If you have ever experienced a condition like pain or anxiety (god forbid), you must be aware of CBD. According to a survey conducted in February 2023, at least 25% of adults in the U.S. have tried CBD at least once in their lives.
If you are looking to try CBD products but are not sure where to start, we will answer your questions and clear all your doubts surrounding CBD and its usage.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol or CBD is a cannabis-made compound, known for its wide range of health benefits. Even though CBD has become very popular in recent years, there’s confusion regarding what it can and can’t do.
CBD belongs to a category of phytochemicals called cannabinoids which are situated in hair-like, resin crystals present on the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant.
While CBD is there in both hemp and marijuana strains, it’s most abundant in hemp plants and is preferred for inducing calmness and optimizing one’s health. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD doesn’t produce intoxicating effects.
In the U.S., any cannabis plant with more than 0.3% THC by weight is considered marijuana.
CBD that is manufactured with hemp extract tincture oil is legal and can be found in various CBD products such as CBD tinctures, sprays, gummies, capsules, tea, lotions, etc. making the benefits of CBD easier to experience and enjoy.
What Is CBD Used For?
CBD was first approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018 by the name “Epidiolex” for treating seizures in children. Apart from that, CBD is used by people all over the world for various ailments such as insomnia, pain relief, and general well-being.
How Does CBD Work In The Body?
Studies regarding the working of CBD are still going on but a lot of trusted sources tell us that CBD may activate or block cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.
These receptors take care of processes such as mood, sleep, and appetite as part of the ECS (Endocannabinoid System).
CBD products may also work with certain opioid or serotonin receptors and may start a process that reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
It may also affect PPAR gamma activity which impacts the release of intracellular calcium and manages certain cellular activities.
Research on CBD is limited, but the results of what has been gathered till now are promising. Some studies have found that CBD may be clinical in providing relief from various physical and mental health conditions.
A trusted source tells us that CBD oil may relieve arthritis pain and CBD cream is an effective anti-inflammatory.
Similarly, CBD has also been preferred to treat childhood epilepsy and other seizure issues. Some studies point to CBD’s anti-cancerous qualities and benefits in taking care of the side effects of cancer treatment.
More research is needed to fully understand the benefits of CBD as a treatment for physical and mental health conditions.
What Are The Ways To Take CBD?
By now you are well aware of CBD, its benefits, dosages, etc. but what are the various ways it can be taken in you might ask. Here are some popular and convenient ways to take CBD:
CBD Oil
CBD oil is infused with CBD and placed under the tongue with a dropper. The oral mucosa has tiny capillaries that absorb the compounds. CBD oils and tinctures are a good choice for users who don’t prefer CBD pills or capsules.
CBD Capsules and Pills
CBD capsules and pills can be used for the treatment of digestive issues and seizure disorders. The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) approved Epidiolex recently which is the first CBD product to manage seizure problems.
There’s one problem with capsules though i.e. the time from intake to the onset of effects is a bit longer.
CBD Topicals
CBD-made topicals can be used to treat joint and muscle pain. They are applied directly to the skin, allowing for localized CBD absorption.
CBD topicals can also take care of certain skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema and are available as gels, moisturizers, patches, etc.
Edibles
CBD edibles and gummies are one of the most popular ways to take CBD and for a reason. With them, you know the exact dose you are taking and they are also very fun to use.
CBD edibles come in many forms such as baked goods, sauces, snacks, cocktails, etc. but gummies are the most popular.
Vape
Inhaling vaporized CBD oil is the fastest way to experience the effects of CBD as the users inhale it directly into their lungs.
How Does CBD Make You Feel?
CBD affects everyone differently. Just like no two bodies are the same, no two people experience the effects of CBD in the same way.
CBD works closely with the body’s endocannabinoid system and has a balancing effect on the user’s internal chemistry. That CBD effect will appear different based on the user’s genetics, age, current health status, and other external and internal factors.
Some CBD users report feeling energized and focused after taking it, while some report being ready for bed. However, one of the most reported feelings is the sense of calmness.
Finally, there’s no one feeling that the user will experience after taking CBD products. You can go ahead and try it to find out what it does for you and whether it suits your lifestyle or not.
What Is the Difference Between CBD and THC?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, while THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, and both substances are found in the cannabis plant. CBD is usually sold and used as an oil, doesn’t produce a high, and has certain medicinal qualities.
THC on the other hand, is a psychoactive chemical found in marijuana. For many users, understanding the difference between CBD and THC is complicated as the marijuana or hemp plant contains both.
People who overuse marijuana are fond of the psychoactive properties of THC. While many argue that it is not addictive, it can be habit-forming. As cannabidiol is non-psychoactive, it’s not habit-forming or addictive by itself.
People may smoke marijuana to enjoy the medical benefits of cannabidiol but can form a habit. The safest way to enjoy the medical benefits of marijuana is to consume CBD oil only.
This is the best approach to receiving CBD benefits without any undesirable psychoactive effects. When thinking about taking CBD or THC, you have to stay updated with the laws, which change frequently. THC and marijuana are controlled under federal law.
But as laws are constantly changing and there are issues between local and state laws, the situation gets confusing.
If you want to use cannabis products for medical reasons you should always check with your state’s laws and also make sure that you have a valid prescription.
How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System?
CBD can stay in your system for up to 6 hours, and the half-life (elimination) of edible CBD is 1-2 days. In other words, you can expect to feel the effects of CBD products for about 6 hours, but CBD and other cannabinoids accumulate in fat cells as your body breaks them down.
Also, it can take about a week for the compounds to leave your system totally, but this duration can depend on your servings, frequency of intake, and metabolism capacity. Regular usage might lead to accumulation, potentially prolonging the time it stays in the body.
The method of consumption also plays a crucial role in determining how long CBD stays in your system. Inhalation and sublingual administration tend to have quicker effects but may also leave the system faster, usually within a few days.
On the other hand, edibles and capsules take longer to produce effects but might extend the duration CBD is detectable.
It’s essential to note that tests often look for THC rather than CBD, but some full-spectrum CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, raising potential concerns for those subject to testing. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
What Are the Health Benefits of CBD?
Among the huge list of health benefits that CBD is known for, its lovers praise it the most for its ability to induce a sense of calm, support a healthy sleep cycle, and speed up post-workout recovery. Here are CBD benefits in detail:
CBD For Focus And Management Of Everyday Stressors
CBD may help to support productivity and mental focus. When our bodies are in stressful situations, focusing on the tasks at hand becomes very difficult.
Full spectrum CBD comes into the picture here and helps to improve mental focus with its relaxing effects and boosts our mood.
Whole hemp extracts also contain a variety of terpenes (aromatic botanical compounds) that add to CBD’s profile.
Terpenes such as alpha-pinene and limonene have been shown to affect mood positively and enhance mental alertness.
CBD For A Healthy Sleep Cycle
CBD’s calming qualities may help to relax you down from your hectic day and prepare you for rest as the endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in managing our sleep cycle.
Consuming CBD oil as a part of your bedtime routine (along with other health habits) can help you sleep more deeply and achieve the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
CBD is not a sedative so you can wake up the next morning feeling fresher and ready to take on the day with confidence.
CBD For Normal Recovery Post-Workout
CBD has become normal for a lot of gym enthusiasts. You can use it as a cooling rub for localized relief or take it as a pill for a daily supplement to support your endocannabinoid system. Active individuals are more prone to soreness and muscle and joint overuse.
Cannabidiol is a subtle and natural compound that enhances the body’s self-healing systems by helping to support normal inflammatory functions through the endocannabinoid system, so you can hit the gym again sooner and safely.
How Long Does CBD Take to Work?
A common dilemma among people who are trying CBD for the first time is ‘How long will it take to work?’. The answer to this is that it depends on the method you are taking CBD through. Here’s what we mean:
Topical Forms of CBD
CBD topical products like ointments, balm, and lotions, take effect immediately. Once you apply them, you start feeling relief from inflammation and certain skin issues within 10-15 minutes.
Ingestible Forms of CBD
The ingestible CBD products such as capsules, tinctures, and gummies have different effect timings. CBD tinctures (when kept under the tongue), are usually absorbed within 30 seconds, and the effects show up within 10-15 minutes.
Whereas CBD capsules and gummies take about 45 minutes to 2 hours to show their effects.
Dosing
You may have inflammation, aches, or other issues that you are looking to relieve with CBD products, but be careful about taking high doses in the beginning. Instead, give your body and mind time to adjust to the effects of CBD, then slowly increase the amount.
While ingesting CBD responsibly is associated with more focus, less anxiety, and less pain, over-intake is associated with drowsiness.
How Much CBD Should You Take?
The maximum dose of CBD that people can tolerate orally is about 1500 milligrams per day. As CBD is relatively new in the market and not well-regulated, there’s a risk that a CBD product can contain more THC than indicated.
There can also be a lot of variations in actual CBD content between products. It’s crucial to begin with a low dose until you know how your body is responding to CBD.
Always use the product’s recommended dose unless your doctor allows you to take larger ones. If you have a health condition, you may need to lower doses to avoid unwanted side effects.
The Bottom Line
CBD is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant along with THC. While both CBD and THC affect the brain, the former doesn’t cause a high. Research has found that CBD products can help to reduce pain and improve mood.
It may also help children with seizures, as well as people with cancer treatment to manage their symptoms.
That said, like with any other substance, CBD should be taken in moderation and should be talked about to your doctor. It’s also important to be mindful of your other medicines (if you are taking any) so that they don’t react with CBD.
Always start with a low dose and observe how your body and mind react to it.
FAQs About CBD
Is CBD safe for beginners?
Yes, CBD is generally safe for beginners. Just start with a low dosage and observe your body’s response. Also, consult your healthcare professional for expert advice.
Is CBD the same thing as cannabis?
CBD and THC are found in the cannabis plant. They’re both cannabinoids, but they affect the body in different ways. CBD doesn’t have the psychoactive properties of THC.
Does CBD Have Any Age Limit?
No, there’s no specific age limit for CBD, but always consult your healthcare provider before giving it to elders or children, as effects may vary from individual to individual.
Is CBD good for you?
Yes, CBD may offer several health benefits such as relieving anxiety and pain. However, its effects vary from individual to individual so always consult your healthcare provider to determine its suitability for your needs.
Does CBD get you high?
No CBD doesn’t produce a high but induces relaxation without the psychoactive properties associated with marijuana.
Is CBD Legal?
The legal status of CBD varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In many regions, CBD extracted from hemp with low THC amount is legal, while CBD made from marijuana may face restrictions.
Make sure to check your local laws or talk to your legal professionals for correct information regarding CBD’s legality in your state.