CBD 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Cannabidiol From Definition to Buying Tips
You have probably heard the name around CBD. If you are fortunate, then it may be legal in the area you live, too. But what exactly is it? What is the difference between CBD and Marijuana? Is it worth the hype? And what in the world is THC? All of these questions are reasonable and valid for the uninitiated.
What Is CBD?
CBD or Cannabidiol is one of the hundreds of chemical compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa Indica plant (better known as Marijuana or Cannabis). It is known for its medicinal properties and is used as a remedy for some chronic as well as acute ailments and illnesses. However, CBD does not contain psychoactive properties, unlike other chemical compounds found in Marijuana (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabnioid or THC). This means that the substance is non-addictive, and a user does not get that feeling of being "high" associated with Marijuana.
CBD has been used as a medicinal remedy since 2800 BC, but it has not always been legal. Until recently, at least. Today, almost 50 of the world’s countries have legalized the compound for medicinal use. With its numerous benefits for the mind and body, its effectiveness backed by science, and it does not contain addictive or psychoactive properties, the world's governments and people are slowly accepting CBD as a viable medicinal treatment method.
CBD vs THC
A common misconception is that CBD and THC are more or less the same things. This is because they are chemical compounds found in Cannabis, have definitive effects on the human body/mind, and have similar molecular structures. In reality, the two compounds differ severely from each other. Sure, they may both interact with the cannabinoid receptors, but the variation in how their atoms are arranged consequences the different effects they cause.
Of course, the most obvious difference between the two compounds is the lack of the psychoactive element in CBD, as you do not get “high” when consuming it. There are some differences in the other effects of the two compounds. For example, THC is better at treating low appetite, nausea, insomnia, and muscle spasticity, while CBD is better at treating depression, anxiety, IBS, migraines, and inflammation.
CBD Benefits
The benefits CBD offers are spread far and wide. In fact, scientists are continually discovering more and more uses for the compound. That, coupled with the fact that it does not contain vicious side effects as found in some pharmaceutical drugs, psychoactive or addictive properties, makes it an even more attractive product.
CBD's benefits can be divided into benefits for the body and benefits for the mind. For the former, the list includes the following: chronic pain relief, inflammation reduction, cancer therapy relief (i.e., reducing nausea or increasing one's appetite), skin relief disorders (e.g., acne), lowers chances of diabetes, promoting cardiovascular health, and more.
For the mind, the benefits include:
- Treatment for anxiety and depression.
- Relief from insomnia.
- Treatment for OCD.
- Treatment for PTSD.
- Treatment for other neurological disorders like Schizophrenia.
Fortunately, these benefits seem to be ever-increasing as scientists understand more about CBD.
CBD for Pain
Chronic pain in individuals develops from neuropathic pain, arthritis, cancer pain, inflammation, and/or many other conditions. Typically, individuals with chronic pain are prescribed opioids to manage their pain. While they relieve pain, they come with a slew of undesirable side effects and can be habit-forming medications. Fortunately, CBD has the same pros, with minimal or no cons. Also, it has both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, which manages pain by addressing multiple base factors. The pain relief effects mentioned above are similarly effective for those who suffer from acute forms of pain.
CBD for Anxiety
Anxiety and associated disorders can be a major detriment in people's daily lives. Unfortunately, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), around one in every 13 people worldwide suffer from some form of anxiety. Understandably, many individuals take prescription medication to manage their anxiety, yet unfortunately, said medications are addictive or do not work for most people.
Recently, CBD has begun to stand as an effective complementary or alternate form of treatment or management because of the compound’s property as a relaxant. Edibles, vaping oils, and creams are common forms of CBD that people consume for anxiety.
How Does CBD Work?
Once broken down in the body, CBD is picked up by the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These are part of the Endocannabinoid system, which regulates the homeostasis of a large proportion of aspects of the body. CB2 receptors control inflammation, while CB1 receptors act on controlling/regulating memory, pain perception, vomiting, sleeping, appetite, mood, and more.
However, CBD does not directly bind itself to CB1 receptors (unlike THC), which bring about its therapeutic effects and not the psychoactive effects. The chemical compound also delays the reabsorption of neurotransmitters which keep chemicals in your body for longer periods which in turn assists in controlling seizures and related symptoms.
Ways to Consume CBD
There are increasing ways to consume CBD with the rapid development of the CBD market. Various methods are very popular forms of consumption, as they are readily available and easy to use. Here are four ways how people use CBD.
CBD Oil
First and foremost, it is important to identify what you intend to use your CBD product for. This will help you choose what category of products will best suit you. You can then choose between preferences of the way you want to consume CBD, whether through a vape pen, oil, edible, or topical. For example, if you want to try beneficial tinctures like CBD oil for anxiety, you can easily find by searching online.
CBD Gummies and Edibles
If you think of CBD products, the first thing that comes to mind is vape pens. For those who are not big fans of smoking, edibles are very popular. In fact, CBD brownies are one of the most well-known methods of consuming the chemical compound. Though, edibles are not merely limited to fudgy, chocolate brownies. In fact, edibles can be in the form of drinks, pills, lozenges, chocolates, or pretty much any baked good that has CBD as one of its ingredients.
Fortunately, mainstream cafes and restaurants are beginning to introduce CBD edibles on their menu as the compound grows ever more popular and further legalizes across the world's countries.
CBD Topicals
CBD topicals may be a new term for those who are not familiar with the world of CBD. Topicals are forms of lotions and creams made for external use/application on your body. CBD topicals are typically used for treating or managing many forms of chronic pain, particularly joint pains, osteoarthritis, shoulder pains, and runner's knee.
A common myth regarding topicals is that it is assumed that CBD is most effective when ingested (in the form of smoking or food items). Researchers have found out that CB receptors are present all over the body, even within the surface of the skin. Thus, CBD topicals are one of the fastest means of pain relief apart from injections.
CBD for Dogs
Many people may be surprised by this, but it is fairly common for dogs to use CBD. Especially now that their owners are more aware of CBT's benefits, researchers have determined that it is beneficial for dogs with certain ailments. A few examples are as follows: IBS, cancer, arthritis, tumors, seizures, and chronic pain. You can find these products in the form of dog treats, pills, and oils.
CBD Tips
With the growing popularity of CBD, the compound is becoming ever more readily available every day. While that does make it more convenient to purchase, this also comes with its fair share of things to be wary of. When there is such a wide variety of CBD products and vendors that sell them, there are bound to be differences amongst said products. That difference may have to do with the quality, purity, or even something as simple as intended use. While apparently minor, these differences can greatly affect your CBD experience.
Choose Your CBD Wisely
First and foremost, it is important to identify what you are intending to use your CBD product for. This will help you choose what category of products will best suit you. You can then choose between preferences of the way you want to consume CBD, whether through a vape pen, oil, edible, or topical. For, example, if you want to consume CBD via a vape pen, then you can select CBD vape oil.
After this, you get into the nitty-gritty of what you should and should not to do when purchasing CBD products. That is, choosing between the plethora of manufacturers/brands that sell them. You may not know where to begin, but there is a fairly simple way of narrowing down your search almost immediately. Try to purchase your products from states that have legalized CBD for both medicinal and recreational uses. This is because such states enforce stricter policies on CBD standards and related products sold, which means you are already bound to get the cream of the crop.
Other than this, you should, of course, read up on the product, read through reviews, and determine the pros and cons told directly by consumers.
Start Small with Your CBD Dosage
As you would do when changing up any aspect of your lifestyle, it is greatly suggested to start small and slow with your CBD intake. Every person is suited to different doses of CBD; what may be negligible for one person can prove to be way too much for another. To find out which dosage is right for you, it is best to test how you react to different doses, starting from small doses, then working your way up.
Talk to Your Doctor About CBD
Before you start your CBD journey, it is best to consult your doctor and let them know what you are planning on doing. This will help your doctor recommend a course of action where you should begin and how you can progress. It will also help save you from potential drug risks if you are already taking other medication(s).
Remember That CBD Can Not Replace Medicine
CBD offers many physical and mental benefits, but it is not to be used as a cure-all for any ailment. Nor is it (in some cases) a complete replacement to your current treatment plan for your condition(s). It all depends on why you are beginning your CBD journey and what you intend to achieve from it.
Give it time
Take your time. You may not experience the desired effects from CBD when you first use it. Your body needs to get used to new substances introduced to it. Going in guns blazing is not the best way to do that, just as you would not give a five-year-old a shot of espresso when introducing them to coffee.
It takes time to determine the dosage best suited for you, how long each dose lasts, and how often you need to take a dose. Please try to be patient.
CBD Popularity and Legislation
The 2018 Farm Bill (also known as the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018) was passed by the president, legalizing hemp-derived CBD (with a maximum of 0.3% of THC) federally in the United States. However, you will still need to check what your local state laws state about it before purchasing any products. Some states have minimal restrictions on its usage as it is legal for recreational and medicinal use. It is important to note that medicinal use is legal with specific products only, in other states.
For example, it is legal to use CBD products only if you have certain conditions in Alabama. It is, otherwise, illegal to possess CBD or associated products.
Where to Buy CBD
Although CBD is becoming the norm in mainstream society, it can be tricky to understand where you can get some. Thankfully, all you have to do is pay attention. CBD products derived from hemp are now available in a large proportion of gas stations, smoke shops, and dedication stores. You can even get them shipped directly to your home from the online CBD stores like vape4ever.
