Can CBD help you relax?
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Caley Scott, ND
Life moves fast, and it’s no surprise that stress and tension become constant companions for many people. Meet CBD (cannabidiol), a naturally occurring compound in the hemp plant that’s catching the attention of those looking for a little more calm and relief in their daily lives.
CBD has been making waves lately, not just as a trend but as a all-natural option for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. People are curious about how this compound works and whether it could be a natural way to help manage the pressures of daily life.
With more exciting research emerging in recent years, CBD is proving to be more than just hype — it's a potential game-changer for those seeking better emotional well-being. Whether you’re dealing with daily stress or just need a moment of peace, CBD might be worth considering.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike its cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects, meaning it won’t get you high.*
Instead, it’s known for its calming and soothing properties, making it a popular choice for those looking to relax without altering their state of mind.
CBD is typically extracted from the hemp plant, a variety of cannabis that’s low in THC. CBD and other cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network that plays a key role in regulating mood, sleep, and even stress levels. The ECS is made up of receptors spread throughout the body, and while THC directly binds to these receptors, CBD works a bit differently.
Instead of binding directly, CBD supports the ECS by preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids, the body’s own natural cannabinoids. This subtle but powerful action helps the ECS function efficiently, which may explain why so many people are turning to CBD as a way to support relaxation and overall well-being.
How does the ECS work?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is like your body’s internal balancing act, working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. It plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating functions like mood, sleep, and stress response. The ECS consists of endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by your body), cannabinoid receptors (like CB1 and CB2), and enzymes that break down endocannabinoids after they’ve done their job.
When the ECS is functioning well, it helps keep your body and mind in check. As a phytocannabinoid from the hemp plant, CBD can interact with this system, offering potential health benefits as it supports the ECS.*
Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly to CB receptors in the brain, therefore does not cause psychoactive effects. Instead, CBD is believed to help protect endocannabinoids from being broken down too quickly, supporting the natural balance that the ECS strives to maintain.* In this supportive role, the use of CBD can benefit those looking to manage stress and promote relaxation naturally.
Can CBD help you relax?
By working with the ECS, CBD can help encourage relaxation and support balance in a range of ways.
May support a healthy stress response
When stress hits, your body kicks into high gear, releasing the stress hormone cortisol. This is where the endocannabinoid system (ECS) comes in. The ECS plays a big role in how your body responds to stress, helping to keep those cortisol levels balanced.
One key player here is anandamide, often called the “bliss molecule.” Anandamide helps regulate mood and stress, promoting a sense of calm. Studies suggest that the ECS may also play a role in maintaining serotonin levels in the brain, which can further support your overall emotional wellness.*
CBD may help support this process by supporting feelings of calm and ease. This can give your body a better chance to properly manage stress and return to a more relaxed state.*
Whether you’re facing a hectic day at work or just need a moment to breathe, CBD could be a helpful addition to your stress-management toolkit.
Help relieve feelings of tension
Stress doesn’t just mess with your mind — it can show up all over your body. Whether it’s a tight neck, clenched jaw, or tense shoulders, these physical signs of stress are all too common. The good news: the ECS is also at work here, with CB receptors found not just in your brain but throughout your muscles and other tissues.
When endocannabinoids bind to these receptors, they help ease both the mental and physical tension that stress creates. CBD can support this process by enhancing the effects of these endocannabinoids, helping to relax those tight muscles and calm your mind.*
So, wherever you tend to hold stress in your body, CBD might just help you release some of that built-up tension and feel a bit more at ease.
Support healthy sleep patterns
Good sleep is essential for feeling your best, especially when it comes to managing stress and promoting relaxation. But getting quality sleep can be easier said than done. This is where CBD may come into play. By interacting with the ECS, CBD can help calm the mind and prepare your body for a restful night.
Healthy sleep patterns are crucial for your overall wellness, and clinical trials suggest that CBD might help with sleep by promoting a sense of calm before bed. Whether it’s racing thoughts or general restlessness keeping you up, taking CBD before bed could help you drift off more easily and stay asleep through the night.*
When your sleep stays on track, so does your ability to handle stress, making relaxation more of a daily reality.
How to take CBD for relaxation
When it comes to using CBD for relaxation, you’ve got plenty of options. CBD oil is a popular choice, offering flexibility in how you take it — whether under the tongue or mixed into your favorite drink. Gummies and other edibles are great if you prefer something a bit more tasty and easy to take on the go. Tinctures offer quick absorption, making them ideal if you’re looking for faster effects. And let’s not forget CBD topicals like lotions and creams, which can be applied directly to tense areas for targeted relief.
Choosing between full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate depends on your personal preferences. Full spectrum CBD contains a range of cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC, which might offer enhanced relaxation through the entourage effect.*
Broad spectrum CBD contains all of the nourishing plant parts except for the trace amounts of THC, while CBD isolate is pure CBD, free of other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
At Sunmed, we offer carefully extracted full spectrum and broad spectrum hemp-derived CBD, allowing you to reap the benefits of soothing terpenes and minor cannabinoids like CBN and CBG, which can work alongside CBD to help encourage full-body relaxation.*
Are there any risks to using CBD?
CBD is generally considered very safe, but it’s important to be aware of potential side effects of CBD. Some people may experience temporary adverse effects like nausea or lethargy, especially when taking a higher amount. These side effects are more likely if you start with a high amount, so it’s best to start low and gradually increase as needed.
If you’re taking prescription medications, like blood thinners or antidepressants, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor before adding CBD to your routine. There can be risks of drug interactions that might affect how your medications work. To minimize the chances of adverse effects, always choose high-quality CBD products and follow the recommended serving size. When in doubt, seek medical advice to ensure CBD is a safe option for you. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of CBD while minimizing potential risks.
What to look for in CBD
When choosing CBD, quality is everything. Look for products that are third-party tested to ensure you’re getting exactly what’s promised on the label — no unwanted surprises. Checking the serving size and potency is key, too.
Start with a lower amount of CBD to see how your body responds and gradually increase it until you find what works best for you.
At Sunmed, we’re all about transparency and premium quality formulas. Our products are made with clean ingredients and undergo rigorous third-party testing to ensure they meet the highest standards on the market. Whether you prefer oils, capsules, gummies, or topicals, we offer a variety of forms and flavors to suit your needs.
Remember, when it comes to CBD, it’s best to start low and slow, gradually working your way up to find the right amount for your relaxation needs, all while sticking to the recommended daily limits.
The bottom line
CBD offers a natural way to support relaxation and manage stress, making it a promising option for those looking to improve their well-being. From relieving daily tension to promoting better sleep, the potential benefits are definitely worth exploring. Just remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting CBD, especially if you have a health condition.
Sunmed’s hemp-derived CBD products are crafted with your wellness in mind. We’re here to help you find the peace and relaxation you deserve. Whether you’re new to CBD or a seasoned user, our commitment to quality and transparency ensures you can trust our products to support your journey to better health.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious | Harvard Health
Your body’s own cannabinoid molecules calm you during stress | Northwestern Now
Brain activity of anandamide: a rewarding bliss? | PMC
Modulation of the Serotonin System by Endocannabinoid Signaling | PMC
Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol | PMC