CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound that's popping up in everything from gummy bears and bottled water to e-liquids and bath bombs. You may have heard its hemp, cannabis, or marijuana, and other reports about the flowers and oil-infused products available in local shops and online stores.
CBD is one of over 400 chemical compounds in the cannabis plant.
When people hear "cannabis" or "marijuana," they think of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, one of three known cannabinoids that produce a psychoactive effect or a "high." There are no psychoactive properties in CBD.
Experts recommend people to start with 5 to 10 mg and slowly increase until you get the desired effect. Exact dosages depend on the condition and tolerance.
It's not a miracle, it's science. All vertebrates (humans, cats, dogs, birds, fish, etc.) have an endocannabinoid system that produces endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoids. These interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body to maintain homeostasis or balance throughout all the body's systems such as the nervous, digestive, and reproductive systems. The two primary receptors, the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2.)
CBD is a phytocannabinoid or a plant-based cannabinoid, and it interacts with the ECS like an endocannabinoid. Researchers theorize that the endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids help the ECS maintain homeostasis.
With all the products, eCommerce shops, and customer testimonials, you'd think CBD was completely legal. Instead, the legality of the cannabis plant compound is in a gray area in most areas of the world.
More than 80 years of prohibition has left societies everywhere in confusion about the benefits of the ancient plant.
Examples of different laws include:
These laws are slowly changing. Depending on the outcome of the UK's exit from the EU, the country may increase the allowable amount of THC to 1 percent, like Switzerland.
The opioid crisis and other outbreaks of addiction throughout history have led people to be cautious. So, it's easy to understand apprehension towards CBD. Experts have warned the public for decades about the dangers of the cannabis plant that kills or makes people go crazy.
None of that's true.
Cannabis and CBD don't cause psychosis, and you can't overdose on them.
There are several ways to take CBD. Many people prefer to vape CBD. You can vape CBD using CBD e-liquids. Cultivators extract the plant matter using high-grade alcohol or carrier oil such as olive oil, grapeseed oil, and coconut oil.
Vaping has the fastest onset. You should feel the effects of CBD within minutes using this method. However, it has a short duration, and you will most likely need to take another puff or two again in an hour or two.
CBD oils are sublingual. To use these, place the whole dose under your tongue to absorb into your bloodstream. The effects will begin in 15 to 30 minutes and can last 4 to 6 hours.
Oils can also be infused into muscle and skin lotions and creams. These do not absorb into the blood stream and start working in as little as 30 minutes.
Edible products are infused with CBD oil. These go through the digestion process to work and can take 45 to 90 minutes to take effect. Edibles have a 4-to 6-hour duration.
Now that you know about this amazing compound found in the cannabis plant, here's what you need to know next . . .
The Dos and Don'ts of Buying CBD
There are many mistakes you can make buying CBD for the first time. Use this short guide to reduce errors and have a pleasant experience every time with the cannabinoid.
Do learn about CBD before you buy. There's a lot of information about CBD. Take some time to explore the plant compound a little deeper. Decide on a method of delivery, learn about full-spectrum CBD oils vs. CBD isolates, and find a reputable supplier.
Do check the laws in your country before purchasing anything online. As mentioned, CBD, cannabis, and hemp laws are complicated and vary significantly between countries and states.
Do talk to your doctor. Before starting any new medications or medical treatment plans, always speak to your medical practitioner. Although there are few known drug-to-drug interactions with CBD, it's best to be safe.
Don't buy products without quality and safety test results. All products you purchase should have the safety testing data on the label which includes the percentage of CBD, terpene profiles, and the name of the lab to verify the results.
Don't ignore dosing instructions. Always start with a low dose and increase as necessary.
