived Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Problems. 3(1) J Cannabis Res 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5 

19. Reis R, Isaac A, et al. (2021) Quality of Life and a Surveillant Endocannabinoid System. 15 Front Neurosci. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2021.747229 

20. G Olson. (2019 June 25_ What Is Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and What Can You Do About It? 

21. Hatchet A, Armstrong K, et al. (2020) The Influence of Cannabidiol on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. 7(2) Int J Phys Ed, Sports and Health 89-94. 

22. McCartney D, Benson M, et al. Cannabidiol and Sports Performance: A Narrative Review of Relevant Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research. 6(1) Sports Med Open 27. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-020-00251-0 

23. How does Plant-Forward (Plant-Based) Eating Benefit Your Health? (2023) Heart.org. 

24. Talajia S. (2024) Ethical Considerations of a Plant Based Lifestyle. 

25. Valizadehderakhshan M, Shahbazi A, et al. (2021) Extraction of Cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp)—Review. 11(5) Agriculture 384. ttps://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11050384 

26. Oleinik G. (2024) CBD Extraction Methods: CO2, Ethanol, and More Explained. CBDThinker.