How to get started on your CBD journey

“I want to try CBD, how do I get started?” It’s the number one question we get, and unless you know someone who lives and breathes MJ like we do, who can you ask to get answers you can trust? Most people are not comfortable speaking with their physicians about CBD or THC—mostly due to criminality. Depending on where in the country you are located, parents still risk having their children taken from them for consuming or medicating a severely ill family member. If you do feel safe with your physician, odds are they will not have any answers or resources for you—there is still so much research that needs to be done and most Western medical doctors haven’t been educated about cannabis at all. (I have given MJ Lifestyle Magazine to all of my personal physicians after they asked to know more about cannabis—they also all happen to be women!

Many parents of sick children do not get answers from doctors but are forbidden to try alternative medicines like CBD or THC.  For these many reasons, we must advocate for each other.  Here at MJ Lifestyle, we eat, sleep, and dream about the flower and love to stay informed, so if we don’t have an answer, odds are we can direct you to someone that does. 

Congrats on making it this far, being here already puts you on top of starting your journey with CBD. Here are a few things to consider when getting started:

DISCLAIMER: While there is overwhelming evidence that supports a connection between cannabis and the human body, we’re still waiting for clinical backup & FDA approval. The statements made regarding products listed have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.

1. Every BODY processes cannabinoids differently—size and age do not matter.

We have it all broken down for you here: On The Level: The Human Endocannabinoid System (ECS) Explained.  

Please note that if you are on medication like blood thinners and your prescription recommends avoiding grapefruit juice, CBD may affect the efficacy of your medication.  Please let your doctor know so that they may monitor your levels.

2. What do you want to try? Hemp CBD or CBD with THC?

There are a few factors that may determine the answer to this question, the biggest three are:

1. Location (are you in a THC legal state/country?)

2. Employment (does your job have a no tolerance for THC policy or drug testing) 

3. Products with THC may cause intoxicating effects, while hemp does not

If you have to get drug-tested for employment and they test for THC, we recommend sticking with a Broad-Spectrum Hemp or CBD Isolate, both have 0% THC and are available for purchase in all 50 states.  Learn more about the differences in Hemp CBD here: Which CBD is Right for You?

To date, there are 113 different cannabinoids that have been isolated from the cannabis plant. The amount of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids vary with each strain and therefore, each product.  The THC brands and products mentioned in this article are legal California brands we love and trust. Hemp CBD is available in all 50 states.

3. Why do you want to start this journey?

Researchers are working around the clock testing cannabis as a treatment for some of our worst illnesses and diseases, including neurological conditions. Along with a team of medical professionals, our friends at Goldleaf have designed templated and educational notebooks for cannabis patients, growers, and enthusiasts to chart their cannabis therapy. Goldleafs Patient Journal is the perfect companion for you to take along on your cannabis journey.  Save 10% with code MJLIFESTYLE10.

Below are some of the most common reasons people use cannabis to aid in relief:

Severe Medical Conditions

Severe Medical Conditions vary and there is no one answer for everything.  Research has shown that Epilepsy and Parkinson’s patients benefit greatly from an accurately dosed CBD:THC daily regime.  Parents of children with epilepsy are witnessing them go from hundreds of seizures a day to zero in five years. But not without a lot of trial and error, risk, and perseverance.  Look for local support groups to ask questions, You will gain the most from other women, men & families enduring similar circumstances. If you cannot find a local support group, email us and we will do our best to send some trustworthy resources your way.

Some Cancer patients use products with THC to help with relieving side effects from treatments—nausea, mood, and appetite.  Alzheimer's patients have reported finding more moments of feeling happy and less anxious when forgetting.

THC (in legal states)

Edible or Tincture—Start with a low-dose (2.5mg) edible or tincture with THC.  CBD can be an appetite suppressant, so if you need to eat, try minimizing the CBD.  If 2 hours pass and you feel nothing, try to up the dose another 2.5mg.  In CA state (and most other legal states), a standard dose is 10mg; taking lower-doses (called micro-dosing) allows you to more accurately find your dose without the fear of overdoing it. CA Brands that have premium micro-dosing products: Level, Humboldt Apothecary, Om Edibles, and Satori Chocolates

Vaping—Another option to try is vaping flower or oil, the onset of inhaling cannabis is a lot faster, and the effects or ’high’ doesn’t last as long as an edible. TSO Sonoma makes beautifully blended flower sticks for clean and discreet vaping with the Omura vaporizer. 

Many oil extract vape pens are really high in THC %, so look for something that has both THC and CBD in it to start.  Chemistry, Sunday Goods, and Level all have vape oil cartridges and disposable pens formulated with different CBD:THC ratios. You will need to purchase a vaping battery to use with the cartridges unless the pen is disposable.

Pax, an innovator in vaping technology has different vaping devices for flower and oil extract.  They have their own very popular revolutionary pod system that currently has over 50 different oil extract partners.  Similar to the cartridges, the pax pods are pre-filled and effortlessly fit into the sophisticated and very smart Pax Era Pen.  The Pax Era Pen with Bloom Farms’ pods is my personal go-to.

HEMP (available in all 50 states)

Tinctures—Full-Spectrum CBD extracts contain the full range of cannabinoids and phytonutrients originally found in the plant. Full-spectrum is arguably going to be the best, most effective CBD option. It’s important to note here that the trace amounts of THC found in full-spectrum products do have the potential to build up in fat cells over time and cause you to register positive on a drug test. If you are concerned about this, look for broad-spectrum products instead.

Hemp CBD is available in all 50 states, here are some brands we love and trust: Juna, Charlottes Web, Equilibria Woman (use code MJLIFE to save 15%), Moon Mother Hemp, Tonic

Chronic Pain

Living with Chronic Pain affects every part of you, especially mentally.  Chronic pain is a major reason why people get addicted to opiates because they can’t tolerate the pain and don’t know where to turn.  CBD can be a great tool for inflammation, while THC may help target severe pain and mood. When consuming THC with CBD, CBD will balance out some of the adverse effects THC may have (i.e. paranoia).  Patients with Chronic pain have also found relief in a full-spectrum healing salve for aching muscles and joints.

THC (in legal states)

Tinctures—come in a variety of THC:CBD ratios and are an effective way to customize dosage.  Plus, taken sublingually, tinctures can provide quicker relief than an edible that has to go through the stomach and liver before the cannabis gets into your system.  Patients using higher THC ratios found it ideal for acute aches and pains like cramps, back pain, and migraines.  Higher CBD ratios have been noted to work well for chronic pain, inflammation, and whole-body wellness.  In addition to tinctures, you can try a transdermal patch from Papa & Barkley or Capsules.

HEMP (available in all 50 states)

Tinctures—Full-Spectrum CBD extracts contain the full range of cannabinoids and phytonutrients originally found in the plant.  We love tinctures, but a good full-spectrum topical like the Pain Salve from Mender feels glorious on those aches and pains that won’t go away.

Hemp CBD is available in all 50 states, here are some brands we love and trust: Mender, Juna, Charlottes Web, Equilibria Woman (use code MJLIFE to save 15%), Moon Mother Hemp, Tonic

Anxiety

Hopefully, by now, you understand how important mental wellness is to us here at MJ Lifestyle.  This is not a post against anti-anxiety & anti-depression medication because many people (including myself) rely on certain medications to function with day to day tasks. Anxiety can overwhelm your body so badly that you can lose certain functioning and develop other conditions like ulcers, IBS, migraines, etc.  If you suffer severe depression or anxiety, please speak with a therapist, there is nothing greater than a good therapist.

Many people just want a little something to take the edge off, similar to a glass of wine, but without the second and third glass. If this is something you are seeking, try:

THC (in legal states)

Edible or Tincture—Start with a low-dose (2.5mg) edible or tincture with a THC:CBD ratio.  If 2 hours pass and you feel nothing, try to up the dose another 2.5mg.  In CA state (and most other legal states), a standard dose is 10mg; taking lower-doses (called micro-dosing) allows you to more accurately find your dose without the fear of overdoing it. Some edibles may make you feel sleepy if you plan to micro-dose throughout the day, look for a daytime or sativa blend. When I consume THC with CBD, CBD helps relieve some of the adverse effects THC may have (i.e. paranoia). CA Brands that have premium micro-dosing products: Level, Humboldt Apothecary, Om Edibles, and Satori Chocolates

HEMP (available in all 50 states)

Tinctures—Full-Spectrum CBD extracts contain the full range of cannabinoids and phytonutrients originally found in the plant. In my opinion, full-spectrum is arguably going to be the best, most effective CBD option. It’s important to note here that the trace amounts of THC found in full-spectrum products do have the potential to build up in fat cells over time and cause you to register positive on a drug test. If you are concerned about this, look for broad-spectrum products instead.

Hemp CBD is available in all 50 states, here are some brands we love and trust: Juna, Charlottes Web, Equilibria Woman (use code MJLIFE to save 15%), Moon Mother Hemp, Tonic

Insomnia

I can only imagine that every one of the soldiers that have ever fought for us, has some sort of PTSD they suffer with daily and into the night.  My cousin’s husband wakes himself up with horrific nightmares from his time at war.  Recently, I met an immigrant woman that started eating a CBD gummy every night and it has saved her from the nightly terrors of her youth.  Chronic pain, PTSD, busy minds, so many things can contribute to not getting enough sleep.  I’ve heard the horror stories of addictive sleeping pills that knock you out so bad, you could commit a crime and sleep right through it.  Cannabis is a beautiful plant medicine, and when taken consciously and responsibly, it can be an incredible ally to your overall well-being.  We really love tinctures for sleep because they tend to add other herbs that work together synergistically, but a good edible can really make those eyelids heavy when you need it.  My parents each take a tiny Kiva chocolate bite 2 hours before they want to go to sleep and they are met with a great night’s rest ahead of them.

THC (in legal states)

Edible or Tincture—Start with a low-dose (3 - 5mg) edible, tea or tincture with a THC:CBD ratio. Typically the product will specify if the formula is for sleep, nighttime, or indica. If 2 hours pass and you feel nothing, try to up the dose another 5mg.  In CA state (and most other legal states), a standard dose is 10mg; taking lower-doses (called micro-dosing) allows you to more accurately find your dose without the fear of overdoing it.

CA Brands that have premium micro-dosing products: Level, Humboldt Apothecary, Om Edibles, Kikoko, and Satori Chocolates

HEMP (available in all 50 states)

Tincture—We have experienced some incredibly crafted full-spectrum CBD tinctures that not only have the benefits of our beloved hemp plant but also include other healing botanicals like Ashwagonda, Melatonin, and Lavender to achieve the desired outcome of rest. 

Hemp CBD is available in all 50 states, here are some brands we love and trust: Juna, Charlottes Web, Equilibria Woman (use code MJLIFE to save 15%), Moon Mother Hemp, Tonic

Migraines

Like everything we’ve mentioned here, cannabis has different effects on different people.  For me, combatting my migraines is by making a conscious effort not to get one in the first place—don’t overstimulate the mind, take breaks from the computer, stretch, and full-spectrum CBD.  On the opposite side of the spectrum, I recently met a female pro-golfer who gets horrific (aren’t they all) migraines and has only found relief from smoking cannabis flower in a bong while the migraine is happening.  Be open to discovering what might work best for you.

Mood Stability

Yep!  You guessed it!  Start with a low-dose and take your time to find the dose that works best for you.  Both Hemp CBD and micro-dosing THC are known for boosting mood.

THC (in legal states)

Edible or Tincture—Start with a low-dose (2.5mg) edible or tincture with THC. If 2 hours pass and you feel nothing, try to up the dose another 2.5mg.  In CA state (and most other legal states), a standard dose is 10mg; taking lower-doses (called micro-dosing) allows you to more accurately find your dose without the fear of overdoing it.

Another option to try is vaping flower or oil, the onset of inhaling cannabis is a lot faster, and the effects or high doesn’t last as long as an edible will. A lot of vape pens are really high in THC %, so look for something that has both THC and CBD in it.

TSO Sonoma makes beautifully blended flower sticks for clean and discreet vaping with the Omura vaporizer. Chemistry, Sunday Goods, and Level all have vape oil cartridges or disposable pens formulated with different CBD:THC ratios. You will need to purchase a vaping battery to use with the cartridges unless the pen is disposable.

Pax, an innovator in vaping technology has different vaping devices for flower and oil.  They have their own very popular revolutionary pod system that currently has over 50 different oil extract partners.  Similar to the cartridges, the pax pods are pre-filled and effortlessly fit into the sophisticated and very smart Pax Era Pen.  The Pax Era Pen is my personal go-to.

HEMP (available in all 50 states)

Tinctures—Full-Spectrum CBD extracts contain the full range of cannabinoids and phytonutrients originally found in the plant. In my opinion, full-spectrum is arguably going to be the best, most effective CBD option. It’s important to note here that the trace amounts of THC found in full-spectrum products (.3%) do have the potential to build up in fat cells over time and cause you to register positive on a drug test. If you are concerned about this, look for Broad-Spectrum products instead.

Hemp CBD is available in all 50 states, here are some brands we love and trust: Juna, Charlotte’s Web, Equilibria Woman (use code MJLIFE to save 15%), Moon Mother Hemp, Tonic

Working Out

We can only speak from experience here, as there is still so much research to be done!  I personally like to vape before working out, but making sure I have enough water for dry mouth is a must!  I have several friends in the fitness space that love using CBD before and after breaking a sweat.  One of my girlfriends takes 300mg of CBD before hitting the gym and feels unstoppable—her husband grows hemp CBD, otherwise who could afford that much CBD on the daily?!  The point is, everybody uses cannabis and CBD differently, there isn’t one magic formula that works for everyone.

Many active people choose CBD to help with the muscle pain and tightness that happens after the workout too.  Using both a tincture and full-spectrum salve works wonders!

Creativity

As a photographer for the past two decades, it’s undeniable that I’m a creative person.  While I don’t get my passion and creativity from cannabis, it does allow me to do it so I can enjoy my creativity. It’s true what they say about artists—we are tortured, souls.  We are constantly judging our work, trying to do better than our last creation, worried the client won’t be thrilled... As a creative professional, I’m surrounded by my art all the time, cannabis allows me to break free from the negativity in my own mind and live in the magnificent creation process.  I personally enjoy vaping cannabis flower or oil extract when I go into creative work mode.  Check out my notes under Mood for more info on vaping.

Fun!

Well shit, if you’ve made it this far, you deserve that standard dose of 10mg!  Go for it, have fun and try it out in the safety of your own home or with close friends. If you are going for an edible, remember that it takes a while (90-120 mins!) to get to your Endocannabinoid system, so wait at least two hours before eating more.  This also means that if you go the edibles route, make sure to plan for that two-hour delay. 

Wanna try vaping flower or oil extract? The onset when inhaling cannabis is a lot faster, and the effects or high doesn’t last as long. Many vape pens have a high THC content—if at any moment you feel too high, take a few drops of CBD from a tincture, I have found CBD to calm some of those adverse effects of too much THC.  Always remember to GO SLOW, start with one or two inhales, and ENJOY.

THC (in legal states)

In California, TSO Sonoma makes beautifully blended flower sticks for clean and discreet consumption with the Omura vaporizer. Chemistry, Sunday Goods, and Level all have vape oil cartridges and disposable pens formulated with different CBD:THC ratios. You will need to purchase a vaping battery to use with the cartridges unless the pen is disposable.

Pax, an innovator in vaping technology has different vaping devices for flower and oil.  They have their own very popular revolutionary pod system that currently has over 50 different oil extract partners.  Similar to the cartridges, the pax pods are pre-filled and effortlessly fit into the sophisticated and very smart Pax Era Pen.  The Pax Era Pen is my personal go-to.

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DISCLAIMER:  The Women of MJ Lifestyle are not licensed medical professionals, nor do we claim to be. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or any of the above-listed conditions. However, we find plant medicine to be a brilliant tool that works synergistically with a healthy diet and a mindful spirit. MJ Lifestyle believes in the power of the plant and encourages you to explore with a positive and open mind.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 

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