We’ve put together this beginner’s guide to CBD and some of the issues around it because it’s closely tied to women’s wellness, traditional herbalism, and the social justice issues that motivate us to do this work.
We put hemp “milk” in our coffee or smoothies, and we use hemp fiber to make durable fabric that rivals Nylon for toughness, without the issue of plastic microfibers.
The prohibition on marijuana and hemp in the U.S. is rolling back, month by month it seems. Finally, these plant allies are becoming more accessible for medical and casual use to more and more people.
Soon we’ll be seeing skincare products and snacks infused with cannabis-derived ingredients in local markets and national chain stores. For now, these products are mostly available via e-commerce. We’ve been recommending them in our gift guides for a while now.
So, what is CBD, and why is legalization and decriminalization such a big deal?
By using materials as if they were a gift, and returning that gift through worthy use, we find balance.
Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass
What is CBD
Cannabidiol is one of the compounds in cannabis plants – different from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that gets you high. It is found in both marijuana and hemp.
How to pronounce it: can-a-bid-e-all
CBD products are defined as having less than 0.3% THC. The effect has been described as a “body high” like the feeling you have after an intense yoga session or having a warm bath.
Legal-ish
Marijuana has been more or less illegal under federal law since 1937, in spite of recent states’ laws opening up growth, sale, use, or possession. Hemp growth was just federally legalized in 2018, but hemp-derived CBD is still considered a drug, and is illegal under federal law. States laws on both hemp and marijuana vary. Here’s a handy guide, just scroll for your state.
Who is it for
There is so little good research on CBD, most indications are anecdotal at this point. But most anecdotes, as well as early research, suggests CBD is effective in relieving many types of physical pain, but also helps with mental health issues like anxiety or PTSD. The first CBD-derived drug to achieve FDA approval was developed to treat seizure disorders.
Why women should consider it
- Use it for pain, inflammation
- Chronic pain conditions
- Exercise recovery
- Skin care
- Muscle aches
- Arthritis
- Menstrual cramps
How to use it
- Can be infused or blended in food and beverages
- Used topically in skincare products
- CBD tincture can be placed directly under the tongue
Research is ongoing to determine effective dosing for various uses. Different strains and how it’s grown will have different effects.
Where to find it
Where it’s legal under state law, you may find CBD products in brick & mortar stores. Otherwise, look for online retailers.
What you should know
Even as states legalize it, CBD is still Federal Schedule 1 drug, although it’s not being enforced at the federal level.
CBD can have negative interactions with many medications, so you should consult your physician.
How to be an ally
“Only about 26% of canna-businesses are owned or founded by women. […] The breakdown by race is even starker: 81% of marijuana business owners and founders are white, nearly 7% identify as “other,” 5.7% identify as Hispanic/Latino, 4.3% identify as African-American, and less than 3% identify as Asian.”
Refinery29
In this emerging industry, there is a huge opportunity – and I would argue, an imperative – to make sure that historically marginalized people are supported in leading the way and achieving success.
It’s no secret that Black and Latinx people in the US have been systematically oppressed as casualties in “the war on drugs”, with disproportionate enforcement of minor drug charges that white people mostly get away with.
It’s crucial that, as we take advantage of the benefits of these plants, Black and brown people are first in line to reap the benefits of new CBD business opportunities, and moreover receive restitution for 50 years of misapplication of drug enforcement laws.
In Connecticut, CURE-CT is educating lawmakers and lobbying for equitable legislation as marijuana moves slowly through the legalization and decriminalization processes.
The Minority Cannabis Business Association is one of several groups that have been established to help cannabis entrepreneurs of color start and thrive in their businesses.
To my mind, it is super important to support women of color in this industry. Here are several lists of notable WOC canna-business owners:
- From 21 Ninety
- From Leafly
- Marie Claire
- Refinery29
Since this industry has grown from the medical marijuana movement, it seems obvious this should include consideration for disabled people. But very little of the press mentions the disabled specifically, even though the disabled are a significant group of cannabis consumers, and therefore should also be supported in cannabis industry employment and entrepreneurship.
In my (very cursory) search for any press on this topic, I found just one article pointing out the lack of disabled representation in the cannabis boom.
If you know and like a cannabis business owned by a disabled person, please let us know where to find them in the comments below.
Let’s learn together
This was a very broad-strokes, surface level primer of this super-special superfood plant.
I would love for this guide to evolve as the industry grows and research helps confirm what traditional knowledge has taught us about cannabis.
More questions? Please add them in the comments below, or email me.
Recommendations of awesome products and businesses? Please share them in the comments as well.
Do you have experience of finding relief or wellness with cannabis-derived products? We would love to hear your stories.