What Is CBD?
April 12, 2020When it comes to CBD, there is no shortage of the questions that come to mind. What is it? What does it do? Is CBD the same as marijuana? What is the difference between CBD and THC? There are plenty of questions out there, and if you live somewhere where CBD is legal, you may have noticed it has gone from being around occasionally to being just about everywhere.
CBD is the shortened term for the chemical cannabidiol compound found in the cannabid Sativa plant (more commonly known as marijuana). It is one of 400 naturally occurring substances found in cannabis plants. It is used in products (such as oils, edibles, and flower) to help impart feelings of relaxation or other medicinal remedies. However, unlike THC (delta-9-tetrahyrocannabinol) it does not have the psychoactive property that brings about the feeling many refer to as being “high”.
While CBD has been around for many years, it has not always been legal. However, due to the natural medicinal and therapeutic properties (without the harsh side effects found in prescription medicines), the scientific backing, and the lack of psychoactive properties, this chemical compound is more accepted by both mainstream society and the government.
CBD Benefits
CBD is a very popular natural remedy. It offers relief for many common ailments, which continues to grow as more scientists continue to discover new benefits and uses for CBD. Since CBD does not contain a psychoactive property it is a more appealing option for those looking for a more natural relief without the euphoric effects associated with THC or the harsh effects from certain pharmaceutical drugs. A few of the many benefits currently listed for CBD include (but are not limited to) chronic pain relief (such as nerve pain or arthritis pain), inflammation reduction, cancer therapy relief (such as an increase in appetite or reducing nausea), seizure relief, treatment for anxiety and depression, relief from insomnia, and skin relief disorders (such as psoriasis or acne), and the list continues to grow.
CBD for Pain
Pain comes to users in many forms. Chronic pain can come from fibromyalgia, arthritis, cancer pain, neuropathic pain, or various other conditions. Unfortunately, many people who suffer from chronic pain are forced to rely on medications like opioids to help manage their pain. Among other side effects, these medications can be habit-forming. However, CBD offers a great alternative to these medications and is one of the biggest benefits and most popular reasons CBD is used for. CBD works for pain management by offering both anti-inflammatory effects and pain-relieving effects for users. This can be accomplished by using CBD through topical creams, pills, oils, and edibles.
CBD for Anxiety
Living with the unwelcome symptoms of anxiety can make life extremely hard and draining for those living with an anxiety disorder. In fact, according to the WHO (World Health Organization) anxiety is one of the most common health disorders in the world and affects roughly one out of every thirteen people. The downside to this is most prescription medication options typically fall into one of two categories - ones that do not work for everyone or ones that can easily become addictive. However, in more recent years, CBD has captured the spotlight as both complementary and or alternative treatment options for those who suffer from various forms of anxiety. Like those who suffer from chronic pain, those suffering from an anxiety disorder can use a variety of CBD forms including creams, pills, tinctures, vaping oils, and more.
How does CBD Work?
The CB1 and CB2 receptors within the body are part of the endocannabinoid system. This system is what is used to maintain the balance and homeostasis of practically everything in your body. CB1 receptors are activated to control functions such as appetite, memory, mood, pain perception, sleeping, vomiting, and more. On the other hand, CB2 receptors are activated to control inflammation.
While THC can bind directly to the CB1 receptors, CBD cannot directly activate these receptors. Instead, it binds to different receptors within the body to activate and produce the therapeutic effects without the psychoactive properties associated with THC. It also has the ability to delay reabsorption of the of brain chemicals and neurotransmitters and to influence the ion channels within the body to control chemical releases (such as calcium, potassium, and sodium), this component is vital to CBD’s ability to help in controlling seizures and to give chemicals more time in your body for longer-lasting effects.
CBD Oil
CBD is one of the most potent ways to take CBD oil. It is made of one of many chemical cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant. CBD oils offer a number of therapeutic uses. The concentrations vary depending upon the specific oil and uses for the oil. Specific uses can include but are not limited to ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, cancer, Chrone’s disease, liver health, pain relief, and seizures.
When choosing a CBD oil, you should always make sure you choose the correct type of oil for what you plan to use it for. For example, some oils are made specifically for edibles, while others are used for things such as vaping. One of the most common ways CBD oil is used for is for vaping. In fact, CBD has become increasingly popular due to the ease and discretion associated with using CBD oil with a vape pen. Not to mention the variety of cartridges, flavors, and concentration options (both with and without THC).
CBD Gummies and Other Edibles
When people think about CBD products, many people tend to think of vaping. However, CBD edibles tend to be a favorite consumption method for CBD users. While gummies tend to be the first edible option that comes to mind, edibles also include supplements (pills), drinks, fruit chews, candies, lozenges, chocolates, or any other CBD infused baked good or drink. Plus as the popularity for CBD edibles increases, more and more restaurants and bakeries are popping up around the country (or if you prefer, you can even purchase edible oils to make your own edible products).
CBD Topicals
Topical options and CBD creams are often used for conditions like shoulder pain, runner’s knee, osteoarthritis, and other unbearable joint pain sufferers. The topical or cream is a topical lotion or cream infused with CBD oil that can bring immense relief to those suffering from some form of chronic pain. While many users think you need to ingest CBD in order to achieve the best effects, researchers have found receptors are found throughout the body, including locations within the skin. This is especially helpful for those who prefer not to ingest or smoke (vape) CBD oil. CBD creams and topical options offer an effective fast-acting pain relief not found from using an injection.
CBD for Dogs
Believe it or not, CBD is very popular for dogs. As more and more pet owners are discovering the benefits of using CBD for their chronically ill companions, the more popular CBD becomes. In most cases, CBD comes in three common forms for dogs - pills, oil, and dog treats. Each option can be used to treat a variety of ailments for canines. These can include but are not limited to: chronic pain, tumors, epilepsy, seizures, joint pain, arthritis, anxiety, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), cancer, glaucoma, heart health, nausea, bone health, infections, psoriasis, and diabetes.
CBD vs THC
Since CBD and THC are both endocannabinoids, come from the same plant, and have similar molecular structures (containing 30 hydrogen atoms, 2 oxygen atoms, and 21 carbon atoms), many people tend to view these chemical compounds as the same thing. However, this is far from the truth. While similar chemical structures allow both compounds to interact with the cannabinoid receptors found in the body, the slight variation of how the atoms are arranged accounts for how THC and CBD differ in their effects on the body.
The biggest difference between CBD and THC comes down to the psychoactive component. Unlike THC, CBD is considered a non-psychoactive chemical compound. This means it does not produce the euphoric feeling of being “high” or “stoned” that is often associated with the chemical compound THC.
Although CBD does not create the euphoric side effects THC provides, THC and CBD offer many of the same medicinal benefits. Both can provide relief from a number of conditions, some the same and some different. For example, CBD is often used to help treat IBS (inflammatory bowel disease), depression, anxiety, migraines, seizures, pain, mental disorders, inflammation, nausea, and more; while THC has the ability to treat conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, glaucoma, low appetite or nausea, muscle spasticity, pain, and more. In microdoses, such as in thc peanut butter chocolates, THC can heighten your senses and deepen your mind-body connection.
CBD Tips
If you are thinking about using CBD, you should always be aware there are a variety of products both in-store and online. Like most products, not everything is created equal and the quality of the products can vary. Therefore, once you have determined the best application method (ex. Edibles, oil tinctures, vaping), you can really begin your CBD journey. However, before rushing out to make your purchase, keep these helpful CBD tips in mind.
Choose Your CBD Wisely
If possible look for products from states that have legalized both medical and recreational use, as these states tend to have harsher restrictions on the standards for CBD products. Make sure to read up on the product you tend to purchase. Look at the reviews. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of purchasing online versus in-store. Determine the best form of CBD for the use you plan to use the CBD for (for instance tonics, pills, topical creams, edibles, etc.).
Start Small With Your CBD Dosage
Like any new medication or supplement, you should always start small and work your way up. Everybody is different, and what you experience with a specific dosage may not be the same as the next person. The specific effects and dosage can vary depending upon a number of factors, including your specific DNA. Therefore, you should always start small. Give the CBD time to kick in. After all, you do not want to overdo it; and if for any reason you feel dangerously off, make sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Talk to Your Doctor About CBD
Whenever you are introducing a new drug or supplement into your diet, you should always consult with your doctor. In order for your doctor to manage your overall care to the best of their abilities, they need to determine what the best course of treatment should be for your condition. This will also help reduce the risk of potential drug risks (especially if you are already taking multiple medications).
Remember CBD...
CBD offers benefits for a variety of conditions, but it does not necessarily take the place of your current regiment. Often times, it is used as a complementary option and not as a replacement. It all depends on the reason you are using CBD and what you are trying to accomplish with it.
Give It Time
When you first start CBD, you start small. Due to this, you may not feel any type of effect in the beginning. Remember, this is normal. Just because you do not get the desired effects instantly, does not mean you should give up on it. It can take time to determine the proper dosage, so try to be patient.
CBD Popularity and Legislation
In 2018, the president passed the 2018 Farm bill making Hemp (and therefore, CBD) legal. While the 2018 Farm Bill made CBD legal federally, you should still always double-check with your local state laws and regulations prior to purchasing any CBD products. Due to the fact, while there are states where recreational and medicinal laws are completely legal, there are still states where there are restrictions. This could be medicinal only, or even only specific products. For instance, while CBD products are legal in North Carolina, smoke-able products (such as smokable flower) will no longer be legal beginning in June 2020. (This is due to how hard it is to distinguish between CBD flower and marijuana flower.)
As stated above, there are many benefits to using CBD products. It has a wide variety of medicinal purposes without the side effects associated with many prescription drugs. Due to this many people like to use it. Plus with the growing popularity of CBD products, it is more readily available and is becoming more and more popular each day.
Where to Buy CBD
With the rise in both growth and popularity, CBD is easier than ever to find. Despite the rise in popularity, it can be a daunting task to find the right CBD products, especially for new users. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to find various products. This can include your local smoke shops, gas stations, head shops, and more. However, for even more convenience, you can purchase the exact CBD products you are looking for from the comfort of your home at online retail stores.
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