Thousands of people continue to seek out various wellness products but only one is the wellness product of the moment. That is cannabidiol (CBD), this is because CBD has its own unique set of properties that gives it therapeutic benefits.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, it is often also called hemp extract. It is a compound found in hemp plants and can be extracted in the form of an oil. CBD oil is naturally extracted from the flower, leaves or stalk of the hemp plant. It is commonly used for its therapeutic properties. CBD is responsible for a wide range of positive therapeutic benefits through its interaction with the body’s own endocannabinoid system.
Endocannabinoids are compounds that the body manufactures entirely on its own. They are responsible for homeostasis. They regulate just about every function of the body. CBD interacts with receptors that keep the body balanced and running normally. CBD does not have the same psychoactive effects that THC does. CBD is natural and safe, and has relatively few and low risk side effects.
CBD oil also provides your body with a number of essential oils, which are often missing from our diets. This can include important vitamins and minerals, proteins, flavonoids, terpenes and omega fatty acids.
CBD can affect each individual differently based on inherent factors like age, weight, metabolism, and medical conditions. Potency and purity of the CBD can also play a role on how it affects an individual. The frequency of consumption is another factor on how it affects an individual.
Types of CBD
There is quite a bit more to CBD products than just CBD. There are three main types of CBD oil: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Here are the differences between them.
- CBD Full Spectrum essentially contains all the naturally occurring compounds in hemp. This includes the cannabinoids present in the hemp plant along with terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and waxes. Full spectrum CBD oil is the most desired form of CBD among consumers. Full spectrum products do contain THC, the federal legal limit is 0.3 percent. This is considered to be trace amounts of THC which isn’t enough of it to get you high. This is the most complete type of all CBD oils. Having all the plant material from the hemp plant provides a more well-rounded effect. This is called the entourage effect because all of the material works together and allows the body to process CBD more efficiently.
- CBD Broad Spectrum is almost the same as full spectrum because it contains the naturally occurring compounds in hemp. This includes the cannabinoids present in the hemp plant along with terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and waxes. However, the only difference is that the THC has been removed.
- CBD Isolate is the pure CBD molecule. The cannabinoid is separated from the other compounds including cannabinoids and terpenes. CBD isolate takes the form of white crystals and is usually turned into powder. CBD isolates are versatile because they are flavorless and odorless which allows them to be infused into a wide range of products, including tinctures, edibles, capsules, vapes, and topical products.
How Does CBD Work?
We all have a system within our bodies responsible for regulating responses throughout our entire body. It’s called the endocannabinoid system “ECS”. The ECS has the important function of maintaining balance and homeostasis of almost everything going on in your body.
The ECS is a network of neurotransmitters and receptors. There are two main cannabinoid receptors, the CB1 and CB2. The two receptors are found in the central nervous system.
The ECS works by sending and accepting your own body’s naturally made endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids affect the way that your body reacts to certain situations.
CBD elevates and enhances the chemical production of endocannabinoids in your body, helping to raise or lower chemical levels to make your body reach peak wellness.
The main two endocannabinoids that CBD effects are anandamide and 2-AG. They help mediate the functions in your body by binding to cannabinoid receptors.
CBD doesn’t attach to either the CB1 or CB2 receptor but both endocannabinoids do. Anandamide mainly binds with the CB1 receptor which can affect your nervous system. 2-AG mainly binds to the CB2 receptor which can have an effect on your immune system.
CBD also has the ability to influence ion channels that control the release of chemicals like calcium, sodium, and potassium. CBD has been known to modulate the 5-HT serotonin receptor.
CBD has the ability of delaying the reabsorption of important neurotransmitters or brain chemicals. As a result, CBD gives these chemicals more time to stay in your body so their effects can last longer.
Is CBD safe?
Yes, CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile according to the World Health Organization. CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.
Side effects of CBD
Most users of CBD don’t experience any side effects. However, a few people may experience minor side effects. Side effects include: headache, dry mouth, low blood pressure, drowsiness or wakefulness, inhibition of hepatic drug metabolism, sleeping problems, increased liver enzymes, and changes in appetite.
Some users have reported having an upset stomach or diarrhea after using CBD oil. Digestive issues may be caused by intolerances to carrier oils.
Contraindication
There is one consideration that users of CBD oil should be aware of. There is the potential for interaction with medications. It can raise levels of certain medications in your blood by the exact same mechanism that grapefruit juice does.
CBD oil can reduce the activity of Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme. Our bodies use the specific enzyme to break down certain exogenous compounds. The reduced activity leads to increased potency of other hepatic (liver metabolism) drugs.
The potential risk in this situation occurs when CBD users are also using medications that rely on the same enzymes for absorption. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should avoid CBD or that CBD won’t work for you. Possible interactions like these are relatively common in modern medications.
Types of drugs that can be affected include:
- Steroids
- HMG CoA reductase inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
- Antihistamines
- Prokinetics
- HIV-antivirals
- Immune modulators
- Benzodiazepines
- Antiarrhythmics
- Antibiotics
- Anesthetics
- Antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- Anti-epileptics
- Beta blockers
- PPIs
- NSAIDs
- Angiotensin II blockers
- Oral hypoglycemic agents
- Sulfonylureas
How can I know that CBD will work?
The only way to know if CBD will work for you is to try it out and see for yourself. We do recommend reading the section on how much CBD you should take and following the steps to find your dosage.
How much CBD should I take?
When consumers are trying CBD for the first time, they are understandably confused about how much to use. While any CBD product you purchase will come with its own dose guidelines, experiences can vary. The ideal CBD dose for you usually depends primarily on your physiology, metabolism, weight, genetics, symptoms and your desired effects.
The first thing to know is that everyone is different. This makes it impossible to tell you how much CBD you should take. Your dose is going to be completely individual and your body’s ability to utilize cannabinoids.
When finding your dose start low and work your way up until you get the desired effects. If for example you are using tinctures, start with one drop. You should minimally take CBD twice a day. However, CBD usually lasts four-six hours.
It’s recommended to take CBD every four to six hours for the best effects. After taking one drop for two or three days assess if you had the desired results. If you did that is great but if you didn’t increase your dose by one drop when you take CBD. Repeat this process until you get the results that you are looking for.
If you are taking a full dropper or more consider increasing the milligram of your bottle. As this will be more cost effective for you. The higher the milligram count on the bottle the less drops of CBD oil will be needed.
Does CBD contain THC?
This depends on the type of CBD that you choose. Full spectrum CBD can legally have up to 0.3% THC, this is the federal legal limit. Broad spectrum CBD has the THC filtered out and shouldn’t contain any THC. Isolate products are pure CBD molecules that don’t contain any THC.
Potency/Strength
You are probably wondering which potency to choose from and that is a great question. It is recommended to start low and slow. Starting at a low potency doesn’t mean that you will get the desired results that you are looking for. It might take some trial and error to find the potency that works best for you.
Starting low and slow will allow you to find your optimum dose that works best for you. Taking the time to find your optimum dose will save you money in the long run. Using this method, allows you the ability to document the effects of taking small amounts of CBD and slowly increase the amount of CBD you consume until you get the desired effects.
This method is slow and can take someone weeks to a few months to find their most effective amount of CBD that works best for them. If you are unsure of what potency to start with, a good starting potency is 500mg per ounce and increase from there.
CBD Oil Options
CBD Oil – this is the most commonly used CBD. It’s a liquid extract suspended in a carrier oil for better absorption. There can be an earthy taste with natural CBD oil, there are flavored options available.
There are different carrier oils used with the most common being MTC or hemp oil. The type of carrier oil used depends on the company and will be listed on the label. If you develop stomach issues with this method it is mostly the carrier oil, NOT the CBD.
You take this sublingually, placing the desired dose under the tongue and holding the oil there for up to 60 seconds to enhance bioavailability. This method is fast acting because the CBD enters your bloodstream almost instantly.
CBD Capsules – they can be available in either powder form or liquid soft gels. Soft gels will be filled with a carrier oil. Capsules are a great alternative if you dislike the taste of CBD oil. They are an excellent option for at home or on the road.
They can be easily swallowed down with water and they have no taste or odor. They provide a fixed dose of CBD per serving. The down side to capsules is that they don’t allow for custom dosages because each capsule has the exact same amount of CBD.
Capsules must work their way through the digestive system before they can take effect. It can take a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour before you will feel the effects.
CBD Edibles – are often made into sweet and delicious foods or drinks by infusing high quality CBD with a variety of ingredients to make an edible form of CBD. This makes the CBD more enjoyable and portable. The most popular are gummies, honey sticks and chocolate.
Yes edibles are a delicious way to take CBD however it might not be the healthiest. This is because edibles might have artificial dyes or other unhealthy ingredients in them. Carefully read the list of ingredients before you purchase. There are 100% organic edible products on the market, this is a great option for the health conscious consumer.
CBD Vape Pens – are a go to choice for many because vaping provides the quickest way to feel the effects of CBD. Vaping also provides an enjoyable experience with many remarkable delicious juice flavors.
The CBD vape pens themselves are small, discreet, and very portable. Due to their small size, you can take them on any adventure without hassle.
The benefits to vaping is the combination of the wellness benefits of CBD with fast-acting absorption and it delivers more CBD to your system than any other form. There currently isn’t any studies that analyze the safety of long-term vaping for the lungs.
When vaping CBD, hemp oil extract comes into contact with a coil where an electric charge is sent through it. The electric charge quickly heats the hemp oil until it combust into a cloud of vapor. When you inhale the vapor tiny particles of CBD are carried into your lungs where it is absorbed immediately.
CBD Topicals – CBD topical products are salves, lotions, balms, serums or ointments that are applied to the skin. Topicals address localized problems in a direct manner.
Topicals are absorbed into the outer layer of your skin. This provides for faster effects when compared to sublingual oils. The American Academy of Dermatology has suggested using topicals for skin issues.
One of the main benefits to topicals is that they do not enter the bloodstream. This is important for anyone concerned about testing positive for THC.
As with any new skin product application, test a small area first to see if there is any skin reaction such as a rash.
Conclusion
CBD has become very popular, it would have never become so popular if it didn’t do something pretty impressive, right? Without a doubt, many people are benefiting from CBD and there are many ways for you to enjoy all of the benefits of hemp extract.
It’s important to take it on a consistent basis to help support regular balance. If you’re ready to see what this hemp compound can do for you click here to go to our products page.
