What Is CBD? The Complete Guide About Cannabidiol
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 … Read more