Effects is just a fancy word for “what does this do to you.” Right? The potential effects of CBD are far and wide and are still getting the attention and recognition they deserve. Although CBD has been around for quite some time there is still little research that has been done on it. Unlike its brother, THC (we’ll get into definitions later), CBD still seems somewhat of a secret. Which makes us feel pretty cool and confident about what we have to share. There are many different ways that CBD can and cannot affect people. There are also plenty of misconceptions that surround the plants and the compounds involved. We are here to debunk those misconceptions and give you the information to help you understand what CBD is and how it may potentially affect your life, in a positive manner.
Debunking Definitions
It is likely that you typed in “CBD” into your favorite web browser and somehow that led you here. Welcome! What is CBD, you may ask? CBD (also known as cannabidiol) is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plants. The term Cannabis sativa plants likely sounds familiar to you. This is because the term has been in and out of the news for years. Cannabis sativa is a plant that is naturally found and is found in different forms. Each of these forms contains different cannabinoids or compounds. Most of the Cannabis sativa plants contain the same cannabinoids but, in different amounts. Take the marijuana plant for instance, this is a plant that contains high amounts of cannabinoids called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Marijuana and THC are in the news the most often because of the effects that it has on those who use it. THC causes a ‘high’ or feeling of euphoria when used. Because of this effect marijuana is not legal in all states. Some states have legalized recreational and medical marijuana.
The hemp plant is another type of Cannabis sativa. Hemp contains higher amounts of CBD and at or lower than 0.3% of THC. Hemp became federally legal in 2018 because of the Farm Bill. “Federally Legal” means that states get the option to legalize the subject in their state for certain reasons or none at all. So, be sure to understand the laws in the place where you live. That small percent of THC in the hemp plant cannot get a user high. This is the biggest misunderstanding about CBD. CBD that is derived from hemp cannot get you high, but it may have other potential benefits and effects.
CBD Effects
There are a handful of different effects that have come to the front line of the health and wellness industry recently. Some have many different researches attached, others not so much, so it is important to keep that in mind as you read our article as well as do your own research. Here are some popular effects of CBD that have had at least one study done about it.
Skin care: Although CBD topicals typically don’t get to the bloodstream this does not mean that they cannot assist in the health of your skin. In this study they said that those with as well as without skin problems had improved skin after the use of a CBD topical. They used several different tests to note before and after the use of a CBD topical. Their evidence was shown by photographic evidence.
Anti-inflammatory: CBD has been researched for the possibility of joint health benefits. This study used dogs who are older and have joint health issues. During this study, they asked the dog owners to give CBD to their dogs twice a day for four consecutive weeks. The dog owners took a weekly test to see if anything had improved or gotten worse. At the end of the four weeks pet owners described their dogs to be more mobile and in less pain. Therefore, the CBD helped with their joints.
Antibacterial: There has been information and research coming to the front of the potential antibacterial properties of CBD. In this study they found that CBD has the capability to kill certain types of bacteria.
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 harsh types of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. There are also some others that assist those going through anti-cancer treatments like chemotherapy and the nausea and other harmful effects it may cause. They are called Marinol (dronabinol), Syndros (dronabinol), and Cesamet (nabilone). These medications can only be prescribed by a healthcare professional or doctor.
Calming effects: Calming those who feel anxiousness could be helpful. In this study, they used brain scanning to exam subjects who have SAD (social anxiety disorder). Those that were given CBD showed a decrease in their social anxiety disorder via brain scan imaging. Those who did not receive the CBD didn’t have a decrease and remained the same.
This is just a handful of reasons that folks have used CBD. And we didn’t even get to the reasons people give their animals CBD, that’s right, CBD for dogs is a thing too.
Now, besides the FDA medication, how do you get CBD into your system? Well, let us tell you.
Your system and CBD
It’s important to note that CBD will respond to each person a bit differently, so, when starting on CBD begin with a small amount and slowly increase until you feel the effects you want to feel. Here are a few ways/products that will help you get CBD into your schedule.
Vaping CBD: Vaping CBD is one of the quicker ways to get CBD into the system. Vaping CBD has a higher rate of absorption because it directly enters the bloodstream during inhalation. Because the CBD gets directly into your bloodstream, you feel the effects the quickest.
Topicals on the skin: CBD topicals are a bit different than the others as they don’t tend to ever get to the bloodstream. However, you may be able to still see benefits from the pores on from the surface of the skin. These are best used often and in the same area. They come in lotions, creams, salves and even hand sanitizer for antibacterial purposes (see below).
Tinctures in the mouth: This type of CBD gets into the bloodstream quickly similar to vapes. When the dropper full of the CBD tincture 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 or grapeseed oil. Some oil tinctures come flavored to mask the earthy hemp taste that some don’t particularly enjoy.
Softgels swallowed: A softgel is a capsule that contains CBD and looks like a pill or vitamin product. Once the capsule is swallowed it goes into and through the digestive tract and then ends up in the stomach. Once there the CBD is absorbed by the stomach as the capsule is broken down. The CBD is absorbed by the stomach lining and enters the bloodstream from there.
Edibles eaten: Eat an edible 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.
The main thing to look for when searching for CBD and its effects is to make sure that you are getting high quality CBD. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because a high-quality CBD experience means getting high quality CBD.