What is CBD?
CBD or Cannabidiol is a compound found naturally in the cannabis and hemp plants. This herb has as rich a history as reportedly it has medical benefits. Especially since the 2018 Farm Bill and for the last couple of years, there have been many tests conducted on the therapeutic properties of CBD. Numerous researchers, scientists, and doctors have confirmed the many benefits and have deemed the substance relatively safe and non-addictive.
Recent studies also suggest that CBD can serve as a cure to many of the ailments we face today. Available in many forms, the wide range of CBD products can include edibles, oils, tinctures, topicals, cosmetics, beverages, and more.
Using CBD, What Do You Need to Know?
CBD can be used in many different ways, and the mode of consumption can largely depend on what it is you need it for. For example, CBD creams, topicals, and pain salves can come in handy for injuries stemming from physical activities. Moreover, they are reportedly also being used for chronic pain experienced by older adults. However, the most commonly used form of its products is CBD oil. Even its application is a lot simpler than the other ways of consumption. Simply take the built-in pipette that the oils come with and squeeze out a drop under your tongue. Hold it for a few seconds, and then swallow.
How Much Should You Use?
As the substance is relatively new, as far as mass consumption is concerned, there is not much science available for the proper dosages. However, anecdotal accounts suggest starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it till you find the amount that personally suits you the best.
In cases of topical use, it may be a good idea to apply a CBD cream or salve on the part of your arm or an area that can be easily reached. Doing so would help figure out if it even suits you in the first place and may prevent any adverse effects if you end up with an allergic reaction. This way, you can control the affected area. These CBD products come in varying sizes and strength levels as well, so you may have to tinker around a little before you find the right fix.
Most professionals suggest testing and jotting down your body’s reaction to CBD. This way, you can set find the correct dosage and form of CBD for yourself.
Will it Get you High?
Absolutely not! The active compound that may get you high is, in fact, THC, not CBD. The former is another compound found in the cannabis plant and may only be found in trace amounts in hemp plants. Even if you are going for full-spectrum products, you still can’t get high off them.
Can You Overdose?
There is enough anecdotal evidence to suggest that humans can withstand rather large amounts of it in their bodies. Reportedly, this figure can even go up to 1500 MG a day. In the rare cases where people have experienced certain ‘side effects ‘– to use the term loosely – they have been only limited to a change in appetite, diarrhea, and fatigue. However, if you are on any medications, it is advised to consult your doctor before you start using CBD.
How Does it Work?
CBD both interacts within our bodies in a couple of exciting ways. One of the significant ways it does so is by binding itself with compounds in our bodies called ‘endogenous cannabinoids.’ These endocannabinoids make up the ‘endocannabinoid system’ (ECS) in our bodies.
What makes this vastly significant is that ECS regulates many of the processes in the human body that affect our mood, energy levels, digestive system, blood pressure, immune activity, glucose metabolism, and bone density. Moreover, the ECS also dictates how we experience hunger, stress, anxiety, and more. Now, if our ECS is not working correctly, the dysfunction gives way to diseases.
So, by modulating the ECS and keeping it in check, our bodies can reach homeostasis, and disease progression can be prevented.
What To Look for When Buying CBD Products?
Whether you are new to CBD or are an experienced user, there are a few factors that you need to keep in mind when you are looking to buy CBD products.
A little research will go a long way. To get the results that you want, here are some fundamentals that you need to acquaint yourself with before embarking on this journey:
- Source
- Third Party Testing
- CBD Class
Where is it sourced from?
It is essential to know where the CBD in your product is coming from. Hemp or even cannabis is farmed worldwide. As a rule of thumb, it is best to stick with CBD products grown locally in the US. This way, you can keep track of things and get the right CBD supplements that cater to your individual needs.
Third-Party Tested:
The CBD industry has witnessed a sudden influx of various manufacturers, companies, and brands that peddle all sorts of CBD products. As a consumer, any product you buy must be third-party tested. This way, you make sure that anything you buy is pure and free of additives.
The Type of CBD Products:
Based on their chemical makeup, there are three common types of CBD products on the market that serve specific needs. These common types include:
- Broad-Spectrum CBD: Products that are made using broad-spectrum contain no THC whatsoever. However, they do contain CBD and other naturally occurring compounds in the hemp plant. If you wish to play it safe, this is definitely the route you should be aiming for.
- Full-Spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum CBD consisting of other organic matter found in the hemp or the cannabis plant. These may include various cannabinoids, terpenes, and oils that augment the effects you may feel after consumption. This amplification of effects and symbiosis between these compounds is also called the ‘entourage effect.’ Full-spectrum may also contain trace amounts of THC, but you can rest easy knowing that these are not sufficient enough to produce any ‘high’ or psychoactive effects.
- CBD Isolates: Isolates contain no other oils, compounds, or plant matter other than CBD. As the name suggests, it is pure unadulterated CBD. However, many experts claim that isolates do not offer the same quality of benefits as other forms of CBD products and that CBD only works best when it is used in conjunction with other plant matter and cannabinoids. In a nutshell, the ‘entourage effect’ comes heavily into play here.
Summary
Although there may not be much scientific research and facts that back up the potential benefits. There is, however, plentiful evidence to suggest that CBD indeed does work. As long as you follow the guidelines we have shared with you here, you can expect to experience plenty of benefits by integrating this into your daily diet. Now you may be wondering where I could find CBD near me? A brief google search will get you all the local shops nearby at your disposal.
Nonetheless, make sure you only buy your products from reputable buyers that provide third-party lab results for all their products on their websites. Remember to start at low doses and gradually increase your intake till you find that sweet spot that works for you perfectly.
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