Cannabidiol (CBD) is the non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it does not cause intoxication and does not make the user feel high. Research suggests that it has several health benefits, making it a great wellness product. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything about it.
Types of CBD
There are three major types of CBD:
CBD isolate
CBD isolate products only contain it and don’t contain any other cannabinoid of the cannabis plant. These products are best for those who want to experience the effects of it but are sensitive to other cannabinoids such as THC.
CBD full spectrum
Full spectrum CBD products contain all the cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, including THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. The level of THC in these products is around 0.3%, which is not enough to get you high, but still, it is enough to increase the effectiveness of it and other cannabinoids by creating the entourage effect. Hemp-derived – full spectrum products are legal in most of the 50 states of the United States, so they are the easiest to find.
CBD broad spectrum
Broad spectrum CBD products also contain all the cannabinoids of the cannabis plant just like full spectrum CBD products; the only difference is that they don’t contain any THC. Broad spectrum products are preferred by those who want to benefit from the cannabinoids of the marijuana plant but have a sensitivity to THC.
CBD products
There are several different products you can use according to your needs; a few of them are listed below:
CBD oil
CBD oil is the most common and popular product because you can use it any way you want. You can use it sublingually by putting a few drops under your tongue, you can use it topically by applying a few drops directly on your skin, and you can even make your own edibles using it. The most popular method of using it is the sublingual method, but the other methods are now gaining popularity as well. It is created by mixing CBD extract into a carrier oil such as hemp, coconut, or olive oil.
CBD creams, balms, gels
CBD creams, balms, gels, lubes, and other similar products are just like their non-CBD counterparts; the only difference is that they also contain CBD. You can only use these products topically and they are considered to be the best option for reducing pain and inflammation. You apply these products directly on your skin, so it doesn’t enter your bloodstream, which is why these products are considered to be the safest products.
CBD edibles
Similar to creams, edibles are almost similar to their non-CBD counterparts; the only difference is that they also include CBD. You can find pre-made edibles in the market like CBD gummies, but if you want, you can make your own edibles using its oil or its extract. Eating CBD edibles is the most discreet method of consuming it because people will think that you are eating normal food or gummies; the only way they’ll find out is if you give them a bite. Edibles may take up to four hours to kick in, so be sure to wait for a while after taking the first dose.
CBD capsules
CBD capsules and pills contain CBD and you use these products just like a normal capsule or pill. These pills and capsules are popular among the elderly or those who don’t like the taste of its oil but still want to experience the benefits of it.
CBD drinks
It doesn’t naturally dissolve in water in its natural state, but with the advancement in the field of science, we now have the ability to make water-friendly CBD and as a result, we can now make CBD drinks. Today you can find all kinds of drinks, from water to carbonated drinks. If you want to try them, but they aren’t available in your area, then you can create your own drinks using water-soluble – powdered drink mixes.
CBD concentrates
CBD oil and its concentrates are almost the same; the only difference is that the concentrates are ten times more potent. We don’t recommend this product for beginners, but if you are using it for a while and want to experience increased effects, then it is safe for you to try the concentrates.
CBD transdermal patches
Similar to nicotine patches, you apply CBD transdermal patches on your skin. These patches are considered to be the most effective CBD product for relieving pain, and their effects last longer than CBD topicals. You apply these patches on the venous area of your body and once you apply them, they provide slow-release, long-lasting effects.
CBD vapes
Over the last couple of years, vapes became more popular than ever and as a result, we got CBD vapes. Inhaling it using vapes is considered to be the fastest effecting method of using it; however, they may not be the safest method of using it. Vapes have been linked to a recent lung injury outbreak, which is why experts are advising against their use.
Benefits of CBD
Data suggests that it is beneficial for several health complications including:
Anxiety
There is data available to us, suggesting that it may be effective for relieving anxiety. It interacts with our brain receptors and alters the response of these receptors to neurochemicals. One of the neurochemicals it interacts with is serotonin, a chemical linked with mental health.
Pain
CBD may be able to help manage pain the same way it helps manage anxiety, by interacting with chemical receptors. Research suggests that it actually doesn’t directly act on pain; instead, it treats inflammation, which helps alleviate pain.
Epilepsy
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, for treating a couple of rare forms of epilepsy. This indicates that it may be effective for reducing the frequency of epileptic seizures. According to a study, the daily use of 2-5mg of it may reduce seizure frequency by 36.5%.
Acne
The same inflammation–reducing properties of CBD is considered to be effective for reducing acne. According to a study, it alters the sebum production by interacting with the sebaceous glands and, as a result, helps reduce acne.
Neurodegenerative diseases
Researchers believe that it interacts with the CB1 receptors of our brain and provides neuroprotection for several neurodegenerative diseases including, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and Multiple sclerosis (MS).
Cancer treatment side effects
Data suggest that CBD may be able to relieve the symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatments, including chemotherapy.
Dosage of CBD
The dosage of CBD depends entirely on the product you are using and the purpose you are using that product. For instance, if you need to take five drops of CBD oil daily but want to switch to the concentrates, then the same dosage will be way more than what you need because concentrates are way more potent. Similarly, if you are using the oil for pain relief, but now you want to switch to some topicals, then you may have to alter the dosage because topicals are made especially for that purpose and are more effective than the oil for relieving pain. Furthermore, it effects differently to everyone, so the dosage that works for your friend may not work for you. If you are using a CBD product on a doctor’s prescription, then you should stick to the dose they prescribe. If a doctor hasn’t prescribed it and you want to use it, then remember that the starting dose of it should be very low.
Legality of CBD
Hemp-derived CBD containing 0.3% or less THC is legal in most of the 50 states of the US. It became legal when the Farm Bill of 2018 passed. The legality of other types of it is a bit complicated; CBD products are completely legal in states where medicinal and recreational use of marijuana is legal, and in such states, you don’t even need a prescription to buy them. Some states only allow medicinal use of it, so you’ll need a prescription from a healthcare expert in order to buy them and if you possess CBD without a prescription is such states, then you may be at risk of legal action. There are a few US states that don’t allow both recreational and medicinal use of it, making it illegal for people to buy them. As you can see, the laws are a bit complicated, so be sure to do your research before buying any.
Last word
You may be looking to use it for a number of reasons because we all know now that some of the best wellness products include it. Before you buy any product, be sure to speak with a healthcare practitioner to find out if it is best for you. Furthermore, only buy certified and tested products as there are a number of low-quality products available in the market that may be harmful to your health.