Dr. Feel Good CBD Superstore sells an assortment of CBD products including oils and gummies. Courtesy of Rachel Freeman
By Rachel Freeman
One experience that unites almost every college student across the country: stress.
Most students have felt the pressure, tension and anxiety that school carries with it.
In the wake of new supplement stores opening in the Tampa Bay area that sell CBD, students at USF St. Petersburg are starting to use the natural remedy to combat the stress that comes along with classes, work and relationships.
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. In March, the World Health Organization found it safe for human and animal consumption, with “no evidence of recreational use or any public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
The WHO reported that CBD could be helpful in treating Alzheimer’s Disease, cancer, Parkinson’s Disease and epilepsy, among other ailments.
Allyson Capati, a sophomore computer science major, first learned about CBD online three years ago.
“I was just casually surfing the internet and I stumbled upon some articles talking about CBD,” Capati said. “At first, I was a bit skeptical because it comes from the same plant as THC. I thought it would have the same effects.”
This is a common misconception about CBD.
“There is no high that comes from using CBD. It allows us to reap all of the benefits that we would receive from marijuana, but without the THC. This means that you don’t get a head high,” said Amanda Marshall, manager at Dr. Feel Good CBD Superstore, 2312 Fourth St. N.
Marshall explained that CBD can help people who experience stress and anxiety.
“It’s like a huge sigh of relief all over your body,” she said.
According to Marshall, CBD is a great option for students who are looking for a natural stress remedy.
“Our biggest warning for people is that if you happen to take a large dose, you may feel sleepy,” Marshall said. “You are totally able to function, drive, work, talk or go to class while using it.”
Capati said she first tried CBD last summer when she was experiencing pain in her ankle.
“It quickly helped take the pain away,” she said. “I also felt really sleepy since I took a bit more than the recommended dose.”
Now, Capati only takes higher doses of CBD to help her sleep.
“It’s an easy way to get to sleep and calm down,” she said.
When Capati is looking to relieve anxiety and tension, she takes a smaller dose.
“I’m constantly stressed and I tend to overthink a lot. Often times when I’m stressed, I take CBD so I can get back on track with what I’m doing,” she said.
Zoe Lynn McLane, a recent mass communications graduate from USF St. Petersburg, also used CBD to alleviate academic stress.
“When I take CBD, it clears my mind of everything. All of the negative thoughts go out of my head and I feel very relaxed,” McLane said.
McLane encountered CBD for the first time at a Florida Cannabis Coalition event. She hit a vaporizer pen and immediately felt the effects.
“It took all of my stress away,” McLane said. “It was extremely calming and I felt my tension ease.”
Marshall’s fiancé, Dean Marshlack, who owns Dr. Feel Good, brought her some CBD oil to try instead of taking pain pills after she had surgery resulting from a car accident.
“It was the best thing that I could’ve done,” Marshall said. “I was a total mess both mentally and physically after the accident, but the oil worked wonders. I was so, so, so much calmer and at peace.”
Marshall explained that oil is the purest form of CBD available. Placing a few drops under the tongue and waiting about 30 seconds before swallowing is the best way to take CBD oil, she said.
Marshall also noted that oil drops may be the most effective way of using CBD for those who struggle with multiple symptoms. This is because it stays in the system the longest and provides overall bodily relief. For example, someone who has pain, insomnia or stress might want to use CBD oil as a longer-lasting option.
Another method of CBD use is inhalation or vaping. According to Marshall, CBD inhalation is more of a quick, situational remedy for anxiety instead of an everyday stress relief method.
Marshall recommends that students who have test-taking anxiety could try hitting a CBD vape pen a few times before going to class.
CBD also comes in edible forms, such as capsules or gummy snacks. Topical CBD creams are also available and can help with pain or inflammation.
While the World Health Organization recognizes that there are no known risks associated with using CBD, Marshall said that it’s best to go slow and keep track of the way you feel as you experiment with different intake methods and doses.
“Just do your research, ask questions and don’t always go with the cheapest option,” Marshall said. “If you happen to jump online after reading this and find a huge bottle labelled ‘CBD oil’ for an insanely low price, it’s probably too good to be true.”
Marshall is available at Dr. Feel Good CBD Superstore to answer any questions about using CBD. Follow the store on social media at @doctorfeelgood_sp on Instagram and Dr. Feel Good on Facebook.
