CBD arrived with an unusually long list of promises. Better sleep. Less anxiety. Less pain. Less inflammation. Maybe even better health over the long term. For a while, the enthusiasm moved more quickly than the evidence.

Now we have enough distance to look at CBD with a clearer eye. Last week, we went back through the research to separate what CBD actually appears to do from what was mostly marketing, and to figure out where it might still have a meaningful place in health and wellness today.

If you missed the deep dive, you can catch up here.

Catch Up

CBD is one of those subjects where the closer you look, the more questions you find. So we took the questions that were still hanging around and brought them to an expert.

Dr. Julie Holland is a psychiatrist and author of the New York Times bestsellers Moody Bitches and Weekends at Bellevue. She is the editor of two nonprofit books, Ecstasy: The Complete Guide and The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis. While now a medical advisor to Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), she was a medical monitor for several clinical studies examining the efficacy of using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy or cannabis in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Her newest book is Good Chemistry: The Science of Connection, From Soul to Psychedelics.

Let’s get into your questions.

Q. If I’m already using a THC product, am I getting the benefits of CBD too, or do I need a product that specifically isolates CBD

THC and CBD offer many of the same benefits, so you can get some of the things you're looking for in CBD from THC alone. Some THC products will tell you how much CBD is in them, but many times there isn't much. There are particular high CBD strains of cannabis, two known as “Cannatonic” or “Harlequin” that have some THC but a higher percentage of CBD than most strains. Then of course, there is the famous Charlotte's Web high CBD no THC cannabis. 

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Q. Sleep is what I’m most curious about. Does CBD help you fall asleep and stay asleep? Does it improve sleep quality?

THC helps to induce sleep (after an hour or two) much more readily than CBD does. CBD is really better for improving stress tolerance and resiliency, almost like a rebuttal to cortisol (the stress hormone). But it's honestly not that sedating in most people. 

There are some studies that show it improves sleep quality and possibly sleep length, though, so if it is working for you, that's great. Many people find that a combination of THC and CBD (and adding a truly sedating cannabioid like CBN) can help more than many others.

Q. Inflammation seems to be connected to so many diseases and to aging itself. Does CBD actually lower inflammation in the body, or is that not really how it works? Could CBD be considered a longevity intervention?

I wrote a chapter in Moody Bitches called "Inflammation: The Key to Everything" and in Good Chemistry, I again go over how important anti-inflammatory effects are in a healthy lifestyle. All cannabinoids are anti-inflammatory (and some psychedelics are, too). CBD and other cannabinoids should be considered part of an anti-inflammatory / longevity regimen.

Q. I tried CBD several years ago and thought it did nothing, is there any reason I should reconsider it now?

The older you get, the more you notice inflammation. sore, stiff joints, skin issues, high blood sugar, high blood pressure. Cannabinoids, including CBD, can help to lessen the effects of inflammation, as well as the inflammation itself. Topical ointments can help eczema and psoriasis, and oral preparations can help with arthritis pain and stiffness. (Boswelia is also a great supplement for the stiffness that accompanies arthritis.)

Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.

The views expressed by our expert are entirely their own. There is no financial, professional, or organizational affiliation between the expert featured in this Q&A and our sponsor.