Smoking cannabis was the only way of consuming CBD in the olden days. The problem with this method was that if you wanted to consume CBD, you would also have to consume the other 113 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Still, thanks to the advanced technologies and scientific advancement, that isn’t the case anymore. These days you can find genetically modified cannabis buds that only contain CBD. Not only that, but there are also several CBD products available in the market which you can use to experience the effects of CBD, and in this blog, we are going to take a look at those CBD products.
CBD oil and tinctures
CBD oil and tinctures are perhaps the most popular CBD based products available in the market. They are created by mixing CBD extract into a carrier oil, which usually includes hemp oil or coconut oil. You can use this versatile CBD product in many different ways. You can use it sublingually by putting a few drops under your tongue or using it to create your own CBD edibles. If you aren’t big on consuming CBD oil, you can apply it on your skin, or you can inhale it using a vape pen, but the vape pen may not be desirable as it can cause discomfort in the throat and lungs. When using CBD oil sublingually, you must hold the drops in your mouth for a minute or two, so it can take effect.
CBD creams, lotions, and salves
From skincare products to pain-relieving salves, you can find all kinds of products containing CBD these days. CBD creams, lotions, salves, and balms are almost similar to normal products; the only difference is that they contain CBD. You can use such products topically, meaning that you can apply them directly to your skin. There is a lot of evidence that suggests these products are effective for treating drug-resistant – hard to manage pain. Not only that, but these products can also be used to promote skin health. According to research, CBD prevents acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to regulate sebum production. These products are really easy to use, all you have to do is put a tiny amount of cream on your hand or directly on the problem area and then rub it in for a while until all of it disappears. These methods are considered to be safest because they are used topically, meaning that the CBD does not enter your bloodstream.
CBD pills and capsules
CBD pills and capsules are another easy to use CBD product. These pills are just like normal pills; the only difference is that instead of some hard to pronounce chemical elements, these pills contain powdered CBD inside the capsule. You can swallow these pills just like normal pills, and when digested, the CBD gets absorbed into your system. The effects of these pills typically last longer than other CBD products, and they leave no bad taste in your mouth. Another benefit of CBD pills and capsules is that the quantity of CBD in the pills is predefined, so you don’t have to measure how much CBD you are consuming manually.
CBD edibles
CBD edibles are probably the most delicious way of consuming CBD. These edibles are just like your usual gummy bears but with a not-so-secret ingredient called CBD. The effects of CBD edibles are considered to be more powerful than other CBD products, so you don’t want to consume the whole pack of CBD gummies in one go, especially if you are just beginning to use CBD. Apart from CBD gummies, several restaurants in the US offer delicious CBD based foods. If you don’t live in an area where you can find CBD based foods, then you can use your own CBD edibles using CBD oil, just watch how much CBD you put in the meal. Another thing to remember about CBD edibles is that they can take up to 4 hours to kick in, so you must wait for a while before you decide to consume more.
CBD concentrates
CBD concentrates are just like CBD oil; you even use them the same way. The only difference is that CBD concentrates are ten times more potent than CBD oil or other CBD products. If you are just beginning to use CBD, then this product may not be best for you, but if you have been using CBD oil or other CBD products and want to increase the effects of CBD, then concentrates are the perfect CBD product for you.
CBD drinks
CBD is hydrophobic in its isolated or natural oil state, meaning that it doesn’t dissolve in water, but thanks to advanced technologies, water-friendly CBD is becoming a thing now. These drinks may range from carbonated drinks to simple water containing CBD. If CBD drinks aren’t big in the area you live in, you may be able to create your own drinks using powdered and water-soluble CBD drink mixes.
CBD transdermal patches
You may have heard about nicotine patches, but now it is time that you learn about CBD patches. Just like topical CBD solutions, you apply these patches directly on your skin. These patches are considered to be more effective than CBD topical and can provide long-lasting relief to their users. Usually, you place these patches on the veinous area of your body, such as your wrist. Once applied, these patches provide slow-release long-lasting effects.
CBD vapes
A few years ago, the vape and e-cigarette industry exploded, creating all kinds of flavors and using different kinds of components in the liquid. As a result of this boom, CBD based vapes and e-cigarettes were introduced in the market. CBD vapes are just like regular vapes; the only difference is that the liquid contains CBD. However, these CBD products may not be the safest way of consuming CBD, as recent evidence links vapes and e-cigarettes with lung injury. Users of vapes and e-cigarettes may also experience discomfort in their throat and lungs, so we don’t recommend using these products and suggest that you try other CBD products.
Different forms of CBD products
All the products mentioned above come in three different forms, isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum. Let’s take a look at what these actually mean.
CBD isolate
Isolate CBD products only contain CBD and no other cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. These products are best suited for those who have a lower tolerance for THC and other marijuana components.
CBD full-spectrum
Full-spectrum CBD products contain all the 113 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including the psychoactive component named THC. When used in high quantity, THC can create an intoxicated feeling and the high effect associated with marijuana. In full-spectrum CBD products, the level of THC is about 0.3%, which is not enough to cause that feeling of intoxication, but it is still enough to create the entourage effect.
CBD broad-spectrum
Products labeled as broad-spectrum contain all the cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant except THC. If you are sensitive to THC but can tolerate the other components of cannabis, then broad-spectrum CBD products may be best for you.
Side effects of CBD
When used appropriately, CBD is considered to be safe and does not cause any side effects, but there’s still a chance that you may experience a few side effects. These side effects can occur due to overuse of the CBD products, due to sensitivity to similar products, or by using sub-standard CBD products that may contain harmful elements. According to a study, CBD’s toxic dose is 20,000 mg, which is when the CBD is consumed all at once. To put that into perspective, the starting dose of CBD is around 5-20 mg/day, and an entire bottle of CBD tincture only contains 100-1500 mg of CBD; meaning that you would have to consume 13-200 bottles of CBD tincture all at once in order to create the toxic dose of CBD (don’t take this as a challenge and we are in no way encouraging you to try it). If you consume a toxic dose of CBD, you may experience the following side effects.
- Psychosis
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Anxiety and depression
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Changes in appetite
Health experts, including the World Health Organization, agree that CBD is unlikely to cause death. When consumed in toxic doses, it can cause several side effects that can be severe in nature and can seriously deteriorate your health. Another important thing to remember is that CBD affects different people differently, which means that CBD’s toxic level may be lower or higher for you.
Conclusion
Consult with your doctor to find out if CBD is suitable for you before trying any of the products mentioned above. You must also find out which CBD products are legal in your state and which products aren’t. Additionally, always buy products that are tested by an independent lab to be sure that it doesn’t contain any harmful elements.