By Billee Sharp

A Happy New Year to all! In Chinese astrology 2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit which is characterized as holding great hope for the future. 2023 is already bringing us Californians much-needed rain in abundance. Despite the storms and the sad losses, this weather has to be seen as a good omen, even if a little soggy!

January 1st is traditionally Resolution Day and many of us set an intention for positive changes to our behavior in the coming year.

Unfortunately, whether it's giving up smoking or starting an exercise regime, these lofty intentions are susceptible to early abandonment unless we are very determined.

Having realistic expectations and setting reasonable goals are how I try to keep my resolutions alive - and I give myself parameters too;

Instead of hardline daily yoga dictum I tell myself at least 5 times a week, then if I do miss a day, I don’t completely despair.

Most resolutions seem to be set to improve health, creativity and life enjoyment, these three categories overlap in so many ways that working on your health generally brings increased energy and enthusiasm; vital ingredients for improving quality of life. To help us to keep our resolutions alive well into 2023, I’ve compiled some ways that using cannabis can support lifestyle changes.

After feasting through Christmas and New Year indulging in sweet seasonal treats, many of us guiltily choose weight loss as our resolution. If you are lucky, your recent gluttony, which is now making your clothes uncomfortably tight, will trigger a desire for plain simple food; fresh vegetables, white meat and fish, whole grains and fruit. However, at this time of year there are still many tempting uneaten goodies lurking about, and the wet weather is keeping us at home tucked up on the snacking territory of the sofa. If keeping to a restricted diet is hard for you, interesting new research on the appetite suppressing attributes of CBD could help you out.

In 2016 researchers investigated the role of CBD in the breakdown of fatty acids. The trial showed clearly that CBD stimulates more efficient breakdown of fats; the trial showed cannabis users had a higher calorific burn rate and lower BMI (Body Mass Index) than the control group. In 2018 further research on possible links between cannabinoids and obesity assessed the relationship of cannabinoids with the microbiome of the gut. There are both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the gut and a bidirectional relationship was observed with the receptor both relaying messages from the gut to the brain and all other organs and systems, as well as regulating the condition of the gut itself.

CBG has also been associated with digestive health conditions with irritable bowel syndrome and colitis responding well to a combination of CBD and CBG.

While THC is widely recognised as an appetite stimulant, there is much anecdotal evidence that CBD acts as an appetite suppressant; as a powerful anti-anxietal, cravings and addictions become easier to resist.

Taking CBD and or CBD:CBG in tincture or raw capsule form is definitely a worthwhile supplement when weight loss is the aim. A well functioning digestive system burns fats quicker and gives us the energy to exercise and tone our new slimmer selves!

The hardest resolution is giving up anything! Particularly challenging are the big three; sugar, alcohol and tobacco, but binge-watching is also a tough one! CBD with its calming and anxiety relieving properties is most helpful when overcoming both physical and psychological addictions. If craving is a major stumbling block, taking a substantial dose of CBD in the morning will help. A 50g raw CBD capsule will give a sustained calming effect for up to eight hours. Smokers can benefit from a CBD vape: the instantaneous bloodstream absorption of CBD via the lungs relieves an anxious craving instantaneously. Sublingual CBD tincture will also give a rapid onset of relief if you feel your resolve wavering. Keep a tincture or vape pen with you during the day to top up your dose if necessary, and strengthen your resolve!

At the beginning of the year we see a flurry of invigorated walkers, joggers and cyclists out and about in new sneakers and sportswear but the numbers do seem to dwindle. Often a new exercise regime will have you aching in muscles you didn’t know existed. Remembering to do a warm up and end of session muscle stretches is essential but if you do start to ache reach for Synergy 1:1 THC:CBD Super Salve. The beauty of combining the actions of THC and CBD in a topical is that THC will address the pain without any psychoactive effect, while CBD will bring down inflammation. My husband was ambitiously weight-lifting at this time last year which quickly resulted in painful damage to his shoulder. Synergy Super Salve was his go-to for pain relief supplemented with 1:1 CBD:THC tincture, the combination of the two allowed him to sleep at night.

Looking after ourselves is generally something we can improve on, I lean towards the self-care variety of resolutions. For years my resolution has been the same; ‘floss twice daily’ but this year my resolution is on a grander scale of self care: I’ve made a list of dental and health checks which I’m planning to tick off one by one. As soon as I’ve done everything on the list I plan on rewarding myself with a trip to the mineral baths in Ukiah.

I’m also taking extra care of my immune system after my first Covid-19 infection last fall. I'm taking Super Immunity CBDA:CBGA raw capsules to bolster my immune response to viruses and to keep supporting my recovering respiratory system. Interestingly, I feel that the daily dose is also helping my digestive system, and bolstering my energy levels.

Self-care is really about being self aware and paying attention to the needs of the body. On that note, ladies, Synergy Sensual Wellness oil delivers CBD and THC in a delicate botanical infusion to condition and stimulate sensitive tissue. This is an intimate product perfect for massage and enhancing self pleasure and a revitalizing reward for taking care of yourself!

Whatever your resolution is for 2023, we’re here to support your health with our wide range of medical cannabis products!