Connect with us

Research

How Can CBD help College Students?

Published

on

How can CBD help College Students

The seemingly ‘fun’ college time is turning out to be the most challenging part of student life. From the time you get admission to your dream school to the moment you graduate, the grind never stops. 

You always dream of college to be full of parties, sorority meetings, weekend getaways like they show in the movies. But when the curtain falls, reality strikes in. 

Parental expectations, assignment deadlines, weekly tests, extra-curricular only add to your stress. This happens to up to an extent that you feel like running away or end up embracing unhealthy coping mechanisms. 

To counter this, you can resort to CBD, a Cannabis compound that can ease all your stress and improve your performance in school. It is easy to add it to your daily wellness routine.

Let’s talk about CBD in detail.   

What is CBD? 

CBD stands for Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound of Cannabis plants. It constitutes up to 40% of the plant extract. We can derive CBD from hemp species of Cannabis Sativa. This species has a high content of CBD and low content of THC. 

This plant traces its origin back to Central Asia, where it has been used as a medicine for many years. Over the years, CBD has been used to relieve pain, anxiety, insomnia, and improve cognitive functions. 

The compound has been used to prepare some life-saving products that work like a charm on the human body. Owing to its myriad of benefits, its usage has increased all over the country. 

A 2018 cross-sectional study on college-going Cannabidiol users showed that 62% of the participants used CBD to treat medical conditions like anxiety, pain, and depression. 

How Does CBD Work?

Unlike other Cannabis compounds, CBD doesn’t interact with the cannabinoid receptors. It stimulates the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to increase the production of cannabinoids. The ECS regulates sleep, mood, memory, appetite, and pain sensation. 

CBD helps improve these functions of the endocannabinoid system and helps maintain homeostasis (balance) in the body. This further helps in improving the user’s overall health and wellness.

Will CBD get me High?

Cannabis has two compounds: THC and CBD. 

THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive compound that affects your mental state by stimulating the brain and nervous system. This may lead to intoxication and produce sedative effects. 

As CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, it doesn’t induce the feeling of euphoria and make you ‘high’.

All CBD products approved for human use contain 0.3% or less amount of THC, the mind-altering compound. This is because all CBD products are preparing using ‘industrial hemp’ which naturally contains a tiny amount of THC. 

Is CBD Addictive?

No, as discussed above, CBD lacks the ability to give you a ‘high’. It does not cause a pleasurable feeling which leads to addiction. CBD has therapeutic effects that negate the possibility of addiction. 

A March 2017 study revealed that administering oral doses of CBD in frequent marijuana users alone or in combination with smoke marijuana, showed no signs of abuse liability. 

Even in high doses, CBD is well-tolerated by the users and does not cause any impairment in bodily functions. 

On the contrary, several evidences reported the usage of CBD to fight addiction caused by THC, tobacco, or opioids. It can combat the withdrawal symptoms that cause a great deal of discomfort. 

CBD Products for College Students

There’s a wide range of CBD-based products that can help you as a college student. You can choose the one as per your preference:

CBD Oil

This is the most popular and effective CBD product. CBD oil is known to alleviate pain, anxiety, and even depression symptoms in the user. It has a soothing effect on your brain and body. CBD oil also reduces headache and migraine symptoms. It stimulates your appetite to help you eat better.

CBD oil may also help treat insomnia by reducing the day-time drowsiness. This, in turn, balances your sleep-wake cycle.

How to use: One way to take it is by dropping a few drops of CBD Oil under your tongue using a dropper and letting it get absorbed. You can also place it in the mouth using your fingers. Or else, add it to your food or drinks.

CBD Capsules

CBD capsules are another way to intake the compound. If you don’t like the idea of consuming the oil by dropping it under your tongue, try taking CBD this way. These capsules interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body that maintains the mental function in the body.

These capsules lower your stress levels and improve your physical health. It further helps you get quality sleep and ensure overall well being. 

How to use: Start with the lowest dosage and then move on to higher as you become used to the capsules. Each company has its own ideal recommended dosage mentioned on its package.

CBD Topicals

This includes a range of lotions, creams, or rubs that are directly applied to the skin. Some CBD topicals can help relieve pain and inflammation caused by wounds and injuries. It can also help reduce chronic pain in adults.  

Then, there are topicals for skin that helps to keep it hydrated and nourished. They can treat aging-related skin problems and keep pimples and acne at bay. 

How to use: These topicals are only meant for external use. Massage them on to the affected area of the skin. You may feel a tingling or cooling sensation on application. For more instructions regarding usage, read the package carefully. 

CBD Gummies

This is the most fun way of taking CBD. CBD Gummies reduce anxiety and calm you down. If you often have test anxiety or find it hard to mingle with new people, these gummies can help ease the situation. They also enhance the quality of your sleep by decluttering your mind from all the stress.

How to use: CBD gummies are available in different flavors that make it more palatable. All you need to do is pop in one or two gummies and chew it down. 

Benefits of CBD

According to the American Psychological Association, 61% of college students who seek counseling have anxiety, 45% are stressed and 49% suffer from depression. This is due to the academic pressure and stress of college.

Here’s how CBD can help you sail smoothly through the stressful college days:

Reduces Test Anxiety: It is common to feel anxious before a big exam but too much nervousness can influence your performance in the exam. If you put too much pressure on yourself, you may end up blanking out while writing the answers. You cannot put your grades at stake with this anxiety. 

To get rid of this feeling, consume CBD oil or gummies. CBD has an anxiolytic effect on your mind through which it inhibits anxiety. It will help you feel less nervous and allow you to think more clearly. 

Social Anxiety: You need to make new connections constantly if you want to survive college. Social anxiety can be a hurdle in between you embracing the new culture and people. 

CBD has relaxing properties that ease your anxiety. It calms your mind down and fills you with confidence to interact with your fellow mates.

A 2011 study revealed that CBD oil for students helps reduce nervousness and social anxiety during public speaking in them. 

Sleep Problems: College stress can take a toll on your sleep which in turn, leads to problems like insomnia, poor focus, and concentration in class. Students often pull an all-nighter sipping caffeine to complete a project or study for a tough exam. This leads to sleep deprivation. 

Your body needs adequate time to rest to recharge itself. CBD Oil can improve your sleep quality by relaxing your mind. It also gets your sleep-wake cycle back on track.  

Physical Pain: If you are a college athlete, you know that pains and wounds are a part of the game. But you cannot let these issues affect your performance on the field. 

CBD topicals have anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve the pain and help in faster recovery of the body. This can help even after those long tiring hours in the gym or a routine workout. 

Focus: It is important to stay focused and never lose sight of your goal amidst all the craze in college. CBD oil makes you alert and improves your concentration. With this, your mind will be able to focus better on studies. 

Overall Health: You need to be at the top of your health to take on the stressful college life. This is important both in terms of your physical and mental health. CBD has calming effects that soothe the mind and promotes your overall health. 

It elevates your spirit and makes you feel better about yourself, something you constantly need to be reminded of in college. 

Is CBD Legal and Allowed on College Campuses?

CBD, which is derived from industrial hemp is legal in all 50 states in the US. It is removed from the FDA controlled substances list owing to the low amount of THC in it. 

You can use CBD Isolate or pure products with less THC to get the benefits of the compound. Though Full-spectrum CBD is known to produce heightened effects, it can lead to a failed drug test. 

The states can also set up their own rules for it. You can refer to this state-wise guide to understand the laws related to CBD. Similar to the states, colleges can also establish their rules and regulations in this regard. 

In certain colleges, as per the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986, the use of CBD products have been banned even if the school is located in a Cannabis-legal state. 

You need research and gain knowledge about the CBD-related laws in your college. It is important to know where your college and state authorities stand on the issue to avoid a future problem. You can also talk to your school’s administrative office to know about the CBD rules. 

There is a little relaxation in some places, but there’s still a long way to go for CBD to be used freely. Till then, you need to be cautious of its use. 

CBD Buying Guide

As the CBD products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you need to read beyond the label. A little research can help you get the right product and the value of your money. 

While buying CBD-based products online is no rocket science, here are a few things that you should keep in mind:

Know the reason: First of all, decide why you need CBD. Consider what all issues you are facing and read about the products available. Also, decide in which form do you want to take CBD. 

For instance, in the case of muscle cramps or pain, CBD oil under the tongue may work in a few minutes. The effect of CBD topicals may vary from minutes to hours. 

Check the THC content: It is important to check how much THC does the product have before buying it. THC percent as low as 0.3% is allowed in CBD products to maintain their therapeutic effects. This helps in avoiding the ‘high’ after use. 

Ask for COA: COA stands for Certificate of Analysis that ensures whether the product contains the CBD content as claimed by the manufacturer and also whether the product is safe for human use or not.

This certificate is given by a third-party lab to make sure the results are unbiased. Check the certificate on the company website. 

Extraction method: CBD is extracted in various ways from the hemp source. Olive oil, dry ice, ethanol made solvents are considered cheap extraction methods. Look for the companies that use the CO2 extraction method which is safe and ensures the purity of the CBD. 

Place where the hemp was grown: Check the label of the products to know where the hemp is sourced from. Hemp grown in Colorado or Kentucky is organic and good for the products as compared to the one imported from overseas. This is because the imported hemp is not subject to federal testing. 

Avoid products that make specific medical claims: It is wise to avoid such companies that make false health claims like cure for cancer or some heart disease. FDA takes actions against the manufacturers that sell their CBD products based on unwarranted affirmations. 

Conclusion

To sum it up, CBD has proved its potency as a savior for all the college-going individuals and others. The best part about CBD is that you never build a tolerance or dependency to it. You don’t have to fear addiction but should take it in the recommended dosage. 

As a college student, you need to understand that it’s normal to get stressed but you shouldn’t let it get into your head. Try to indulge in yoga, 

meditation, or light exercises to calm yourself down.  

The users should educate themselves regarding the CBD products and choose the one that can help relieve the issues they are facing. Also, make sure you buy good quality products from reputed manufacturers. 

All the best!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is CBD Safe?

Yes, Cannabidiol is completely safe for human use. There are no public health-related issues reported with the use of CBD. One can tolerate up to  1500 mg/day of CBD. 

Is CBD Natural?

Yes, CBD is 100% natural. It is derived from the industrial hemp of the Cannabis plant. It is not produced synthetically. 

Can CBD lead to a Failed Drug Test?

Drug tests usually screen for the traces of THC, the psychoactive compound of Cannabis, and not CBD. Full-spectrum CBD may contain THC that can lead to failed drug tests especially when consumed in large quantities. 

Will CBD interact with my other Medications?

Consuming CBD at low doses does not interact with other medications. But at high dosages, CBD may interact with medications by inhibiting the cytochrome P450, a liver enzyme family. 

Talk to your health care provider before taking CBD, if you are on an anti-seizure, anti-viral, or blood thinner medications. 

Does CBD have Side Effects?

Some reported side effects of CBD are dry mouth, nausea, low blood pressure, and drowsiness. 

What is the Right Dosage of CBD?

A recommended dosage of CBD should be between 5 mg/day to 150 mg/day. Start with low doses and increase as and when required. Take time for the effects to show before changing the current dosage. 

Can you Overdose on CBD?

Even in high doses, CBD is safe to consume. It may not cause fatal overdose but can induce negative side effects. 

Is it Safe to Purchase CBD Online?

The best way to procure CBD is to purchase its products online.  Buying hemp-based products online is legal in the USA. While making the purchase, ensure that the THC content of the products is less than 0.03%.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *