How and Why CBD & Meditation Go Together

If you’re regular readers of our blog, you’ve probably read a few things about CBD for stress and anxiety. But we also believe that managing stress should be a lifestyle. And that it’s worth trying multiple stress taming approaches.

One great way to manage stress is to stay in the moment (mindfulness.) And we’ve found that meditation really helps calm your mind and body. So, we got to thinking: could we boost our stress fighting benefits by practicing meditation with our daily CBD routine?

For us, the answer was a resounding yes. Now, to help you answer that same question, today we’re sharing information on meditation and CBD. And, of course, the power of that combo.

How Do you Meditate?

Meditation looks different for everyone. But here’s a basic definition that we really love: “Meditation isn’t about becoming a different person, a new person, or even a better person. It’s about training in awareness and getting a healthy sense of perspective. You’re not trying to turn off your thoughts or feelings. You’re learning to observe them without judgment. And eventually, you may start to better understand them as well.”[i]

Of course, that’s a modern interpretation of an ancient Eastern practice. But, however you define meditation, the goal stays the same: to improve your physical and mental health, by calming and balancing your system. Now, remember that part about balance…we’ll get back to it in a minute.

First, let’s take a look at what a meditation practice looks like:

1. Find a comfortable position

2. And a quiet place

3. Choose a focal point or object

4. Keep an open mind

5. Observe your thoughts, without judgment, as they flow. Try to acknowledge what comes up, while returning your focus to your breath and your focal point.

The Science of Meditating

Much like CBD, research on meditation suggests this practice can ease anxiety and depression symptoms. There’s even some evidence to suggest it can help you sleep, lower your blood pressure and reduce your pain.

In a Canadian study from 2018, researchers discovered that participants who meditated actually changed their brain’s theta oscillations and Alpha activity, meaning meditation could even help you think more clearly. [ii]

Now that you know more about meditating, let’s get back to that issue of balance, and how CBD may help keep your systems in check.

What is CBD?

CBD (aka Cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound extracted from the cannabis plant. Our company manufactures Broad-spectrum, THC-free, CBD oil. That way, you can benefit from many additional cannabis compounds, delivering what’s known as the entourage effect. (This means that cannabis compounds work better together, maximizing their effects in your body.) What are those effects? Scientists are still discovering all the ways CBD can influence your health and well-being. But we know that it all has to do with CBD and your endocannabinoid system (ECS.) Your ECS consists of receptors scattered all through your body. It works with other systems in your body to keep you balanced (homeostasis).

Sound familiar? Yup, just like meditating, CBD takes action in your body to help you achieve mental and physical balance. For this reason, CBD and meditation share many reported potential benefits.

These include:

1. Improving your stress response

2. Reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety

3. Improved sleep

4. Pain management

5. Mental focus

Now that we’ve seen how CBD and meditation target many of the same stressors, let’s explore how they work together as part of your stress-management routine.

CBD and Meditation: A Natural Pairing

Let’s clarify: many people report benefits from taking CBD. And from mediation. At the same time, neither come with significant downsides. (Some people report mild symptoms such as light-headedness or nausea after high CBD doses. And some get bored when meditating.)

Since effects of CBD and meditation can produce similar, stress reducing benefits, they seem like a power couple. Logic suggests that embracing both practices could maximize the effects of both. Sort of like a stress-management entourage effect. But does science confirm that notion?

Well, the evidence is complicated. Research is limited. But the research we do have, on both mindfulness and CBD use, suggest that a majority of people feel better with both.

In other words, combining a CBD and meditation routine could boost your ability to fight pain, stress and insomnia. Plus, taking your CBD dose before you meditate may enhance your mindfulness, by reducing the noise of anxious thoughts.

Dosing CBD with Meditation

You can enjoy a variety of CBD oil delivery methods. Here at 12Twenty CBD, we suggest dosing a broad-spectrum CBD oil tincture or CBD edible before you start to meditate.

The timing of your dose will depend on which product you select. You take CBD tinctures under your tongue (sub-lingual), so effects kick in almost immediately. That means you could dose a CBD tincture minutes before you sit or lie down to meditate. And enjoy the benefits of this combination.

Now, if you prefer a CBD gummy, simply adjust your dose timing. Edible CBD takes longer to produce effects, since you must first digest the product before it enters your bloodstream. So aim to dose at least 30 minutes before meditating if you want to capitalize on the CBD and meditation combo.

Got questions? We’re here to share what we’ve learned from our personal experience. So feel free to reach out if you want to learn more about CBD, meditation or any of the range of broad-spectrum CBD oil products we carry at our online CBD store.

[i] Headspace.com [ii] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2018.00178/full