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Your ultimate cannabis education guide on all things CBD!
Chances are, you've likely come across someone discussing CBD. With the 2018 Federal Farm Bill legalizing hemp production across the nation, the market has experienced an abundance of easily accessible CBD. However, despite the widespread attention, numerous individuals remain uncertain about what CBD entails, its potential benefits, and its legal status.
If you're considering trying CBD but are unsure of where to begin, we've compiled some of the most comprehensive research and content to assist you in getting started!
Wait... CBD or THC? What's the difference?
CBD and THC originate from the same plant species, Cannabis sativa, but there are significant distinctions between the two.
Typically, CBD is derived from the hemp plant, which is a type of cannabis plant. Hemp contains minimal THC, usually less than 0.3%. Cannabis plants containing THC concentrations exceeding 0.3% are classified as marijuana.
Both THC and CBD are sourced from the resin on the leaves and buds of female cannabis plants. Additionally, CBD is obtained from the flowering heads of the hemp plant.
Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as synthetic marijuana, Spice, or K2, are artificially produced chemicals that imitate the effects of THC. The psychoactive components have different impacts than THC and can lead to severe reactions.
What is CBD?
Understanding CBD: A Comprehensive Overview
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of cannabis. This plant has a long history of medicinal use dating back thousands of years. Today, scientists and doctors worldwide are actively testing and confirming the therapeutic properties of CBD. As one of over a hundred "phytocannabinoids" unique to cannabis, CBD plays a significant role in the plant's robust therapeutic profile.
Closely related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another important medicinally active phytocannabinoid, CBD distinguishes itself by its non-intoxicating nature. While both CBD and THC possess significant therapeutic attributes, CBD does not induce the "high" commonly associated with THC. Instead, it acts on different receptors in the brain and body, often lessening or neutralizing the psychoactive effects of THC.
Many individuals seek the health benefits of cannabis without the accompanying high or with a reduced high, making CBD an appealing treatment option. Its therapeutic potency, non-intoxicating nature, and ease of use as a CBD oil contribute to its growing popularity, especially among those cautious about exploring cannabis for the first time.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD and THC interact with our bodies in various ways, including mimicking and enhancing the effects of endogenous cannabinoids—compounds found in our bodies that are similar to those in the cannabis plant. These "endocannabinoids" are part of the "endocannabinoid system," a crucial discovery that has significantly advanced our understanding of health and disease.
The endocannabinoid system regulates a wide range of physiological processes affecting our daily experiences, including mood, energy levels, immune activity, pain sensation, stress, and more. When this system functions improperly, it can lead to various pathological conditions, highlighting the potential therapeutic impact of modulating endocannabinoid system activity.
Cutting-edge research suggests that nearly all pathological conditions are linked to dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system. This insight implies that modulating endocannabinoid system activity through compounds like CBD and THC may have therapeutic potential in addressing various human diseases. By enhancing endocannabinoid tone, CBD and THC can potentially slow or halt disease progression, as indicated by leading scientists in a 2014 publication.
In conclusion, CBD represents an exciting area of study with promising therapeutic potential, offering a deeper understanding of the versatile compounds within the cannabis plant and their impact on human health and well-being.
Ways To Consume CBD
Oils & Tinctures
These liquids, typically oils, are infused with CBD and administered under the tongue using a dropper. The oral mucosa contains numerous tiny capillaries that rapidly absorb the compounds. Oils and tinctures are an ideal option for individuals unable to consume pills or capsules.
Creams & Lotions
CBD-infused topicals are a popular method for relieving daily muscle and joint stresses. Creams and lotions are particularly effective for targeted treatment and localized relief.
Capsules & Pills
CBD capsules and pills are a convenient addition to your daily routine of healthy practices. This ingestion method is favored by individuals accustomed to taking vitamins and supplements. It also provides a discreet way to consume CBD, especially for individuals with a busy, on-the-go lifestyle.
Edibles
CBD gummies have become widely favored for consuming CBD. They are cost-effective, easily portable, discreet, and enjoyable. Additionally, there's no ambiguity: you have precise knowledge of the dosage and the expected outcome. It's important to note that the full effect and comfort from the dosage may take up to 120 minutes to manifest.
Vaping
Inhaling vaporized CBD oil, such as using e-cigarettes for CBD, offers the quickest method to feel the effects. The compounds are inhaled and directly absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream. However, there is still uncertainty about the potential damage to delicate lung tissue caused by vaping. If you opt to vape CBD, it's advisable to proceed with caution.
CBD Intake: How Much Should I Take?
It is generally advisable to commence with a low dosage and gradually increase it. Additionally, there may be discrepancies in actual CBD content among products. Therefore, caution is warranted when initiating a new package or transitioning between dose forms. According to Lindsay Slowiczek, PharmD, it is crucial to begin with a low dose until you understand how your body responds to CBD. While a broad range of CBD dosages has been examined in clinical studies, further evidence is necessary to establish safe and effective dose recommendations for specific applications.
Slowiczek further emphasized the importance of adhering to the product's recommended dose unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional. Individuals with certain health conditions may require lower doses to mitigate potential severe side effects.
When contemplating dosage, several factors should be considered:
Consult your doctor to determine the most suitable product and dose.
Many oils are available in a concentration of 1 milligram per drop, making it simple to adjust the dosage. However, it is essential to carefully review product labels to ascertain the quantity provided by each drop.
Gummies are often standardized at 5 milligrams per gummy, but it is crucial to confirm this before altering your dosage.
Vape oil dosing can be complex, contingent on the amount inhaled and the concentration of the vaping liquid.
Exercise caution when using creams and lotions initially.
We'll be covering these topics extensively in many more blog posts - including how to pick a CBD brand and why choose organic CBD products!