Guide to CBD

CBD has become the hype these days but, unfortunately, people know little about it other than it comes from the hemp plant and is supposed to be miraculous for health. We will use this little guide to help you know all you should know about CBD.

What is CBD and how is it different from marijuana?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the most prevalent ingredients of marijuana. Even though it is an active ingredient in marijuana, CBD by itself does not produce a “high.” It is still causing quite a buzz amongst health professionals, scientists and patients who use marijuana. It offers therapeutic benefits in various ways. Research done on CBD shows that it has strong anticonvulsant, anti-depressant, anti-psychotic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory properties.

What is Hemp?

Hemp is one of the oldest plants cultivated on earth for over 10,000 years. Not only has it been used as a source of food, but also has been used to make rope, fabric, paper and sail cloth.

Though Hemp and marijuana are from the same genus of Cannabis Sativa, it couldn’t be more opposite just like canola is different from grape-seed and a German Shepherd is different from a Chihuahua. The key difference between both of these is the THC content. THC is the compound responsible for the high that users experience. Hemp has 0.3% of THC levels, which is not enough to get users high.

The Endocannabinoid System

Endocannabinoid System or ECS, is a cell-signaling system in our bodies. There are several researches still being conducted, but it is believed to play a role in regulating sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction and fertility. Whether you use cannabis or not, the ECS is active in the body.

The ECS contains two main endocannabinoid receptors; CB1 receptors, which are found in central nervous system and CB2 receptors, which are found in the peripheral nervous system. Endocannabinoids bind to either of these receptors and the resulting effect depends on where the receptor is located.

CBD and Endocannabinoid System

Researchers aren’t exactly sure on how the interaction between CBD and ECS works, but they know that it doesn’t bind to CB1 OR CB2 the way THC does. It is believed that CBD works by preventing endocannabinoids from being broken down. This increases the effect they have on your body. Some researchers believe CBD binds to a receptor that isn’t known as of yet.

Regardless, research suggests that CBD helps immensely with pain, nausea, and multiple other conditions.

Benefits of Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are the naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. Hemp has a wide variety of cannabinoid compounds, with the highest potent substance being the CBD with minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBC, CBN and THC (less than 0.3%).

Cannabinoids are divided into two categories: Non-Psychoactive and Psychoactive

Non-Psychoactive

Studies show CBD, CBDA is known to relieve anxiety, convulsions, depression, inflammation and used as a nausea sedative, sleep aid and muscle relaxant.

Studies show CBG, CBGA is a painkiller, muscle relaxant, anti-erythemic analgesic, digestive aid, stomachic.

Studies show CBC, CBCA is an anti-inflammatory, painkiller, it treats acid reflux, is used as an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant.

Psychoactive

Studies show THC, THCA is used as a psychotropic, pain-killer, anti-inflammatory and an anti-microbial.

Studies show THCV, THCVA is anti-obesity, aids memory, used as a calming aid, antibacterial, anti-viral and strengthens the immune system.

Studies show CBN, CBNA is a mild psychotropic, it may stimulate bone growth, used as an anesthetic, anti-convulsive, analgesic, and anti-anxiety.

Cannabinoids Do Not Get You High

The fact is, most cannabinoids do not have that “high” effect that is usually associated with them. THC is the only cannabinoid that for sure has intoxicating effects.

Choosing the right product

In order to get the best effects from CBD, it is crucial to utilize the right delivery method depending on your needs. Each delivery method has a different absorption rate and length of effects.

Before taking on a new CBD product, consult a medical professional. Start with a small dose, and increase as needed until desired effects are obtained. It is important to take CBD consistently to activate and support a healthy endocannabinoid system.

They can be categorized as follows:

Tincture: Tinctures are an effective way to properly dose CBD by taking it sublingually. All you have to do is place it under the tongue, let it stay and absorb for 30 seconds and then swallow.

Topical: Topical CBD products like Massage Oils and Salves allow users localized effects to specific areas of the body. Bath Bombs and Salt Soak absorb CBD through the epidermis for a full body effect. They deliver CBD into the bloodstream for over 24 hours.

Inhalation: Vaping CBD is very fast acting and quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs, bypassing the liver and digestive tract for immediate effects. These are for those people who need immediate effects.

Oral/Edibles: Taking CBD orally has an extended effect, but can take up to an hour to begin absorbing into the bloodstream. These are great for those who want a long-lasting and quick effects. CBD infused tinctures, gummies can be taken to work or on a trip without any attention being drawn to you.

Dosage Guidelines:

You need to understand the importance of finding the proper dosage of the product you will be taking. Know that more is not always better in the case of CBD. If you cannot find a proper channel for information, proceed cautiously by taking one to three mg once or twice a day. Maintain this dosage for at least three weeks before increasing or decreasing it. CBD takes time to build up in the body, and you will need to be patient to find the right amount of dosage for yourself.

General Health: 2.5 – 15 mg

Anxiety and Insomnia: 15 – 30 mg

Chronic Ailments: 30 – 50 mg

Some things you must know:

• THC gets you high, not CBD

No matter what you hear or read, know that CBD will not make you high. THC is the “high” maker, while CBD has an entirely different effect on the body.

• CBD oil and Hemp oil are different things

Hemp oil is extracted from hemp seeds, and does not contain CBD (or any other cannabinoids). Hemp oil has its own set of benefits which are different from those of CBD.

CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant and is combined with a base oil (mostly). This contains cannabidiol.

• CBD is Safe

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pure CBD is safe for consumption.

• Remarkable health benefits

CBD is believed to help with numerous issues including anxiety, inflammation, headaches, epilepsy, arthritis, head trauma, stomach health, chronic and acute pain and more.

• Full Spectrum and CBD Isolate are different.CBD isolate is a crystalline powder that contains only CBD. CBD isolate is processed the most, which limits its effectiveness at many dosage levels.

Full spectrum is a plant oil that has additional compounds, other than CBD itself. These additional components include other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids. Research suggests that this is why full spectrum CBD is more effective than CBD on its own.

• Know what you are investing in

Since there are no standards for quality as of yet, it is important to do your research before buying a product. Some good practices are:

• Buy from providers that have independent third-party testing
• Ask if product is made with full-spectrum oil or CBD isolate.
• Ask about the method of extraction, if it is solvent based or not.
• CBD for Pets

There are plenty of stories online about how CBD is helping their dog with ailments like aging, joint pain, anxiety and arthritis but it is important to understand the precautions alongside the benefits before you give CBD to your pet.

• Don’t expect miracles. Research hints that CBD use can help with multiple problems including multiple sclerosis, pain, and anxiety but most of what doctors know about CBD is merely anecdotal. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it, but know that it’s wide potential benefits aren’t proved yet.

• Consult your doctor:

In order to manage your care perfectly, you must let your doctor know the drugs or supplements you are taking. It will help them determine the best treatment option for your condition, and keep you safe from other risks.

• Watch for harmful drugs:

According to research, CBD may increase risks of some drugs while undermining others. Also note that your CBD product might also contain other compounds like THC, which can alter your cognition and have long term effects on learning and memory loss. It’s preferable if you look for products that only contains CBD and no other compounds.

Any side effects?

CBD is very safe, but it can interact with other pharmaceuticals. At certain dosages, CBD can alter how we metabolize pain killers, blood thinners, statins, insulin and more. Though this interaction can be dangerous, CBD can also lower down side effects and can improve a patient’s quality of life. CBD products have great therapeutic potential and can reduce withdrawal and dependence as well. The problems are caused when very high doses of CBD isolate products are taken.