What Does Ben Greenfield Use CBD For?

Ben Greenfield is a New York Times bestselling author, former Ironman triathlete, and podcast host.

21:15 12 August 2024

Ben Greenfield is a New York Times bestselling author, former Ironman triathlete, and podcast host. Greenfield was once voted one of Greatist’s top 100 Most Influential People In Health And Fitness.

Greenfield has written about everything from red light therapy to how to complete endurance events on a keto diet. He has also written about his use of CBD and how it may promote feelings of calm and relaxation.

CBD has gained popularity in recent years for its potential to help with sleep, anxiety, stress, and pain.

While Greenfield stresses that he “is not a doctor” and so does not give medical advice, he investigates various health topics extensively, and here’s what he has to say about CBD. 

What forms of CBD has Ben Greenfield used?

Greenfield says that he has used CBD oil, capsules, tinctures, and extracts.

CBD is also available in other forms such as edibles, including gummies and chocolate bars.

HHC, a newer cannabinoid, is also available in many of these forms, as well as vapes and flower. HHC flower is available online. 

Is CBD addictive?

Greenfield has written that “there is zero evidence anywhere that CBD is addictive”. He further writes that, “This is because CBD does not act on any receptors in the brain that would produce addiction.”

This tallies with advice elsewhere, including that from Jeffrey Chen, MD, MBA, who wrote for Medical News Today that “CBD by itself does not appear to be addictive.”

Can CBD help with sleep?

Greenfield writes, “Cannabidiol [CBD] actually activates the same adenosine receptors as caffeine, which is technically a stimulant.” Adenosine is partly responsible for feelings of tiredness.

He continues: 

“But patients with sleep issues report that ingesting a CBD-rich tincture or extract a few hours before bedtime has a balancing effect that facilitates a good night’s sleep, and I've certainly found this to be the case.”

This tallies with the research. A 2022 systematic review of studies entitled “Use of Cannabidiol in the Management of Insomnia” concluded:

“The results of our systematic review suggest that CBD alone or with equal quantities of THC may be beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of insomnia.”

The authors noted that further research was necessary “before definitive inferences can be made.”

What about anxiety and stress?

Greenfield writes that while THC increases anxiety, CBD reduces anxiety. He cites multiple studies on CBD and anxiety and stress, and says that “as little as 10mg CBD vastly lowers [his] anxiety at the end of the day”.

Healthline report that “In 2011, a study researched CBD’s effects on people with SAD [social anxiety disorder]. Participants were given an oral dose of 400 milligrams (mg) of CBD or a placebo. Those who received CBD experienced overall reduced anxiety levels.”

Can CBD help manage pain?

Greenfield writes, “CBD can also be used to balance hormones, reduce anxiety, lower inflammation and chronic pain, combat metabolic syndrome, and reduce obesity.”

A Medical News Today article said that “There is growing evidence that the non-psychoactive compounds in marijuana, such as CBD, could provide a new treatment for chronic pain.”