CBD: the Ultimate Practice Buddy

CBD has taken our markets by storm, and musicians love it, too. #NoPainPractice

Before we go any further there are ground rules I want to establish with this post. First and foremost, I am not a doctor. For any medical advice, you should always consult your doctor over a post. Second, this is purely informational, and contains my testimony and opinions with a particular brand of CBD product. Third, it is vitally important that if you choose to use a CBD product, you are able to find out exactly what is in it, that it went through rigorous testing to meet government guidelines, and that it can be traced.

CBD: What it is and isn't

CBD (or Cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid that can be derived from either the hemp plant or the marijuana plant. Hemp used to be treated and perceived in the same way as marijuana until Congress passed the U.S. Farm Bill in 2018. This bill legalized hemp, but also placed a number of restrictions and conditions along with it. Hemp has a lower concentration of THC, which is the part of the cannabis that causes the "high." Hemp does not share those psychoactive properties with marijuana. In fact, to be clear, CBD is NOT marijuana. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared CBD a safe substance with no abuse potential. The CBD product I use contains less than <0.3% THC which makes it legal to use and transport across all 50 states thanks to the U.S. Farm Bill of 2018.

CBD Cautions and Controversy

Much of the controversy surrounding CBD and CBD products is that there are many products still out there in the marketplace that have not had the testing done that is needed to ensure the level of quality control for consumer safety. Testing is essential to make sure the product is in compliance with government standards of THC levels, and that it is free of contaminants, such as metals or pesticides. It is also important to make sure the CBD product you are using has Full Spectrum Hemp Extract which contains all of the key parts of the hemp plant. It's important to note that hemp seeds, hemp seed proteins or hemp seed oils do not contain CBD.

What I Use

Topical products are the only CBD format that is legal for shipping across state lines.

My personal experience: I have never had an edible, or ingested oral CBD products. I use a topical cream or spray format on my skin where I have aches and pains, or sore or tight muscles. When the pandemic hit, I was not able to see my acupuncturist for months, and CBD for me was a lifesaver in that time. Pre-pandemic, while I was traveling during a busy performing season, it was, and continues to be, a great compliment to stretching, lifting weights, and running. I occasionally get headaches, and it has been a huge relief especially when it's applied to my temple.

My recommendations: If you are in need of a CBD product recommendation, I use a brand that is ranked the #1 Health & Wellness Brand in the world, with a reputation backed by over 900 scientists, and countless patents and certifications. It is a brand that not only meets government standards, but is rigorously tested for quality control and has my full trust. If you would like to know more about the product I use, or further information, please contact me at instrumentallyhealthy@gmail.com.