As we enter into the season of getting high on goodwill and gratitude, let’s talk about the part of the cannabis plant that doesn’t get you high: CBD! While it’s sourced from the cannabis plant and shares many of the same benefits of cannabis, CBD’s non-psychoactive properties can make it a great fit for healing and therapeutic uses. Thanksgiving is a time for opening our hearts, receiving blessings, and giving thanks for all that we have. A time to make the most of those things that you do have control over, and practicing being at peace with the things you don’t. This Thanksgiving season, how can you take control of those areas of your life that often have the biggest impact on our physical and mental health? That’s right, I’m talking about stress and sleep. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of constant busyness and productivity, but a shift towards slowing down and more self-care is just right as we move towards the shorter days and longer nights of the winter season.
When you’re not sleeping, your body can’t heal itself, which is the whole point of sleep! A brain that consistently isn’t getting enough sleep has a harder time making decisions, reacting to stimulus, and staying on task: all things that ultimately lead to even more stress. Stress is the biochemical reaction in your brain when things don’t go your way. As we know, life is full of things not going our way (all those pesky things we can’t control!) so we can choose to suffer, or make a change. I believe cannabis can absolutely help heal the world. But how can we help to repair the world if we aren’t taking care of and repairing ourselves? Getting a healthy amount of sleep and working to reduce stress opens up the potential for living your best life. CBD is a daily nutritional supplement. You can drink it, you can eat it, you can apply it to your skin. It doesn’t matter how you use it or when you use it, as long as you use it each day. And as companies continue to innovate, keep an eye out for the application that works for you. “Product developers all over are already trying to find the correct place that CBD fits,” said Andrew Paladino of CBD Living, makers of the first CBD water. “Whether in a shampoo or a sucker, face cream or cotton-based bodysuit, products are already testing the market to gauge consumer affinity in the attempt to find that ‘make sense’ application.”
A daily CBD regimen can make a huge difference in the ease of falling and staying asleep, as well as the daily baseline stress level that impacts how we react to anxiety-provoking incidents and interactions small and large, all without the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD reduces inflammation, which is at the root of most of our dis-ease. Inflammation is even linked to stress, as well as side effects of autism, Crohn’s disease, chronic pain, and depression. Whether you’re exploring CBD (or cannabis) in topical, edible, or any other form, it’s worth seeking out Kosher-certified products. With so many counterfeit and unregulated products on the market, it’s important to be extra vigilant. Don’t be afraid to ask for a Certificate of Authorization. Any reputable company will be thrilled to share their lab findings with you, the consumer. “Everyone knows how important third party lab testing is when it comes to cannabis and CBD products,” said Shifra Klein, Founder of Mitzva Wellness, a company that makes CBD tinctures and lotions. “Kosher Certified products have that extra set of eyes on them. It’s an assurance that what is listed on your product is actually in your products and the procedures during production are supervised, clean and compliant.”
This winter, as we think about approaching each interaction with more compassion and gratitude, consider taking the time to forgive yourself for not always prioritizing your own health and well-being. Maybe you’ve heard of CBD and were curious to try it, but you were scared about what your friends would think. Or maybe you’re scared of how your life will be different once you’re suffering less and able to re-engage with friends and family. Either way, letting go of fear and exploring your openness to trying something new can be a great way to practice all there is to be grateful for. As the days grow shorter, the nights grow longer, and the autumn leaves give way to snow before the gift-giving holidays of winter, why not consider giving your loved ones the gift of less stress, better sleep, and overall well being? CBD lotions or salves make thoughtful gifts for those dealing with inflammation or chronic pain, while CBD water is the perfect present for someone who’s looking to destress with alternatives to alcohol. Treat your friends, family, and yourself this season. Heal yourself, then heal those around you. Together, we can do our best to help heal the world.
To learn more about Kosher cannabis, visit https://mitzvaherbal.com.
Catherine Goldberg
