There are so many “hot” topics when it comes to holistic health and what works or what doesn’t work. So, how do you know what is the real deal? One topic that has become extremely “hot” cannabidiol (CBD). It’s likely that you have heard a few things about cannabidiol and it’s also likely that you have heard some common misconceptions surrounding it. We are here to debunk what you may have learned that isn’t correct. What is CBD? Will it get me high? Why should I even use CBD? Continue on to get your answers and more!
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. The Cannabis sativa plant comes in a variety of variations that you may not be aware of. One of these varieties is the marijuana plant. This one is probably one that you have heard of. The marijuana plant contains high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and lower amounts of CBD. THC is the psychoactive component of the Cannabis sativa plants. Because of this high amount of THC in marijuana, it is not legal throughout the States. Another variation, called the hemp plant, however, is federally legal as of 2018 with the Farm Bill.
Why is the hemp plant legal? This is because of the high amounts of CBD and the less than 0.3% of THC that the hemp plant contains. This miniscule percentage of THC is not able to give users the feeling of euphoria that the marijuana plant may give you. The marijuana plant has been legalized for medical and/or recreational purposes in several different states. Make sure to know the laws in yours before purchasing a product that is derived from marijuana.
So, if CBD cannot get you high, what are the purposes of using it?
Why use CBD? What’s the purpose?
There are many reasons that people use CBD. And research is getting more expansive as the years go on. There are some main reasons that people have tried it and along with those reasons comes research! Here are a few of those main reasons that you may be interested in.
Skincare: CBD topicals generally don’t make it to the bloodstream this doesn’t mean that they cannot assist in the health of your skin. In this study they concluded that those with and those without skin conditions had improved skin health after the use of cannabidiol topicals. They used a few different tests to note before and after the use of a CBD topical. Their evidence was supported with photographic evidence.
Promote a sense of calm: Giving a sense of calm in those who have feelings of anxiousness could be helpful to many. In this study, they used brain scanning to exam subjects who have SAD (social anxiety disorder). Those who were given CBD showed a decrease in their social anxiety disorder. Those who did not receive it did not have any decrease and remained the same.
FDA approved medications: There are quite a few Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications that contain CBD. Epidiolex is the most well-known. This medication assists those with two severe types of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. There are also a handful of others that assist those going through anti-cancer treatments and the nausea it often causes. These are called Marinol (dronabinol), Syndros (dronabinol), and Cesamet (nabilone).
Anti-inflammatory properties: CBD has been researched for the possibility of joint health benefits. In this study they looked at dogs who are older and have joint health issues. During this study, the researchers asked pet owners to administer CBD to their dogs two times a day for four consecutive weeks. The owners were to take a weekly test to show if anything had improved. At the end of the four weeks pet owners described their dogs to be more mobile. Therefore, the it may have helped with their joint health. Good news!
Antibacterial properties: There has been research coming to the front of the potential antibacterial properties of CBD. In this study they concluded that it had the capability to kill certain types of bacteria.
CBD Products:
Vapes: Vaping CBD is one of the quickest ways to get CBD into your system. This way of using CBD has a high rate of absorption as it directly enters the bloodstream via inhalation. Because the CBD gets right into your bloodstream, you feel the effects the quickest. This may be great for some, but, like inhaling anything, it could have negative effects on the lungs.
Topicals: CBD topicals are a bit different than the others as they don’t tend to ever reach the bloodstream. With that being said, you may be able to reap benefits from the pores on the surface of the skin. These are best used frequently and in the same area. They come in lotions, creams, salves, and even hand sanitizer for antibacterial purposes.
Tinctures: This type of CBD gets into the bloodstream quickly similar to vapes. When the dropper full of CBD is placed in the mouth it’s taken into the bloodstream from the pores there. A tincture is an oil like substance that is added to carrier oil like coconut or avocado oil. Some tinctures come flavored to mask the earthy hemp taste that some don’t particularly enjoy.
Softgels: A softgel is a capsule that contains CBD and looks similar to a pill or vitamin supplement. Once the capsule is swallowed it goes through the digestive tract and then ends up in the stomach. Once there the CBD is absorbed as the capsule is broken down. The CBD is absorbed by the stomach and enters the bloodstream from there.
Edibles: Chew a treat full of CBD! Edibles come in all sorts of different types. Gummies, cookies and even chocolate. These are fun and yummy ways to get CBD into your daily routine.
There are so many different ways to get CBD into your system and many reasons to try CBD. So, what do you think? Is CBD the real deal?