As the legalization of medical/recreational marijuana expands throughout the US, more CBD products are becoming available to the consumer. This new movement has piqued my curiosity about the benefits of using hemp-based CBD products. How they can help? What different types of are available? Are there differences between products?

In addition to trying to find the answers to my questions, I’ve also been experimenting with balms, lotions, powders, and tinctures. Today, I’ll be sharing my insight after using the Curaleaf Hemp lotion and tinctures.

What is Hemp-Based CBD?

Before I talk about hemp-based CBD (cannabidiol), let me clarify one thing, CBD will not get you high. Why? Unlike marijuana, CBD doesn’t contain THC, which is the psychoactive that gives you the “high” feeling.

Courtesy of Curaleaf

Curaleaf Hemp derives its CBD from cannabis sativa plants grown in Kentucky and Colorado. Interestingly enough, CBD is only one of the hundreds of compounds found in the plant.  In order to utilize this compound, Curaleaf Hemp puts its plants through a C02 extraction process, which takes place in Kentucky and Maine.

Before the hemp-based CBD products are delivered to your door or a Curaleaf location near you, they are tested by 3^rd party labs. This testing ensures you are receiving the most effective, high-quality ingredients, which are free of toxins, such as pesticides. No matter what CBD products you are using, it is important to know where you CBD comes from and how it is tested. Remember, not all CBD is the same.

How can CBD help?

One of the reasons for the recent rise in hemp-based CBD popularity is its ability to benefit your body’s endocannabinoid system. This system contains receptors which regulate pain, mood, appetite, stress, memory, and the immune system.

When you take CBD, you encourage your body to use more of these receptors, which can help reduce pain, inflammation, and anxiety levels. Some studies have shown that CBD may be to help combat neurological disorders and even cancer.

Topical CBD Lotion

For a variety of reasons, I tend to suffer from neck and shoulder pain. The tension and pain tend to increase after long hours on the computer or when I hit my workouts hard. To treat this pain, I usually use an OTC anti-inflammatory. Occasionally, I will use OTC pain patches in an attempt to avoid taking too many anti-inflammatories, which can be damaging to your liver and digestion. As much as I love these patches, they can be a little challenging to use.

When I discovered CBD topical lotions, I was beyond excited. Topical CBD products typically come in creams, lotions, and even balms. You can use them to treat localized pain by applying the product directly to the skin. The result is fast-acting pain relief.

I’ve been using the Curaleaf Hemp CBD Lotion in Menthol for a little over a month to relieve muscle pain and even menstrual cramps. This lotion contains full spectrum CBD oil, in addition to shea butter, argan oil, coconut oil, and aloe vera. It’s not only soothing to the skin, it really does a great job of relieving muscle and joint pain on contact and for several hours after application.

Each time I apply the lotion to my neck, shoulders, back, legs, or even lower stomach, I experience the relief I need. I no longer have to automatically reach for Advil or Tylenol, etc. CBD topical lotion has now become a staple in my muscle, pain relief arsenal.

CBD Tincture Drops

Another popular delivery method for hemp-based CBD is by mouth. It is believed that your body is better able to absorb and metabolize the effects of CBD when taken sublingually or orally.

Curaleaf Hemp offers five different types of tincture drops designed to help with digestion, muscle recovery, energy and focus, stress, and mood. The brand was kind enough to send me their Relieve and Revive drops to try.

• Relieve
  • A combination of 25 mg of natural derived hemp CBD, 0mg THC, refined coconut oil, hempseed oil, stevia, and lavender sweet orange essential oils
  • The anti-inflammatory benefits and calming properties of the essential oils, combined with CBD, help relieve muscle and joint pain
• Revive
  • A combination of 25 mg of natural derived hemp CBD, 0mg THC, refined coconut oil, hempseed oil, stevia, and lemon bergamot essential oils
  • The blend of CBD and Vitamin C help improve energy and focus

Both tinctures have a citrus flavor with an oily texture. They feature a 1 ML dropper which you use to take the product, either orally or topically. I personally only use the tinctures orally, once a day. While I haven’t had a chance to try the Revive tincture, I have been using the Relieve. (Note: In order to properly test out the tinctures in a timely fashion, I was only able to use one at a time. I will update this post after I finish using Revive.)

I definitely notice a difference in my muscle recovery when I use Relieve. As I mentioned above, I’ve been hitting my workouts a lot harder in the last few months, with the goal of working out six days a week.

Since I’m not in my twenties, my muscles don’t recover as fast. Using Relieve, does help reduce my muscle and joint pain. It’s not a magical cure all, as my muscles are still sore. However, they are not as sore as they have been and I’m able to more effectively keep up my current fitness routine.

Final thoughts on CBD

CBD can provide you with many benefits, from reducing pain to boosting your mood. If you are considering trying out hemp-based CBD products, check out both the lotion and the tinctures from Curaleaf Hemp. They have both made a noticeable difference in my life.

For more information on CBD, check out all our Beauty Brite CBD posts.

Have you tried CBD? Would a lotion or hemp-based CBD tincture work best for you?

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