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A plant-based lifestyle is all about balance — nourishing the body with whole, nutrient-dense foods while being mindful of sustainability and where those foods come from.
CBD, a natural compound derived from hemp, aligns seamlessly with these principles, offering plant-powered support for stress management, recovery and overall vitality.
As the wellness world embraces the benefits of cannabinoids like CBD, integrating them into a vegan lifestyle is an intuitive way to enhance a daily wellness routine with one of nature’s most soothing gifts.
Where Does CBD Come From?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant, which goes by its alias, Cannabis sativa. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects, making it a wonderful option for those seeking therapeutic benefits without the feeling of being high.
Extracted primarily from hemp flowers and leaves, CBD undergoes various purification processes to ensure its potency and purity — and it can be entirely plant-based.
For vegans, it’s essential to choose CBD products that are free from animal-derived ingredients, such as gelatin-based capsules or honey-infused tinctures. In this case, CBD oils are often your best option.
To ensure you select a high-quality, plant-based CBD option, prioritize:
- Ethical sourcing– Choosing CBD derived from ethically grown hemp ensures that the product aligns with environmental and legal standards. Look for brands that work with sustainable farms and prioritize fair labor practices. Ethical sourcing also involves cultivating hemp without harming ecosystems, which is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and the integrity of plant-based products. Supporting companies that adhere to these principles helps promote a cleaner, more responsible industry.
- Third-party lab testing– Transparency is key when selecting CBD products, and third-party lab testing provides an extra layer of assurance that your product is fully vegan. These tests can also verify potency, purity and the absence of harmful substances such as pesticides, heavy metals and solvents. Reputable brands like Zebra CBD make lab results readily available, allowing consumers to confirm that their CBD meets safety and quality standards. When shopping for CBD, always check for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab.
- Organic farming practices – CBD sourced from organically grown hemp is free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides and artificial fertilizers, making it a cleaner choice for both the body, mind and the planet. Specifically, organic farming practices promote soil health, reduce environmental impact and ensure a product that is as close to nature as possible. Look for CBD brands that are USDA-certified organic or those that follow similar rigorous standards to ensure you're getting a pure, plant-based product your body will love.
Adding CBD to Your Plant-Based Routine
Integrating vegan CBD into a plant-based lifestyle is quite easy when you choose a plant-based formula. From CBD oils to edibles like vegan CBD gummies, there is a variety to try and find the best fit for your needs.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, improved recovery or enhanced focus, there’s a method for seamlessly incorporating CBD into your daily habits.
1. Elevate Your Morning Ritual with CBD-Infused Drinks
Starting the day with a mindful morning routine can set the tone for balance and productivity. Adding a few drops of vegan CBD oil to a matcha latte, herbal tea or green smoothie provides a calming boost without disrupting focus. Experiment with different flavors, whether you prefer fruity or herbal.
Pairing CBD with adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or functional mushrooms can further support your emotional wellness and cognitive function.
2. Incorporate CBD into Post-Workout Recovery
Active individuals following a plant-based diet often rely on nutrient-dense foods to support muscle recovery and reduce inflammation. CBD’s potential natural anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent addition to a post-workout routine to help ease soreness and relax the body after a long workout. As muscle soreness kicks in, options like calming CBD gummies can be a sweet treat to help you recover.
To dabble in CBD and exercise recovery, you can enjoy a CBD-infused protein smoothie, plant-based recovery bites with CBD or a topical CBD muscle rub to help soothe soreness and encourage faster recovery.
3. Enhance Plant-Based Meals with CBD Oil
CBD oil can be drizzled over salads, blended into homemade dressings or stirred into soups and grain bowls for an extra wellness boost.
The key is to pair CBD with healthy fats like avocado, nuts or olive oil to enhance absorption. Since heat can degrade CBD’s potency, it’s best to add it after cooking or use it in recipes that don’t require a trip to the oven or stove.
4. Support Restful Sleep with CBD and Herbal Teas
Quality sleep is critical to your overall health, yet our busy lives can often disrupt our natural sleep cycles, causing us to toss and turn throughout the night — or simply stay awake.
Ideal sleep companions for vegan CBD teas ingredients like:
- Chamomile
- Valerian root
- Passionflower
- Jasmine
- Lavender
Simply add a drop or two of CBD oil to your evening tea for relaxation to help ease tension and before bed.
5. Soothe Stress Naturally with CBD
Daily stress is an inevitable part of life, but a plant-based lifestyle that incorporates natural solutions can help ease emotional unrest.
Specifically, CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to promote balance and a sense of calm. As such, it may influence receptors in the central nervous system that affect your cognitive health and emotional wellness.
Consider adding CBD to your morning cup of coffee, or putting a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue when you feel your heart rate increase. CBD gummies also make for a quick, tasty relief throughout your day.
6. Nourish Skin with CBD-Infused Vegan Skincare
CBD’s antioxidant-rich profile makes it a sought-after ingredient in plant-based skincare.
From serums to body lotions, CBD-infused products can help combat dryness, redness and irritation. Look for vegan CBD formulations free from synthetic fragrances and animal-derived ingredients to align with your plant-based skincare practices.
7. Balance Digestion with CBD and Gut-Friendly Foods
A healthy gut is the foundation of overall wellness, and plant-based diets emphasize fiber-rich foods that support digestion.
Then comes CBD.
CBD’s role in the function of the endocannabinoid system may also affect receptors within the immune system — specifically, those found in the gut. As such, it may have the potential to regulate gut motility and reduce bloating.
To seamlessly incorporate CBD, pair it with probiotic-rich foods like:
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
- Dairy-free yogurt
- Tempeh
Embracing a Holistic Approach to Wellness
Integrating CBD into a vegan lifestyle is about enhancing well-being through plant-based, holistic solutions. From morning rituals to evening wind-downs, CBD offers a natural way to support balance, recovery and relaxation.
With Zebra CBD, you can access high-quality, ethically sourced CBD products that align with your health goals, diet and commitment to sustainability. Our ingredients are transparent — for instance, our CBD Muscle Rub contains plant-derived nerolidol terpene, virgin shea butter, extra virgin coconut oil, organic lavender and rosemary and so much more. For CBD from the source, our premium CBD oils contain only what you need — a robust full-spectrum hemp extract that aligns with vegan goals. Or, find CBD edibles, from our hemp pills to our premium CBD gummies for sale.
Shop our vegan CBD collection and explore more of the benefits of a plant based diet today.
Sources:
- FDLI. Sourcing Cannabis Lawfully for CBD Consumer Products: Challenges and Opportunities. https://www.fdli.org/2021/03/sourcing-cannabis-lawfully-for-cbd-consumer-products-and-clinical-research-challenges-and-opportunities/
- University of Minnesota. High fat foods can increase CBD absorption into the body. https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/high-fat-foods-can-increase-cbd-absorption-body
- Healthline. A Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid System. https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system