Are you looking for the best way to get an instant mood boost without posing a risk to your health? Have you just quit smoking or marijuana and don’t seem to be able to let go of its calming properties? In that case, CBD products are the right choice for you.
Did you know that CBD keeps you safe from any intoxicating side effects and helps you deal with several ailments? It is an appealing option for people looking for natural pain relief, anti-anxiety supplements, or just an alternative to cannabis.
Dive deeper into the world of cannabinoids with us in this beginner’s guide to CBD, where we tell you about this magic wellness ingredient and whether or not it is the right choice for you.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is one of the most prominent components in the Cannabis plant. It was discovered in 1940 and is one of the 113 phytocannabinoid presents in the plant. CBD makes up for 40% of Cannabis plants and is considered to have countless health benefits.
It can also be extracted from the Hemp plant, which is closely related to Marijuana and is actively used in wellness products. CBD is one of the many non-psychoactive components of the plant that can be used to potentially reduce the effects of several ailments.
CBD is found in many forms so that consumers can choose the product according to their lifestyle. Scientists are still researching the many ways CBD can benefit the medical and wellness industry. In the future, who knows, CBD may help cure some of the major diseases and illnesses!
Will CBD Get You High?
Marijuana is known to get you high, but CBD does not cause this reaction. Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, is the most psychoactive compound in Marijuana. It is the reason why consumers experience the feeling of getting high.
If the CBD products that you are consuming have more than 0.3 percent THC, it can get you high. CBD in itself cannot induce any euphoric reactions. Instead, it is known to positively affect the user if the dosage is right.
If you are taking CBD to experience the feeling of getting high, that won’t be possible. A high concentration of CBD can give you an uplifting experience, but that is not the ‘high you experience with other cannabis products. However, if you are taking broad-spectrum CBD, you might get intoxicated as it contains all components of the marijuana plant.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD works by coming in contact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a complex biological system in human beings. The Endocannabinoid system helps our nervous system to keep our bodies running smoothly.
There are two receptors in our endocannabinoid system known as CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptor is present in our central nervous system and is responsible for managing appetite, mood, body coordination, pain, and memory.
While the CB2 receptor, which is present in the peripheral nervous system, influences inflammation and pain. These receptors also play a role in controlling our immunity.
When the enzymes in our endocannabinoid system break the cannabinoids, they come in contact with our CB1 and CB2 receptors and influence it in some way. This, as a result, has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect on our bodies.
CBD is also known as a “high safety and low adverse effect” solution to treating chronic pains. Scientists are conducting more studies on the reaction of CBD with the endocannabinoid system as there is a lot that hasn’t been researched.
Different Forms of CBD
Cannabidiol can be extracted in many different ways, hence the different forms of the compound. Here are the three main types of CBD that you can find in the wellness market:
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad Spectrum CBD contains all components of the Cannabis or Hemp plants except THC. This type of CBD is beneficial for health and provides the benefits of various cannabinoids at once. Since there is no THC in the broad spectrum CBD, you won’t experience any intoxicating effects.
Benefits
- Broad-spectrum CBD provides you the benefits of all cannabis compounds without intoxication.
- It relieves the overall discomfort in the body and helps calm your mind.
Full Spectrum CBD
Full Spectrum CBD has all the components of a cannabis or hemp plant, including THC, which is the most psychoactive part of the plant. It should have less than 0.3 percent of THC. Otherwise, it will not be legal according to the Federal Law of the United States.
Benefits
- Full-spectrum CBD provides you with all the benefits of a cannabis plant.
- It encourages the entourage effect in your body, which has many potential health benefits.
CBD Isolate
CBD Isolate is the purest form of CBD without any additives. No other components of the Cannabis plant are present in the isolate. It is used to reap the benefits of CBD only. People who do not want to take any form of THC, or any cannabis compounds, go for CBD isolates.
Benefits
- CBD allows you to focus on the benefits of cannabidiol only without any traces of THC or terpenes.
- It is also used to treat body pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
Is CBD Legal?
Hemp derived CBD products are legal all over the United States under Farm Bill 18. This bill allowed the producers and agriculture departments to grow hemp on US soil. Citizens can also consume CBD products with less than 0.3% THC by federal law.
However, since each state has its own Controlled Substance Act (CSA), CBD is not entirely legal in all 50 states. For example, in Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, the use of CBD is restricted to only severe medical treatments.
Other than that, Australia only allows medical marijuana with a licensed doctor’s prescription. Europe has also legalized marijuana with certain exceptions, while Africa has restricted the use of marijuana for certain medical conditions.
However, it stays illegal throughout Asia. Even though the laws in Asia are changing, it will still take a long time for the plant to be legalized in the region.
Kinds of CBD Products
CBD products are available in many different forms. It depends on the user what way they choose to consume CBD. Here are the types of CBD products that you can find in the market:
CBD Gummies
CBD Gummies are an edible and easily available form of CBD for consumers. Many new consumers hopping on the idea of adding CBD in their lives start with gummies. You need to find the best dose for yourself and take the required amount of gummies per day.
Every consumer has different needs; therefore, we recommend you take your time and experiment with the wide variety of potencies available in CBD gummies. The best part is that they come in different flavors that you can choose from.
Drinks
CBD drinks are another edible option for people who want to incorporate this cannabinoid into their life. Most drinks available on market shelves include a blend of different herbs and other ingredients to have a soothing effect on your body.
You can find various CBD drinks, from coffee and tea to shakes and sodas. They increase concentration and provide an instant energy boost. Taking CBD in the form of flavored drinks is ideal for beginners to develop their taste for hemp.
Capsules
CBD Capsules are another ingestible form of CBD. Just like gummies, they are taken orally and differ in potencies. CBD capsules are usually taken for pain relief, anxiety, and general relaxation.
Consumers can experiment with different potencies and then choose the one that suits them best. Capsules are the best form for people who don’t like the taste of hemp or cannabis but want to experience the benefits of CBD.
Treats
CBD Treats include CBD-infused chocolate bars, brownies, cookies, or gums. They are ideal for throwing a party for CBD enthusiasts or treating yourself with some flavor while also relaxing your mind and body.
You can also make tasty CBD edibles at home with CBD oil or powder. Just add the recommended amount while baking or to your food once you are done cooking to enjoy the delicious flavors and calming benefits in one.
Oils and Tinctures
CBD Tinctures or oils are consumed sublingually. They stay under the tongue for a while to help your body absorb the maximum amount of CBD. They create the same calming effect as marijuana but do not intoxicate the brain.
CBD oils are used mostly for pain management, most prominently for chronic muscle and joint pain. However, these are not the most suitable option for beginners as these oils have a strong taste.
Salves and Creams
CBD is known to potentially reduce the pain and inflammation that a patient may experience after an injury. This is why CBD is available in the form of topical creams.
These CBD creams are well known among skincare enthusiasts, athletes, professional trainers, etc. They are not supposed to be ingested; therefore, they are the best option for beginners.
Wellness Products
CBD Wellness products including CBD-infused candles, aromatherapy oils, transdermal patches, and face masks, are quite popular. These products are also ideal for beginners who want to experience the goodness of CBD without consuming it orally.
The CBD wellness market is growing fast, and new products are being introduced every day. With such developments, beginners can experience the health benefits without any potential side effects.
Vapes
CBD Vapes are designed for inhaling CBD through different tools. CBD vaping products are most common among experienced CBD users. These vapes help patients quit addictions like marijuana or smoking but give them the same relaxed feeling without getting them high.
Vapes have the fastest work time and come in the form of liquids or waxes. Some liquids are also flavored to enhance your vaping experience.
Benefits of CBD
CBD is gaining popularity among people who prefer natural remedies to cure different illnesses. Even though CBD research is still ongoing, scientists have already discussed some potential benefits of the cannabinoid. Here are the top five benefits of consuming CBD according to research:
- CBD has the potential to relieve severe pain in patients suffering from different diseases. It influences the endocannabinoid receptors in the human body and reduces pain and inflammation.
- It is also known to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and insomnia as part of post-traumatic stress disorder. CBD may help people get relaxed sleep through the night.
- CBD-based medicine is also considered to be neuroprotective. Since it reacts with our endocannabinoid system, which is part of our nervous system, it can help with several neurological disorders.
Things to Consider When Buying CBD
There are a few tips and tricks that you need to keep in mind while selecting your CBD product. It’s important to have complete knowledge of what it is made from and how it is going to help you. Keep these five factors in mind to buy the right product:
Authenticity
Be careful that the product you opt for is genuine and authentic. Make sure to check the label so you are not scammed by low-quality brands trying to sell you a low-quality product. Such products can be quite hazardous for your health.
THC-Levels
Different states have different laws regarding CBD, so the federal government must legalize the product. While buying your CBD product, make sure that its THC level is less than 0.3 percent, or you can face serious consequences.
Source
There are two main sources that CBD can be extracted from Cannabis and Hemp. They are derived from the fiber and seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant or Hemp plants, essentially to make medicated and recreational CBD products.
FDA-Approved
FDA acknowledges the need for CBD products and their potential to help human beings. However, they are also aware of the potential threats a cheap, quality CBD product can pose. Therefore, it’s important that you buy high quality CBD products that are FDA-approved.
CBD Dosage
If your doctor hasn’t prescribed it, start with small doses of CBD and gradually increase it. The best is to start with 10 mg per day and add 5mg (according to the requirement of your body after a couple of days.) Keep in mind, though, that over 25 mg can be quite high for beginners.
Who Should Not Use CBD?
CBD products are recommended for stress, anxiety, PTSD, and depression. They are also great if you’re suffering from insomnia or seizures.
But can everyone use it? The answer is no. There are several factors to be kept in mind before you introduce CBD products to your life. Since CBD is a biologically active compound, it can bring forth unexpected and not always good outcomes.
It can cause a reaction when it interacts with other medicines you might be taking for other purposes. Nausea, vomit, drowsiness, and diarrhea are common side effects, amongst others if you’re a consumer of CBD.
CBD can also interact with other medications and intoxicate your body. When taken along with other antidepressants, antipsychotics, or alcohol, it can increase the chances of sickness, fatigue, and dizziness, which can be harmful.
It can also reform the effect of other meds and stop them from working for their intended purpose, especially in aged people since they usually take medicines daily.
So, always consult your doctor before you start taking CBD to ensure you experience little to no reactions. In short, if you are taking any medication, then it is important to give your whole medical history to your doctor before consuming anything that has CBD.
Additional Information
- Flying with CBD also has a few limitations. Most US States and other countries around the world do not allow CBD-based products on board. Some states also have specific rules and regulations about the amount of CBD you can travel with.
- CBD can also have harmful effects that can show up faster than you may think. Some potential side effects of CBD include liver damage, slow brain activity, male reproductive toxicity, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal disorders, mood changes, abnormal fetal growth, irritation, and irritability.
- The correct dosage of CBD depends on the consumer’s body weight, the potency of the product, and the reason for taking CBD. If you have an underlying condition, you need to consult your doctor before taking CBD.
Conclusion
CBD has numerous benefits ranging from pain relief to helping patients with mental health disorders.
It has been researched for many years for its role in public health, and the studies still continue! So, what are you waiting for? CBD is the best option for consumers to live a healthy and calming lifestyle without worrying about getting high.
Browse through the various options available for consumers and make your pick. Welcome to the World of CBD; we hope your ride is full of peace and vitality!