Cannabidiol has grown in popularity rapidly since it was made legal by Congress in 2018. After passing the farm bill, any hemp-derived compound became legal to buy and sell. However, many consumers still are not sure whether it would be a good choice.
Here are a few things to consider if you have thought about trying it yourself.
What is CBD?
First, understanding the chemical makeup of CBD is important. It belongs to the cannabinoid class of compounds, similar to its cousin, THC. Nevertheless, CBD does not possess the same mind-altering effects despite structural similarities.
Instead, it mainly activates the body’s CB2 receptors, eliciting a sedative effect. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which is in every person. By activating them, users report feelings of sedation and anxiety relief.
How to Take CBD?
If you want to sample CBD, the overwhelming variety of choices may intimidate you. Today, shops sell edibles, gummies, tinctures, and vapes with CBD in them. Nonetheless, each of these has the same basic ingredient inside, although doses vary.
Before consuming anything, pay attention to the label and check the dosage. Extra-large doses may be less effective than smaller ones for certain people. In addition, consider which type of medium the CBD is in, or the effects may linger too long.
Generally speaking, oils and tinctures take effect more rapidly. The oral mucosa facilitates rapid absorption, thanks to its tiny capillaries. Moreover, orally consumed CBD tends to outlast other methods of consumption.
Using a CBD-infused cream or lotion may also be effective. For example, if a person suffers from eczema or psoriasis, a lotion-based form of CBD may be the right choice. Further, using a lotion to soothe muscle pain could be beneficial.
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved a high-potency CBD capsule. It has been investigated for its potential to treat epilepsy and seizure disorders. Yet, encapsulated CBD can take quite a while to take effect.
Finally, many people have seen stores with CBD vapes already. Although vaporizing it produces effects faster, they dissipate quicker. Sometimes, effects may diminish quicker than one might have hoped.
What Dose Should You Use?
As with most compounds, it would be best if you began with smaller doses. Even though most users tolerate CBD, it may create side effects in some people.
Start by using the smallest dose possible, waiting to see the effects, and then evaluate. If you have switched to another form recently, start back at a low dose again. Otherwise, the effects may be too powerful to enjoy after consumption fully.
Typically, gummies are available in 5 mg increments, making dose selection simple. Take one of them for your first time, and wait until the effects have reached their peak.
What Are the Effects?
So far, some research has been done, but much is still needed. Most users report that CBD alleviates stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Yet, the actual evidence does not support all these claims. Despite some effectiveness in anxiety treatment, CBD may not relieve depression.
However, it does seem to possess unique effects on the body physically. For example, scientists have seen it reduce pain associated with arthritis. After dosing arthritic rats, they were found to experience less pain overall. Similarly, a recent study found anti-inflammatory effects on human test subjects.
Does Strain Selection Matter?
Anyone who has heard about CBD is likely familiar with cannabis. Even so, the Indica vs Sativa debate still rages, showing no signs of dissipating.
There is a real difference between strains, and most of it is the result of terpenes profiles. Terpenes are chemicals found in cannabis, and they create their scent and aroma. Also, they elicit specific physiological effects, especially when consumed alongside CBD and THC.
The most common Indica terpenes include camphene, myrcene, and linalool. Sativa terpenes include caryophyllene, limonene, and alpha-pinene.
Indica’s terpene profile is usually the more sedating of the two. So, it may be helpful for those suffering from inflammation or similar issues.
A Beginner’s Guide to CBD
Whether you use a gummy, tincture, or vape, CBD can be a powerful compound. Using it can relieve anxiety and inflammation and lower the risk of seizures. However, it is always important to research compounds before trying them, so make sure you do it.
Sources
1. https://www.healthline.com/health/your-cbd-guide#uses
2.https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
