Unless you live in your world, you have already heard about CBD (Cannabidiol). These days, CBD is in everything and everywhere. While the molecule has been present in cannabis, it has become the cultural spotlight of late. It is claimed to have so many health benefits, including better sleep, relieving anxiety, and calming inflammation. Even though some claims have gotten out of hand, like CBD is a cure for cancer, there has been too much buzz around this substance.
In this regard, more hemp plants growing that has fueled the industry surrounding the hemp-derived compound. All the same, there are several things to know before you buy and try CBD.
You might be wondering why everyone is obsessed with CBD, which helps the substance ‘sound’ just cool. Its adaptability supports the appeal of CBD to different products, including vape pens, sugar-sweetened lattes, vegan cupcakes, and many more.
Other than the food trends, CBD has also found its way into non-edible wellness products, including soaps, spa treatments, and essential oils. For CBD, most people are not aware of the relationship between CBD and marijuana. They, therefore, tend to believe that it is a legal substance everywhere and that it is safer. However, this might not be the case. To be precise, there is so much that people do not know about the substance. Before you can opt to incorporate CBD into your wellness routine, there are some things to know before trying CBD. Continue with the post below to get answers to this and other topics surrounding CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol. It is one of the 113 chemical compounds (cannabinoids) that have been discovered to be present in cannabis plants. Products like CBD supplements as well as oils have concentrated versions of CBD. Research has it that CBD might have some effects on your body. All the same, most claims about this compound are yet to have scientific backing by just enough research bodies.
There are two varieties of cannabis Sativa plants where CBD can be found, and these are hemp and marijuana. Cannabinoids are responsible for signaling the pathways between the cells. This simply means that they influence how cells communicate with each other. In doing so, cannabinoids can potentially impact different systems in the body. All the same, unlike its relative THC (only present in marijuana), CBD does not cause psychoactive effects meaning that you will never get stoned.
Here Is Detail Information About CBD
Where Does CBD Come From?
You can find CBD in all cannabis varieties, but the THC amount will always vary based on how every plant has been cultivated and bred. Generally, hemp is high in CBD and very low in THC since it does not exceed 0.3% THC. For a very long time now, hemp has been used for different purposes that have brought it the name of ‘industrial hemp.’ From making building materials to cleaning the soil of toxins and heavy metals.
Most people believe that quality CBD will only be sourced from ‘marijuana’ containing higher THC amounts. This proves to be very confusing for people looking for quality CBD products. However, the truth of the matter is that CBD remains the same in every cannabis plant.
The industrial background of hemp has caused so much confusion about its quality. All the same, hemp’s CBD quality is dependent on its cultivation quality as opposed to the natural characteristics of the individual hemp species. Both hemp and marijuana are from the same family- cannabis Sativa. The only difference lies in their THC content. Hemp refers to cannabis plants that do not have more than 0.3% THC.
You can find CBS in both females and male cannabis plants in the leaves, stems, and stalks. Hemp grows with fibrous and tough stalks and is always taller compared to marijuana with minimal flowering buds. All the same, CBD content is highly concentrated in female flowers.
Things to Know Before You Buy and Try CBD
Most people are turning to CBD owing to its remarkable benefits therapeutically. CBD will often be offered a natural aid for sleep problems, anxiety, and chronic pains. All the same, before you can dive into some CBD, here is what to know before taking CBD:
CBD Affects Your Body and Brain
Other cannabinoid types are produced in the body naturally already. The compounds (cannabinoids) normally interact with two specific receptors, namely CB1 and CB2 receptors. You will find CB1 receptors largely concentrated in your central nervous system. CB2 receptors are less prevalent in your brain but more common in the tissues of the digestive and immune systems. CBD seems to influence these receptors to attach to the natural body cannabinoids. These are different compounds from CBD, and, in itself, CBD doesn’t appear to attach to either of the receptors. This way, they affect different body functions, including mood, appetite, pain, and others. The exact mechanism of how this is possible is still unclear since research is in its early stages.
CBD Can’t Get You High
This is another aspect that gets on the list of things to know before buying CBD. You need to understand that CBD is a very different compound from THC. If you haven’t heard about THC before, it is another compound found in cannabis plants and has different effects. You will find out that THC is the key and the most active ingredient in marijuana and possesses the intoxicating properties of that drug. In simple terms, THC is responsible for getting you high.
On the other hand, CBD does not have those properties and will never get you high. All the same, if a CBD-infused product also has THC in it, the product can eventually be psychoactive. Legally, any CBD product with THC must not have more than 0.3% of the psychoactive compound. That low amount is believed not to cause a high.
CBD Products Could Cause You to Fail a Drug Test
Yes, CBD products can cause you to fail the drug tests. The reason behind that is not that CBD will show up on the drug screening test. These drug tests will only screen for THC as opposed to CBD. You are likely to fail a drug test because of the THC content in the CBD-infused products.
Whenever a CBD product contains more than the recommended level of THC, you are risking failing a drug test. You must be wary of unreliable CBD manufacturing brands making false claims. When some CBD products are tested, they are seen to contain more THC and less CBD content than what is indicated on the label. To avoid that, always buy CBD from reputable brands.
3 Main Types of CBD
You have probably heard about terms like full-spectrum, isolate, and broad-spectrum. Given that the industry is new, these distinctions are an evolving concept. However, from a general point of view, these are the three main types of CBD that you will see in the market. This makes a huge difference in what product to choose.
- Isolate- This is a CBD type that only contains CBD without any other compound from cannabis plants. It is believed to have CBD in its purest form.
- Full-Spectrum- This normally contains small amounts of other cannabis compounds, including flavonoids, terpenes, and trace amounts of THC. This will be in addition to CBD itself.
- Broad-Spectrum- This type has a close relation to full-spectrum CBD. It has CBD and other cannabis compounds like full-spectrum CBD, only that it does not have any THC.
Experts recommend full and broad-spectrum CBD as opposed to CBD isolate. The reason for that is that CBD is believed to work well when combined with other cannabis compounds, especially THC. The THC content should, however, never exceed 0.3%.
Different Methods of Taking CBD
There are different methods of taking CBD that users can choose from. There are so many products that are being developed day in day out. However, the popular methods of using CBD include tinctures, vaping, topical application, and CBD-infused food and beverages.
- Tinctures– This is a concentrated plant extract mixed with some liquid solvent allowing it to be administered in some precise dose via a dropper. Using your dropper, you will be able to put your CBD oil under the tongue. All the same, other people prefer adding CBD oil to their food items. Its popularity is attributed to its ability to control the dosage.
- Vaping– This is done using a vape pen or any other device. The inhaled and smoked solutions are made after the CBD extract is mixed with a type of solute. Given that CBD cannot dissolve in water, you will get water-based solutions for the vapes.
- CBD-infused products– Most small stores and cafes sell treats and drinks that have been infused with CBD. They are claimed to have health benefits, including reduced inflammation and anxiety. You will even find gummies that have been infused with CBD.
- Topical applications– Skincare products, spa treatments, and lotions that administer CBD by simple application on the skin. There is some evidence that this could help with pain management for issues like arthritis and others.
CBD to Treat Anxiety
Among the popular claims concerning CBD is that it helps in taming anxiety. The good thing is that some research shows that CBD could actually help mitigate the symptoms. We, however, need to note that more research is still needed before anyone can advise us to take it for the same purpose. Most experts will advise you not to take mental health treatment into your hands.
CBD For Pain Management
Some skin care products, including lotions and spa treatments, administer CBD, as we have previously stated. In this regard, CBD is believed to help with pain management for different conditions, including arthritis. Other people will opt to use CBD to treat conditions like muscle pains, headaches, and skin conditions like psoriasis.
CBD Oil is The Most Popular
There are so many methods of administering CBD, as we have already discussed. However, the most popular method is CBD oil or tinctures. This is the case for one simple reason: the user is in control of the dosage since you can measure that with your dropper. Additionally, it does not have side effects like vaping, which is not recommended for people with lung issues. With these aspects in mind, CBD oil remains the most popular.
Make Sure Your CBD is 3rd Party Tested
The list of things to know before you buy or try CBD will be the 3rd party lab tests. In this case, a COA (Certificate of Analysis) will be proof that a company has tested its products from an independent third-party lab to prove their safety and authenticity. From the COA, you will tell whether a product has pesticides, residual solvents, and heavy metals. Additionally, you will tell whether the CBD content in the product aligns with what is on the label. Given that the FDA is not regulating CBD, third-party lab tests will be very important.
CBD Might Interact With Medication
As is the case with certain foods, CBD might interact with some medication types. According to experts, it impacts the liver and your body’s ability to process and detoxify from chemicals, among them pharmaceutical drugs. This is a major concern for people taking medications like blood thinners and anti-seizure medications. According to the National Institute of Health, CBD can significantly impact how the body will process most common medications. This will include drugs such as hormonal therapies, anti-depressants, and migraine medication. Before using any CBD product, make sure to consult your doctor.
CBD Products are Legal to Sell
CBD is legal in some states of the US. Some companies normally sell CBD simply as a dietary supplement and even add a nutrition label on the package. You, however, need to note that the FDA is yet to approve CBD for the same purpose. In this regard, it is illegal to advertise CBD products as supplements. The FDA says that it will continue to bar CBD as an active ingredient in dietary supplements.
Conclusion
CBD oil derived from hemp has been legalized in so many parts of the world. The main issue with CBD oil products is the increased dishonesty of companies that sell these products. They will claim that CBD oil serves as a ‘cure’ for serious illnesses but lack scientific research backing. Apart from that, the THC and CBD concentrations that have been quoted on the products’ labels are incorrect in some instances. You should know that CBD oil’s purity can be down-graded by mixing synthetic cannabinoids or when you use too much pesticide amid cultivation.
It is important to consult the doctor, pharmacists, or other experts before buying and trying any CBD product. This way, it will be easy to understand the companies that are worth your trust. Pregnant women and breastfeeding moms are advised to keep CBD oil products at bay. For epilepsy patients, the effects of CBD supplements are mild. Currently, the CBD industry is under rapid growth. With future research, CBD oil products are likely to be verified, after which they will be ready for use by even more people.
