No decarboxylation required! This CBD smoothie is a great way to start your day!

What is CBD?

CBD is just one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis (like THCA or CBN) and can commonly be found in the raw hemp leaves of the plant. Some strains have a higher level of these cannabinoids than others, and some even surpass the THC percentage. For example, you can find strains like Charlottes Web, which has a high level of CBD but less than 1% THC. Incorporating this strain into your lifestyle could use with chronic pain and is commonly used to help with things like muscle spasms and seizures. Although it doesn’t necessarily get you high, it definitely has the potential to improve your mood and can help with things like depression, anxiety, and troubles sleeping.

Since CBD has many medicinal properties a growing number of people who want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects of THC have become fast fans. Incorporating CBD into your life can help with your overall wellness and benefit you by:

• Reducing bacteria growth (antibacterial)
• Reducing nausea and vomiting (anti-emetic)
• Reducing blood sugar levels (anti-diabetic)
• Reducing Inflammation (anti-inflammatory)
• Inhibiting cell growth in tumors/cancer cells
• Relieving anxiety and depression
• Promoting bone growth

and so, so much more!

CBD with Caffeine

Research is always being done on cannabis and its potential benefits, and although not much has come out on this subject most of the findings so far have been positive. I personally love to add CBD oil to my coffee or matcha because it helps counteract the jittery feeling caffeine tends to give me, and recent studies have shown that I’m not alone in this! Both CBD and caffeine have natural stress-relieving properties which can ultimately help us focus and improve our mood. Caffeine also has the potential to help with the memory-loss effect of cannabis. That being said, there is still not enough research done to really determine if mixing these two components is beneficial, harmful, or just fine. Just like cannabis strains and other things we consume, everyone has a different reaction so it really depends on the person. Its important to know what works for you first before experimenting too heavily. So please, proceed with caution!

CBD oil vs Tincture

It’s pretty easy to get confused with these two, especially is your just entering into the world of infusions. Both come in a similar bottle, with a dripper, and are best taken under the tongue. Without going to deep into it, there really aren’t many differences between the two, but there are a few crucial ones to point out. For one, CBD oils are a whole lot harder to make. Many high quality oils have been made with a specialized CO2 machine and made into either a full-spectrum extract or undergoes an even further purification process that makes it a either broad spectrum oil or CBD isolate. Full spectrum basically means the full hemp plant is incorporated, including every other cannabinoid, terpene, etc. in it. Broad-spectrum means they filtered out the THC cannabinoids from the extract, and isolate takes it a few steps further to create an extract as close to 100% CBD purity as possible. Tinctures however are much more simple to make but take more time. Tinctures are created by submerging the plant in strong alcohol (typically Everclear) and letting it soak for about a week. This is very similar to the full-spectrum oil as far as cannabinoids/effects go but they will taste very different. Although both use alcohol in the process, oils rarely have any in the finished product and the extract is infused with a carrier oil, like olive or coconut. Tinctures are just strained from the alcohol and have a bitter bite which many companies work to soften this with other herbs, flavors, and essential oils.

All of these products can be used for cooking and baking but it’s important to consider a few things. Taste is a big one. Since oil tends to have less ingredients and is usually made with vegetable oils, it seems to be the preferred option for edibles. However, tinctures could be great paired with cocktails and other drinks that will help mask its flavor. Its best to take these extractions under the tongue to get their full effect due to the break down of enzymes when incorporating it into food, but that shouldn’t stop you from experimenting! You may not be taking it directly to the blood stream, but you will still feel the effects of the CBD. Cannabinoids need a fat to bind to, so as long as you have one in your recipe it should be smooth sailing!

Where to find CBD oils

Since CBD products are usually derived from hemp and have very little to no THC cannabinoids in them, you can usually find oils, seeds, salves, milks, and even edibles at your local grocery store or wellness center. You can also hit up your local dispensary to pick from a verity of options and talk to a knowledgeable staff about which one might be best for you. Some people like the balance and enhanced effects a product with both THC and CBD can provide. Whatever brand/product you choose to use, this recipe will be great for whenever you need a little pick me up! Every ingredient has its own health benefits and together make for a dreamy mix!