The CBD Conversation: All You’ve Wanted to Know

• We’ve been hearing a lot about CBD as a wellness supplement.
• Here’s what we know about it, what forms you can find it in, and where the conversation is going.

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CBD: we’ve all heard these letters infiltrating the recent wellness narrative, but exactly what is it and how can it benefit you? Whether it’s already a companion to your wellness routine or if you’re just curious about the fuss, we give you the round-up on what’s up and heads-up on what’s next for this alternative wellness supplement.

What is it?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, or one of the many chemical compounds derived from the hemp plant. Rest assured that CBD is non-psychoactive – so no, it won’t make you “high”. What does cause the psychedelic effects in cannabis is the cannabinoid called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, which is illegal in Hong Kong), which hemp plants don’t produce enough of. CBD works with our endocannabinoid system, the regulatory system that takes care of our core functions such as appetite, pain, mood, sleep, and immune system health.

While the research into the effectiveness of CBD continues, so does the rise of its popularity as wellness support – and really, the stress of our daily lives! More and more people are discovering how CBD may work for them, whether it’s for overall wellbeing, stress management, improved sleep quality, chronic pain relief – and notably stabilising homeostasis (internal, physical and chemical conditions), which is the key to relaxation.

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Where can you find it?

CBD products are easily attainable from specialist wellness shops both online and off, and in multi-brand department stores.

Ingestibles: For relaxation and focus
The most common way to take CBD is in the form of tinctures that you ingest a few drops of directly. But in Hong Kong, cafes are now offering CBD as a top-up to your order. CBD is also available in more convenient forms, such as in mints, and gummies. And finally, there’s also the combination of hemp with hops, with even local microbreweries including CBD in their beer brews.

Topical: For recovery and hydration
CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, so along with providing a calming sense over you, it can also help with improving skin conditions like acne and eczema, along with boosting skin hydration. Don’t be surprised to see the popular cannabinoid on the ingredient list of body balms, serums, body sprays, bubble baths, and lip balms.

What’s next?

Now that wellness has settled nicely at the top of our priority list, the quest to more self-care aids will only continue. For some countries, this means CBN.

As yet another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, CBN has more sedative effects than CBD, helping to ward off insomnia and tame anxiety in our stressed-induced patterns. You’ll start to see this strain topping off bedtime tinctures and supplements to help with restorative rest – and with sleep being one of the most vital needs for our overall wellbeing, this will help to give our hardworking immune systems a well-deserved boost.

We’ll also start to hear more about the “entourage effect”, where CBD, CBN, and even THC will be used together to boost their individual effects in blended products. However, as CBN and THC are not legalised in Hong Kong, this tactic will likely remain with products available overseas.

Remember: As with any kind of health supplements, if you choose to try CBD, take care when using it and always read the directions for correct usage. Patience is key to finding what makes you feel your best.

Need more ideas on how to calm down? Try these feel-good sounds that heal and relax.