CBD
Throughout Sarasota and across the nation, a new phenomenon is growing in popularity at farmers’ markets and grocery stores and even local bakeries: Hemp-derived cannabidiol, or CBD, a non-hallucinogenic cousin of marijuana, is one of the biggest jumps into natural plant-based medicine that the U.S. has embraced since the decriminalization of cannabis in 30 states so far.
What makes CBD so special? Above all else, its main function as an anti-inflammatory can relieve arthritis, high blood pressure, and chronic pain, to name just a few potential benefits. For children and adults who suffer from seizures, it’s an antiepileptic and anticonvulsant. For adults who suffer from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or other neurodegenerative diseases or who are recovering from a stroke, it’s a neuroprotectant and helps rebuild and maintain synaptic communication in the central nervous system. For clinically depressed patients and people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it’s an antidepressant that modulates anxiety while promoting a naturally calm state of mind.
And unlike its fellow cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not create a euphoria or “high” generally associated with marijuana use.
But isn’t hemp still illegal on a federal level in the United States? Actually, no. As a result of the 2014 Farm Bill, the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the Food & Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Agency decriminalized industrial hemp for American manufacturing. So, even if a state doesn’t have legal cannabis laws, hemp-derived CBD and hemp oil are 100 percent legal (as long as it has less than 0.3% THC).
To understand CBD you must first recognize the endocannabinoid system (or ECS). All mammals naturally produce cannabinoids (a chemical compound found in cannabis) to aid in regulating bodily functions from sleep to digestion to pain management. Certain foods and plants also produce cannabinoids; these include turmeric, black pepper, cacao, echinacea, and black truffles. The ECS has established receptors throughout the body’s circulatory and nervous system and all major organs. These receptors are built to receive cannabinoids like CBD. Often accounting for up to 40 percent of an entire hemp plant, CBD has been found to be one of the most abundant and noticeably most beneficial cannabinoids.
So take a look around. Whether you want delicious CBD-infused baked goods from the Glenn Family Bakery or pure CBD tinctures for you and your pets from Sarasota’s own Mindful Medicinals, you don’t have to go far to find CBD right in your backyard.
KNOW YOUR DEALER: CBD IN SRQ
THE GLENN FAMILY BAKERY
Specializing in small-batch CBD-infused baked goods including Triple Chocolate Brownies, Gluten-Free Lemon Squares, Magic Layer Bars, and more.
1979 Northgate Blvd, Sarasota, 941-275-6247 cbdbakedsweets.com
MINDFUL MEDICINALS
Specializing in organic and non-GMO CBD tinctures, topicals, edibles, vapes, infused catering, and education
1906 Glengary St, Suite B, Sarasota, 941-374-4817 mindfulmedicinalssrq.com
AGE VITAL
Specializing in alternative and holistic retail pharmaceuticals and customized medication including patented CBD and full-spectrum hemp oil
1618 Main St, Sarasota, 888-388-7237 agevital.com
WILD GINGER APOTHECARY
Specializing in natural health and beauty supplies including several local CBD brands; regularly hosts educational events.
6557 Superior Ave, Sarasota; 941-312-5630 wildgingerapothecary.com
