CBD Luncheons are now a Thing

Yesterday, I experienced a “first.” My first CBD luncheon, that is. How Miami! The backdrop? The verdant jungles of Plant Miami at The Sacred Space. There, myself and a handful of influencers quaffed CBD-infused mocktails and relished vegan dishes while The Sacred Space Owner (and Miami’s arbiter of conscious living) Karla Dascal imparted some knowledge on us: “Let’s get rid of the stigma. Plants heal. CBD helps with anxiety, inflammation and pain.”

Amen to that, sister!

Now, allow me to de-myth and break the stigma about what most people perceive as a drug for stoners, hippies and the hairy-armpit granola set. For those of you not-in-the-know, CBD — short for cannabidiol — is a compound found in cannabis and has gained prominence in recent years for its therapeutic properties. Its medical benefits include relief from pain, anxiety, inflammation, psychosis, seizures and more — but it does not make you feel “stoned” because CBD does not have the psychoactive properties of THC (AKA the stuff you smoked in college). CBD is not legal in all 50 states but it is legal for sale in Florida so you may notice all those green leaf shops popping up all over town.

My experience with CBD? I take half of a gummy (20 milligrams from Lord Jones) when I’m feeling anxious and uneasy. At first, I’ll feel a little “weird,” but that feeling is soon followed with an overall sense of calm and relief. I’ll go about my chores and workload with a sunnier outlook and at a more placid pace. 

I’ve met an autistic child who receives and benefits from CBD’s natural sedative properties. I’ve met older women who use CBD lotions to alleviate their agonizing arthritis. I’ve encountered cancer patients who praise CBD for its pain-relieving effects. People with gastrointestinal issues tell me CBD eases their stomach spasms. And I’ve interviewed athletes who swear by CBD salves for muscle soreness relief.

After all, plants heal. Remember that.

Lord Jones and other CBD goods are available for sale at Flow boutique at The Sacred Space, 105 NE 24 Street, Miami.