How To Use CBD In Nature For Best Results

If you haven’t heard of CBD by now, you might be living under a rock. Which would be okay, because that’s exactly where we’re headed with this CBD-navigated journey — into the great outdoors!

As with any adventure, it’s best to be prepared for using CBD when you’re on the mountain, at base camp, or in any outdoor situation.

Whether you’re a CBD newbie or you’ve been hot on the CBD trail and all its developments, gather ‘round. We’re covering the basics, then digging deeper into how CBD and Mother Nature can collaborate for your wellbeing. We’ll also touch on how to leverage this dynamic duo responsibly.

What Is CBD & How’s It Work?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a plant-based compound that comes from cannabis.

If cannabis makes you think of THC, you probably aren’t alone. THC was the main cannabinoid on the map before CBD’s benefits were well-known. Unlike THC, CBD won’t get you high. It will help you tap into some pretty amazing plant-based powers, though.

Here’s how that works…

When you take CBD, it treks its way through your body via the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is home to cannabinoid receptors. With its many paths through your whole body, CBD can inspire a calm mind and aid your physical form in various ways.

Grab your binoculars for a closer look at why you might want to invite CBD to your next outing.

The Benefits Of Blending CBD & Nature

By mixing CBD with time outside, you give CBD + nature a chance to work synergistically. Here’s how CBD could enhance your relationship with nature, and vice versa.

Natural Body-Mind Wellness

Time and time again, research proves what those who are connected to nature already know: Spending time outside is good for your health.

• Correlations between access to green spaces and reduced risk of health challenges such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, stress, and other health challenges are well studied.(1)
• There are clear benefits of nature for mental health. As little as 10 minutes outside can help reduce stress, improve focus, and boost mood.(2)

Although the specific effects of using CBD while in nature haven’t been measured, there are some clear advantages to pairing them up. Here’s why CBD and nature make a winning team.

• CBD can make it easier to prioritize time outside by helping to improve sleep and reduce stress, so you’re up for the adventure.(3)
• CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity can help your muscles recover faster.(4) Which might be just what you need to get back outside. If using CBD drops or other consumables isn’t for you, you can always use topical CBD cream exactly where it’s needed.
• You might notice the effects of CBD more when you’re disconnected from electronics and breathing fresh air. This could improve your chance of feeling the uplifting vibes of the entourage effect, which is thought to be the result of cannabinoids synergizing.

For the best chance of getting the above benefits, consider choosing a broad-spectrum CBD oil product. Broad-spectrum CBD doesn’t contain enough THC to cause a high, but it’s full of compounds needed for the entourage effect.

Best Practices For Using CBD In The Great Outdoors

“Always be prepared” is more than a motto. It’s a way of life! It also happens to apply to getting outside and using CBD while you’re there.

Here are the dos and don’ts of responsible and enjoyable CBD usage in nature.

• Make sure you’re using CBD that’s legal to consume in the areas you’ll be tramping around. For most parts of the country, that means broad-spectrum CBD made from industrial hemp. aka CBD with virtually zilch THC. If you’re traversing state lines, make sure it’s OK to have CBD everywhere you’ll be visiting.
• Choose a convenient form of CBD for your adventure. If carrying a bottle of CBD drops isn’t backpack friendly, try CBD gummies or CBD softgels.
• Although moving CBD across state lines is legal, carrying THC over a state border is not. Since it’s tough to prove what’s in your CBD chews, drops, or pills when they’re floating around your pack solo, it’s best to leave CBD in its original packaging. Consider printing out a copy of the certificate of analysis (COA) for your CBD product as well. Juuuust in case.
• Take it low and slow with your CBD dosage to find your sweet spot. Discontinue use if you feel nauseous, overly tired, or have a stomach ache or diarrhea.
• Pack it in, pack it out. Don’t leave the packaging from your CBD goodies behind.
• DO NOT drive, rappel down sheer rock faces, kindle bonfires, or slow dance with a yeti if you aren’t 100% in control of your faculties.
• Have fun!

The Cliff Notes

On their own, CBD and nature each offer whole-body benefits. When used together, they can level up your experience and help you connect with the world around you.

Be sure to follow best practices for the outdoors and for using CBD when mixing the two.

Since broad-spectrum CBD is federally legal and chock-full of beneficial compounds, it’s our top choice for getting the most out of cannabinoid-infused outdoor adventures.

TRY BROAD-SPECTRUM CBD FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

References

1. University of East Anglia. (2018). It's official -- spending time outside is good for you. Science Daily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180706102842.htm
2. (2020). Spending time in nature reduces stress and anxiety. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/20200225/spending-time-nature-reduces-stress-and-anxiety
3. Caporuscio, J. (2020). What to know about CBD and sleep. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cbd-and-sleep
4. McCartney, D, et al. (2020). Cannabidiol and Sports Performance: a Narrative Review of Relevant Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research. Sports medicine. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-020-00251-0