What Every Parent Should Know About CBD and Wellness

Your family relies on your care and guidance for nearly every aspect of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether you're a solo parent or part of a team, prioritizing everyone's needs but your own can negatively impact your entire household. If the inevitable stress and strain of parenthood has you feeling overworked, unfocused, or overwhelmed, consider adding CBD to your daily (or nightly) routine. 

CBD (cannabidiol) is the most abundant of 113 potentially beneficial cannabinoids in full spectrum hemp flower extract, a natural plant element that interacts with more than 65 molecular targets.¹ We'll explain the possible benefits of its most impactful interactions and address the most common misconceptions about hemp-derived products. In other words – we'll cover the important details about supporting overall health and wellness with CBD that every parent should know. 

Mechanisms of Action: How CBD Supports Multiple Aspects of Parental Wellness 

Researchers have been exploring CBD's influence on the body and brain for decades. The cannabinoid was first identified and isolated in the 1940s by an American chemist, but the number of studies detailing the cannabinoid's potentially beneficial properties remained comparatively low until 2010. Once hemp became a federally approved agricultural commodity, the amount of research skyrocketed.² 

Today, hemp-derived CBD products are sold just about everywhere, and their popularity continues to rise year after year. Market analysts predicting 35% of US adults would be CBD users by 2024 clearly underestimated consumer enthusiasm for the plant element shown to assert its influence on multiple aspects of wellness by interacting with the following receptors.^3,4 

Serotonin & Dopamine System Receptors   

The serotonin system helps regulate moods, emotions, sleep cycles, and more. The neurotransmitter produces an inhibitive or excitatory effect depending on the molecular composition of the message relayed to its receptors. Dopamine, on the other hand, is directly involved in the perception of pleasure and pain and reward-seeking behavior. Having too little dopamine in your system can cloud your thoughts, diminish your motivation, or lead to feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.^5,6 

Adenosine & GABA System Receptors  

Adenosine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter – meaning it helps prevent communication between overexcited nerve cells. Because of its "calming" effects, researchers also believe adenosine plays a role in sleep. Like adenosine, GABA is also an inhibitory neurotransmitter, but is most often credited for easing stress-induced anxiety. Current evidence suggests CBD activates GABA receptors and also plays a role in increasing adenosine levels by inhibiting its breakdown.^6,7 

Endocannabinoid System Receptors  

CBD's indirect influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors is the interaction researchers tend to find the most impactful. The regulatory system is made up of two main cellular receptors (CB1 & CB2), the ECS messengers anandamide & 2-AG, and the metabolic enzymes that break them down once their messages are delivered (FAAH & MAGL). Researchers believe CBD's influence on CB1 and CB2 helps promote homeostasis when internal and external stressors threaten essential balance (homeostasis).^8,9 

Exploring the Many Potential Benefits of CBD for Parents  

Whether your children are submitting college applications or still in diapers, parenting can be stressful. Although the complications and complexities affect everyone differently, the overall implications of unresolved day-to-day stress associated with raising a family are raising red flags nationwide. In a recent survey, for example, 57% of working parents report feeling physically exhausted, overwhelmed by the demands on their time, and emotionally detached from family life – symptoms suggesting stress-induced parental burnout.¹⁰ 

That's something to consider if you feel you have too much on your plate to give your own well-being much thought. Your body needs balanced nutrition, physical activity, and sleep. Your emotional well-being requires making time for socializing, relaxation, and activities you find personally fulfilling. If life's struggles are making it difficult to relax, unwind, and enjoy the many positives of parenthood, CBD could be just what you need to support the following wellness goals. 

Better Sleep  

Overwhelming thoughts, physical tension, and even minor disruptions in routine can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. At the conclusion of a 2-year sleep study involving 409 participants, researchers cited CBD's "statistically and clinically significant" impact. Just one year later, investigators credited CBD's "calming" properties for its positive effects on the sleep scores of 79% of their participants.^11,12 

Relaxation  

The effects of stress on your body are cumulative. Without enough time for elevated cortisol levels to return to baseline between stressors, most people feel tense and preoccupied. While there's little (if any) research specifically linking CBD to relaxation, study participants given CBD before a simulated public speaking event reported less physical discomfort, cognitive issues, and anxiety than the control group.13 

Activity-Induced Discomfort  

Whether your discomfort is the result of a productive workout or keeping up with your toddler, pushing through post-activity pain increases the risk of lasting damage. Although CBD's impact on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is not completely understood, trials suggest the cannabinoid promotes a faster return to pre-EIMD soreness levels and a "promising" effect for "sport-related fatigue."^14,15 

Mild or Temporary Anxiety   

Occasional bouts of mild or temporary anxiety are inevitable. Regardless of the circumstances, the impact can make it difficult for parents to focus on anything but the cause of their distress. A report evaluating CBD's effects in multiple preclinical, clinical, human experimental, and epidemiological studies suggests a positive influence while also highlighting the need for further research.¹⁶ 

Clarity and Focus 

Physical, mental, or emotional stress can cloud your memory, impair your judgment, and make it difficult to concentrate. Although neuroimaging suggests the cannabinoid may have a positive impact on the pathways supporting cognition, behavior, and decision-making,¹⁷ most sources credit CBD's sleep-promoting potential and "calming" effect for boosting mental clarity and improving focus. 

Clarifying Common Myths and Misconceptions  

With relatively little effort, you'll find numerous reports highlighting CBD's considerable health and wellness potential – evidence aligned with our examples. You'll also find a fair number of misleading claims and a lot of misinformation. Since statements repeated often enough are often accepted as common knowledge, many parents who could benefit from hemp-derived CBD products are understandably hesitant to try them. If you're still on the fence, consider taking a few minutes to ensure you're not being swayed by any of the following myths and misconceptions. 

Myth #1 – CBD Is Intoxicating  

CBD itself does not cause intoxication. That distinction belongs to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the dominant cannabinoid in marijuana. As long as you're purchasing a product made with unaltered hemp extract, there's no cause for concern. The natural 25-30:1 CBD to THC ratio in full spectrum hemp (and non-detectable amounts in broad spectrum extract and CBD isolate) ensures there's little risk of intoxication. With that said, several reputable brands also make products with enhanced concentrations of hemp-derived THC – an option intended to provide an uplifting, potentially intoxicating buzz. 

Myth #2 – CBD is Addictive  

CBD is not addictive because it has an indirect impact on the ECS receptor CB1. The World Health Organization found "no case reports of abuse or dependence." THC, on the other hand, can be. Tetrahydrocannabinol binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, connective tissues, and nerve cells. Activating CB1 with THC temporarily alters the flow of information while increasing dopamine levels. People using THC-dominant cannabis frequently can experience irritability, nausea, anxiety, weight loss, and poor sleep when they stop – withdrawal symptoms that can last for weeks. ^18,19 

Myth #3 – CBD is Illegal Everywhere  

On December 20, 2018, our federal government removed hemp and hemp-derived products from the list of Schedule 1 substances – provided their THC content remains at or below 0.3% by dry weight. Questions of legality, however, were left to the states to decide. Most followed the lead of our federal government, but some chose to approve hemp-derived CBD products with 0% THC. Although hemp-derived CBD is legal in most states, it's essential to know state cannabis laws before purchasing or traveling with hemp-derived CBD products. 

Myth #4 – All CBD Products Are the Same  

All CBD products are not the same. Multiple companies have been cited for selling tinctures, gummies, softgels, and topicals with a lot less CBD than specified on their labels. You can protect yourself from a potentially disappointing purchase by choosing products made by transparent brands confirming any and all claims of third-party testing with a certificate of analysis (COA). That document ensures you're buying a product verified to be as potent as claimed, has the amount of THC you expect, and has been screened for heavy metals, pesticides, extraction residue, and microbial contamination. 

Discover the Many Potential Benefits of Supporting Your Wellness Goals with CBD  

The realization that parental stress could be contributing to your lack of focus, unrelenting tension, or sleep difficulties is empowering – provided you have the tools you need to make positive changes. If you're feeling the effects of having a bit too much on your plate, maybe it's time to discover some of the many potential advantages of adding CBD to your wellness routine. 

Hemp-derived CBD is not habit-forming and safe for most adults. But like all plant oils and extracts, side effects are possible.20 The best way to minimize your risk of dry mouth, unexpected fatigue, or (minor) digestive issues is to start with a partial serving. Then, increase the amount of CBD you're using gradually (if needed) in small increments to identify the serving size that's right for you. Based on the results of a 2019 CBDistillery® survey of 1,900 customers, most CBD users report positive results within 7-14 days of consistent use. Consult your healthcare provider if you use over-the-counter treatments, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.   

If you're leaning towards trying CBD but not quite sure where to begin, consider taking our CBD Product Quiz or scheduling a personal consultation. CBDistillery® products are rigorously tested, quality-assured, crafted in a cGMP-certified facility, and backed by a parent-friendly 60-day satisfaction guarantee. Every label has a QR code linked to a Certificate of Analysis.  

References 

1. 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 

2. Lephart E. (2023) Cannabidiol (CBD) with 4',7-Isoflavandiol (Equol) Efficacy is Greater than CBD or Equol Treatment Alone via Human Skin Gene Expression Analysis. 28(7) Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 154. doi: 10.31083/j.fbl2807154. PMID: 37525926. 

3. Julia N. (2023) CBD Statistics: Usage Data & Demographics (2023 Update). CFAH 

4. Hall A. (2023) CBD Statistics, Data And Use (2024). Forbes Health. 

5. Serotonin vs. Dopamine: What Are the Differences? (2023) Verywell Health. 

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

7. Maguire J. (2018) The Relationship Between GABA and Stress: It's Complicated. 596(10) J Physiol 1781-82. doi: 10.1113/JP275937. Epub 2018 Apr 16. PMID: 29524241; PMCID: PMC5978385 

8. 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 

9. 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 

10. Kaplan K. (2024) Q&A: Parental Burnout is Real. Here's What You Can Do About It. Los Angeles Times. 

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

12. Shannon S, Lewis N, et al. (2019) Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. 23, Perm J 18-41. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041 

13. 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 

14. 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. https://www.kheljournal.com/archives/2020/vol7issue2/PartB/7-2-4-412.pdf 

15. Rojas-Valverde. (2021) Potential Role of Cannabidiol on Sports Recovery. 12 Front Physio 722550. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.722550 

16. Blessing E, Steenkamp M, et al. (2015) Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. 12 Neurotherapeutics 825-36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1 

17. Batalla A, Bos J, et al. (2020) The Impact of Cannabidiol on Human Brain Function: A Systematic Review. 11, Front Pharmacol 618184 Doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.618184. PMID: 33551817; PMCID: PMC7858248. 

18. World Health Organization. (2020) Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. PDF https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf?sfvrsn=f78db177_2 

19. Budney A, Hughes J, et al. (2004) Review of the Validity and Significance of Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome. 161(11) Am J Psychiatry 1967-77. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.161.11.1967 

20. Chesney E, Oliver D, et al. (2020) Adverse Effects of Cannabidiol: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Neuropsychopharmacol. 45, 1799-806. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-020-0667-2