If you’re new to the CBD world, you probably have some questions about the significance of CBD content and concentration. You’ll surely have noticed the label on most CBD products telling you in mg how much CBD is contained inside. What that means exactly, will determine how effective the product is for you.
The content and concentration of CBD is significant because it will let you know what effects to expect from your CBD products. A higher CBD concentration will cause your CBD product to have more intense effects. Likewise, it will also lead to reduced effects if it is lower.
If you would like to learn what CBD really is, how it works, and the best dose for you, keep on reading. By the end of this article, you will have the knowledge you need to find that just the right concentration of CBD.
What is CBD, Really?
Before you take CBD, you should know exactly what it is. CBD–which stands for cannabidiol–is a natural chemical called a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are found in varying forms of cannabis plants. There are other cannabinoids as well as CBD and each of them has its own unique effects.
Some cannabinoids like 9-tetrahydrocannabinol–commonly known as THC–have psychoactive effects, however, CBD does not. No matter how much CBD you ingest you will not get high.
How Do CBD and Other Cannabinoids Work?
CBD works on what is called the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) that already exists in our bodies. The ECS helps to keep our bodies in a state known as homeostasis. This is when our bodies are balanced. It affects the balance of everything from our digestive system to our mood and our memory. The ECS produces what are called endocannabinoids to boost these various functions.
Similar to what happens when you get a runner’s high, CBD and other cannabinoids work on the ECS by blocking the breakdown of our endocannabinoids. This generally leads to a more balanced system and higher functioning in the areas related to the ECS.
How Much CBD is Enough?
The answer to this question is highly dependent on the person taking the CBD. In a 2017 clinical study, researchers looked at people who took anywhere from 20 to 1,500 mg of CBD a day and concluded that it was generally safe. This does not mean that no one has negative side effects, so you should still consult a doctor if you’re planning to take CBD.
Usually, the best way to find the right dose of CBD is to start small and work your way to an effective dose for yourself. The benefits of using the smallest amount possible don’t end at you saving some money, but they also leave you room to increase the dose if you ever need to.
For the best results, you should take breaks when using CBD long term. This will help to keep your tolerance down and make the CBD most effective. Like anything else, when you take CBD regularly your body becomes accustomed to it and begins to develop a tolerance. You can reduce this tolerance by taking breaks.
What are the Side Effects of CBD?
Though many people find great benefit by using CBD products, there are still some potential side effects you will want to be aware of. Still, if you have any of the following side effects, just know that there has never been a reported death caused directly by CBD.
- Excessive eating/increased appetite: Known most commonly as “the munchies,” cannabis products have often been known to make users overly hungry. This probably isn’t a problem if you only use CBD products occasionally or in small doses. However, if you use them with a higher frequency and dose you might want to keep healthy snacks around to appease your hunger.
- Digestive problems: Sometimes this is simply related to the previous side effect, while other times it occurs of its own accord. It is possible to have some digestive issues such as diarrhea after taking CBD. Digestive issues may just be caused by the MCT carrier oil used. Switching to a different product with a different carrier oil may relieve this issue. If digestive problems continue you should talk to your doctor.
- Fatigue: If you are using CBD during the day you’ll want to make sure you either take a dose that will not make you sleepy or drink a caffeinated beverage with it. Never drive if you are too tired.
- Wakefulness: You might be wondering how CBD could cause wakefulness if one of its chief effects is making the user fatigued. Well, it is because everyone’s body is different. For some people, CBD is sedating, while for others it is stimulating.
What are Some CBD Products?
There are a whole host of different CBD products that you will want to familiarize yourself with. CBD can be administered through everything from topical creams to edibles and vapes. If you would like to know the most popular options, the following list is for you!
- Hemp flower: If you would like to smoke but just want the positive effects of CBD or you live in a state where marijuana is still illegal, you should check out hemp flowers. Hemp flower is just like marijuana, except it has under the legal limit of THC and is mainly used for its CBD.
- CBD Vapes: If you’re trying to quit smoking, perhaps a CBD vape would be right for you. This is similar to smoking hemp flower, however, the vapes tend to have a higher concentration and come in a liquid form.
- CBD Tinctures and Oils: CBD often comes in the form of oil. The oil can be used topically or it can be ingested. Most users will ingested the product over using topically. Using a tincture a user can put a few drops under their tongue for quick absorption. Tinctures are extremely effective and are the most popular way of taking CBD oil.
- CBD Soap/Shampoos: CBD can come in the form of soaps, shampoos, and even conditioner. Due to the antioxidant properties of CBD, it is good at moisturizing hair and skin. Sometimes these products are marketed as “hemp soaps” and “hemp shampoos.” If you see those words it likely contains CBD. But be on the lookout for products that just say hemp seed oil, as these products may not contain any CBD.
- Topicals: This is another popular option amongst CBD users. There are creams, lotions, salves, balms, bath bombs, patches, massage oils, face cleansers and face toners.
- CBD Edibles: Edibles take longer to feel the effects of CBD but they tend to also have a longer period of action. Edibles are especially good for long term therapeutic problems, because of how long they are active. Though the edibles are effective, keep in mind that they can sometimes be one of priciest forms of CBD.
- Capsules: If you don’t like the taste of hemp, capsules are the perfect option. They are easy to take and provide a consistent dose.
So, What is the significance of CBD Content and Concentration, Really?
Knowing the right content and concentration of CBD is vital in attaining positive results from its use. Most–if not all–CBD products will have the concentration of CBD printed on the side of their packaging. Make sure you pay close attention to it so you can make the right decision for yourself.
Everyone’s body is different, so everyone will require a different amount of CBD for it to be most effective. Gauging how much CBD is right for you can take time, however it may be well worth it in the end. Now that you know the basics, it’s time to get out there and find the right concentration of CBD for you… After of course consulting a doctor.
