This blog gives you an insight into hemp and its abundant cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD). The hemp-derived CBD products are the new favorite wellness products for people. Hemp is known to be widely grown as an industrial crop or fiber. However, according to recent research, hemp is the primary resource for extracting CBD oil because of its non-psychoactive and potential curative properties.
What is hemp?
Hemp is a plant of the Cannabis sativa family. Talking of its chemical composition, it is the main resource of CBD with less than 0.3 % of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), including other cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. The limited amount of THC present with CBD classifies hemp as non-psychoactive cannabis, unlike marijuana. Marijuana has the same composition but relatively more THC, making it the psychoactive cannabis.
Hemp VS marijuana
Hemp and marijuana both are famous cannabis plants. People usually misinterpret, characterizing the two. They are indifferent, considering the amount of THC contained along with CBD and other cannabinoids. The amount of THC present in cannabis relates to its psychoactive or non-psychoactive property. Both hemp and marijuana produce an adequate amount of CBD. Hemp is known to contain less than 0.3 % THC making it a non-psychoactive resource for CBD yield.
What is CBD
CBD is one of the 113 known cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. Other cannabis plants may also be the resource plants for CBD is abundantly found in the hemp cannabis. Hemp-derived cannabidiol is popular for its non-psychoactive nature, which means it does not intoxicate the user. It is because of a limited THC (which is psychoactive) level with other cannabinoids present in the hemp plant. Research suggests CBD is a potentially therapeutic and curative cannabinoid, which makes it a wellness product.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is the most popular form of CBD product because of its user-friendliness. It is a blend of CBD extracts with a base carrier oil, usually olive, coconut, hemp or MCT oil.
What are some types of CBD?
Let’s look into some major types of CBD oil available for different purposes:
CBD isolate
The most basic type of CBD oil is isolates, which is the solidified form of CBD oil. CBD isolates solely contain CBD with no other cannabinoid of the cannabis plant. This product is recommended for consumers who want to experience the individual effectiveness of cannabidiol with no other cannabinoid.
Broad spectrum CBD
Broad spectrum CBD oil has all the cannabinoids of the cannabis except for THC. This product is consumed by people who are sensitive to THC. However, the combination of all the cannabinoids with CBD efficiently aids the consumer requirement.
Full spectrum CBD
Full spectrum CBD oil is commonly referred to as hemp oil. It contains CBD, known as 113 cannabinoids of the cannabis plant and THC. The combination of all cannabinoids creates an entourage effect which enhances the effectiveness of the product. Full spectrum CBD oil contains less than 0.3 % of THC, making it non-psychoactive, which isn’t enough to intoxicate the consumer.
Methods of using CBD
Some of the most convenient ways of using CBD are:
Sublingually
In the sublingual method, you may put a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue and hold it in your mouth for a while and swallow it. Mucous cells present under the tongue absorbs CBD and diffuses it into the bloodstream, reaching the Endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD oil and tinctures are a couple of options used this way.
Topically
The topical method is safe and convenient for pain management. CBD oil or other CBD topicals are applied over the skin directly where it works through the problematic area. Topicals are efficiently effective in treating chronic pains, inflammations and muscle stiffness. There is no specified dosage for CBD’s topical usage having no side effects since the product does not enter the bloodstream.
Ingesting
Ingesting CBD oil through edibles and drinkables can be effective and delicious at the same time. You always have the option to mix CBD oil in your favorite meal or beverage. CBD oil may show long–lasting effects when ingested, but this digestive method takes around two to four hours to work. CBD gummies should work too!
Inhaling
CBD is inhaled through CBD vapes or e-cigarettes. It is the most rapid and effective method for consuming CBD. After inhalation, CBD is respired through the lungs into the bloodstream. However, health experts do not consider it safe since their frequency may cause lung damage.
What are the health benefits of CBD?
If you are curious to know if CBD is potentially beneficial to use. Well, the answer is probably. CBD is suggested to treat some very common health issues people suffer from through studies and research.
- Natural pain relief: CBD may be a natural pain killer, effective for relieving chronic pains.
- Anti-inflammatory: CBD may be an effective anti-inflammatory treatment.
- Anxiety relief: CBD may be effective in controlling nervousness and anxiousness.
- Controls seizure frequency: CBD may effectively reduce the seizure frequency in epilepsy patients with combined prescribed treatment.
- Treats Acne: CBD may work as a pro-active acne treatment by interacting with the sebaceous glands to regulate sebum production.
- Supports heart health: CBD may be effective for supporting heart health by regulating heart rate and blood pressure, reducing the chances of cardiovascular diseases.
- Neuroprotective: CBD may protect the brain against neurodegenerative diseases and support mental health.
What are some side effects of CBD
The World Health Organization has a critical review of CBD’s potential side effects and addiction. High-quality CBD doesn’t contain harmful effects. Some people may suffer from adverse effects if they consume a low-quality product that may be toxic for their metabolism. Some common side effects a consumer may experience include:
- Dizziness
- Sedation
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite and weight loss
Conclusive Statement
The possible queries about CBD benefits mostly result in positive views about its effectiveness. Consumer experience and studies approve CBD products to be completely safe. However, it is mandatory to consult a health care practitioner before trying natural CBD yourself in case of a sensitive metabolism. Moreover, choose a product that’s particularly hemp-derived, high-quality and certified by an independent laboratory.