With the rising popularity of the cannabidiol (CBD) worldwide, it is next to impossible that you have not heard about this naturally occurring substance. Since the legalization of hemp, the market is flooded with readily available products. Even with all the publicity, some people are still confused about what it is, and they are wondering if it is legal or not, and how it can benefit them. If you are also unsure about using consuming, we have come up with this handy, quick guide to clear your misconceptions about it and its uses. Let’s begin!
What is CBD?
The cannabis plant consists of a group of compounds called cannabinoids. There are 113 cannabinoids in a plant, but CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most well-known ones. THC contains psychoactive properties and is responsible for getting you ‘high.’
On the other hand, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound and offers several medical benefits to its consumers. It lets you potentially enjoy multiple health benefits without leaving you with the ‘high’ feeling. Following are some of the ways to use CBD:
Ways to Use CBD
It comes in various forms, which allows people to choose the one that fits their requirements perfectly. Following are the most common types of CBD:
Lotions and Creams
CBD-infused topicals are used for treating joint and muscle pain. Also, these topicals may be able to help treat skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.
Oils and Tinctures
These are typically infused with CBD and put under the tongue with a dropper. The saliva is full of tiny capillaries that quickly absorb the substance.
If you do not want to or cannot take capsules, this is the best option for you.
Edibles
Another popular and effective way is CBD gummies. They are portable, tasty, affordable, and discrete. Also, you never have to guess the dosage you are taking.
Pills and Capsules
CBD contained pills and capsules are used for systemic treatment of digestive problems and seizure ailments. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved Epidiolex, the only high-potency cannabidiol drug for treating seizure problems.
Vaping
This one is not recommended due to the ongoing research about whether vaping CBD causes lung damage or not. Inhaling vaporized cannabidiol, like e-cigs, is the quickest form to notice effects.
Advantages of Using CBD
Depression
A 2018 study states that several tests on animal models show antidepressant behavior following CBD intake. Studies note that CBD shows a robust anti-stress effect after short-or long-term use and acts as an antidepressant.
That being said, more human testing must take place before any certain conclusions are drawn by the researchers.
Chronic Pain
Researchers have indicated that cannabinoids may be responsible for the cannabis-related pain-relieving effects. However, at the moment, the studies that have examined how CBD independently influences pain are still preliminary.
A 2018 study reviewed 47 trials on the use of cannabis and cannabinoids for chronic pain other than cancer and involving 4,743 individuals. The study found evidence that cannabinoids, as compared with placebo, reduce pain.
A study of observational findings in the Central Nervous System Disease Journal supports the use of Sativex, an oral spray with CBD and THC, in conjunction with other multiple sclerosis-related pain remedies.
Recent work into cannabinoids and their role in pain control is sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Research also shows that the use of CBD can also relieve pain from peripheral neuropathy.
More clinical trials are in the pipeline to test CBD for treating chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain.
Epileptic Seizures
In 2018, the FDA licensed Epidiolex as the first CBD-grade prescription drug. Epidiolex prevents seizures in people aged two years and older and severe forms of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
Clinical studies have noticed that when patients with Dravet syndromes and Lennox-Gastaut take Epidiolex with other seizure drugs, they have fewer seizures than those taking a placebo with other seizure medications.
Evidence is insufficient to determine that CBD can benefit people with other, more severe types of epilepsy.
Anxiety
The cannabis-anxiety connection can be inconsistent. An article in Neuropsychopharmacology states that some cannabis users claim that reducing anxiety is the key reason they use it. Some, however, record as side effects panic and anxiety.
Such contradictory findings may be because low doses of THC in cannabis are associated with a decrease in anxiety, whereas high doses seem to be causing stress. The Neuropsychopharmacology report also notes that CBD reduces the effects of THC inducing anxiety. CBD also tends to reduce anxiety similarly in animal research to other anti-anxiety drugs.
The study of 24 individuals with generalized social anxiety disorder showed that those who took 600 mg of CBD before a simulated public speaking test were less nervous than those who took a placebo. Although the results of this study were promising, scientists are required to conduct more studies to ensure similar results.
PTSD
Studies have shown that CBD may reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. One study showed that participants had a decrease in sleeping problems and nightmares. Throughout the study, all participants continued to use it and reported no side effects. Researchers noted that more research is required for conclusive evidence.
Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder affects the brain and actions of a person, which can make them unable to regulate their use of legal or illegal substances or products. CBD may affect some brain nerves, responsible for regulating stress response and drug-seeking behaviors, according to a systematic review in 2015.
Animal and human research analysis has shown that CBD may help with opioid and psychostimulant addiction and may support cannabis and tobacco dependence. Scientists performed a test in rats in 2018 to see whether CBD avoided opioid relapse. Researchers found that it minimized regression caused by opioid and stress signals and decreased anxiety and impulsiveness.
Furthermore, relapse remained reduced five months after the experiment. A 2019 double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study showed that CBD could be helpful to people with the heroin-use disorder. CBD decreased the anxiety and cravings caused by opioid signals relative to placebo in opioid-abstinent people with heroin-use-disorder. Cannabidiol also lowered physiological steps, such as the heart rate and the levels of salivary cortisol. Such results were also observed a week later, which may suggest that the results are long-lasting.
More research needs to take place to investigate the use of CBD for substance use disorder.
How Much CBD to Take?
It is suggested, to begin with, a low dosage until you know how your body will react to CBD. Once you can see positive effects, gradually increase the dosage. Each CBD product contains different CBD content, so be sure to take precautions when starting a new package. Moreover, people with health conditions are advised to consult a doctor before start taking any CBD product.
Keep the following things to mind when considering a CBD dosage:
- Most oils contain one milligram per drop, so increasing dosage is straightforward. Always read the product labels to ensure what amount each drop offers.
- Vape oil dosing can also be tricky. It is up to how much you inhale and the concentration of the vaping liquid.
- Do you want to take CBD for treating seizures? It is best to first consult with your doctor about the high-quality cannabidiol product and the right dosage.
- CBD gummies also come in standard dosages, usually 5 milligrams each gummy. Make sure to clear it out before you change your dosage.
- Use lotions and creams cautiously at first.
Is CBD Safe to Use?
CBD does not come with any major health risk; however, there is a possibility of the following adverse effects:
- Fatigue
- Change in appetite
- Dizziness
- Withdrawal symptoms, like insomnia and irritability
You may experience these side effects only if you are taking a poor quality or high dosage of CBD. Hence, it is important to purchase the best quality CBD and take the right dosage.
Where to Buy CBD?
If you are looking for the original and best quality CBD product, there are several platforms you can entirely rely on. They offer CO2 extracted, 100% natural, and non-GMO CBD products to every client – all you have to do is look for the right manufacturer.