In the time of quarantine, it is only natural to feel an overwhelming sense of stress or anxiety. Could now be the time to harness a premium CBD oil into your daily routine? Yeah, most likely. But in a saturated market of CBD tinctures, how do you know which is right for you? That’s why we elicited the help of Kate Manson, founder of Tarot, to dispel the myths and misconceptions behind your new best friend (CBD, of course).

CBD can be magic. But it doesn’t have to be mysterious or mystical. Specifically formulated to combat burnout, Tarot’s blends incorporate CBD with ancient herbs to combat overwork and reduce stress, using ingredients like elderberry and turmeric to give your immune system a boost. Handmade, small-batch, expertly-sourced, and US-grown full-spectrum CBD, all Tarot products are third-party-lab tested to ensure purity, potency, and a piece of mind.

It was founder Kate’s personal health journey that inspired her to create her own home-remedies. Once over-dependent on traditional Western medicine to cope with anxiety and depression, Kate made a complete lifestyle change in 2018 and made a commitment to rely solely on natural solutions like CBD, meditation, diet, and exercise to manage her symptoms. Changed forever by the results and new feeling of “lightness,” she built a company to reflect her own wellness journey. Today, she retails at Saks Fifth Avenue CBD Beauty Bar and INSCAPE Meditation, to name a few.

Tarot’s core belief is that CBD helps guide you to the future you want by improving your health now. They combine CBD with damiana, elderberry, valerian root, and turmeric to make trusted plant-based herbal remedies all known to enhance the cannabis medicinal properties. Offering tinctures for sleep, anxiety, inflammation, and immunity, Tarot’s proprietary blend of organic herbs and CBD pair perfectly to create powerful potions that fit into busy modern life.

Kate even took it one step further and applied this to shampoo and conditioner. Hair quality is often a direct correlation of stress, which is why as a woman, she decided to also blend her CBD extract into an all-natural remedy. With so many CBD products on the market it was important for her to create something different and useful, she says. CBD has the same benefits on your scalp and hair as it does the rest of your body. Combined with green tea and eucalyptus, the CBD extract soothes and invigorates the scalp while also sealing hair follicles and protecting it. With more and more people switching to natural beauty products, she was creating something that people didn’t even know they needed yet.

We sat down with Kate to learn more about Tarot and her wellness journey.

Beyond The Interview: Tell us about your personal relationship with CBD.

Kate Manson: I’ve been working in the cannabis industry since 2009, most recently running a marketing agency dedicated to cannabis and CBD clients. I was watching clients build companies with a profit first mindset and was upset by the lack of compassion and plant education. At the same time I was dealing with a myriad of health issues caused by severe burnout and stress and knew I had to make some very big lifestyle changes. I came up with the concept that is now Tarot after making herbal tinctures in my kitchen in an effort to shift from western to plant medicine.

BTI: CBD is everywhere these days—how does your product differ from others on the market?

KM: A couple of ways, we are the only CBD company on the market that uses CO2 extracted herbs as I like to call them whole-plant herbs in our blends. Using extracts instead of essential oils increases the efficacy of the tinctures because you are getting the whole plant profile in every drop. We also produce all of the tinctures in-house. Each tincture is made by hand in small batches with expertly sourced ingredients and US grown full-spectrum CBD.

BTI: Do you see the CBD-craze dying down any time soon?

KM: Honestly no. I think comparing it to the alcohol industry is the best way to approach the CBD craze. There will be big companies with many brands in their portfolio offering meteoric products. And then there will be artisanal or craft brands like Tarot that are focused on delivering the best products to niche markets.

BTI: For those new to it, what is the most important thing for people to know about CBD?

KM: Research the products before you buy. Many products use subpar ingredients and lack proper testing. If a company doesn’t not have a link to test results on their website its best to move on.

BTI: What is the significance of Tarot and why did you decide to incorporate that into your brand?

KM: I am a true believer in following the signs around you and that everything happens for a reason. To me using Tarot and Astrology as a wellness tool helps connect the dots between the body and the mind and allows us to let go of our ego and listen to what we need.

BTI: How do each tincture differ and provide support?

KM: We currently have different tinctures, all focused on different results":
Vibrance: Elderberry Rose & CBD is best for boosting immunity, finding calm, and reducing anxiety.
Balance: Turmeric Blood Orange & CBD is my go to for sore muscles, post workout recovery, and early morning back pain.
Pleasure: Damiana Lemon & CBD is made for pleasure. Damiana has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac.
Trance: Valerian Mint & CBD is our most potent potion and is great for catching zzz’s or extreme anxiety.
Synergy: CBD and MCT oil in 500 and 1000 mg to promote overall wellness. My dog loves the 500 mg and I use the 1000 mg to help me decompress.
In addition to our tinctures we also offer CBD shampoo and conditioner that has totally transformed my hair. Since using it I’ve noticed that the oil in my scalp is more regulated, plus I have less frizz and zero scalp irritation.

BTI: How do you recommend people incorporate Tarot into their daily lives?

KM: If you’re new to CBD I strongly suggest starting a journal to track your results and staying consistent with your dosing. Because CBD may cause drowsiness its best to start take your first few doses in the evening.

BTI: With stress and anxiety on the rise these days, how does your product help to alleviate some of that tension?

KM: CBD works by regulating and balancing your endocannbinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors that are responsible for managing homeostasis in the body. CBD works by stimulating the ECS to produce and repair its own cannabinoids and bring you back to a balanced state.

BTI: What are your favorite wellness tips?

KM: I haven’t left my house without a water bottle in five years, in my world hydration and CBD is key. I probably drink somewhere between 80 to 100 ounces of water a day, it’s my vice.

BTI: How are you staying sane and motivated during this crazy time?

I’ve worked from home alone for the last three years, so not a lot has changed in my day-to-day routine. I set work hours and abide by them. From 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., I’m “at the office.” After 5 p.m., I’m at home. In the evenings my partner and I try and limit our screen time and instead opt for walks, bike rides, and board games like Scrabble.

Kate Manson, Founder of Tarot CBD, on Wellness and How To Alleviate Stress and Anxiety During Social Distancing