A Beginner’s Guide to CBD

Lars
September 17, 2020

CBD is all the rage right now, with the industry making giant strides over the last few years and the public’s perception gradually moving towards widespread acceptance. It’s hard to walk around these days without hearing CBD mentioned by a neighbor, or news report, or an online ad. The health benefits offered by this supposed elixir are far too many to be ignored.    

Government regulations have been increasingly favorable, and new researches substantiate the many claims purported by CBD enthusiasts. Indeed, things have never looked better for CBD.

But there still exists general unawareness about all things CBD and its various facets. Someone who’s only overhead CBD in conversations often finds it difficult to digest the facts after a Google search. With that in mind, we’ve crafted up a beginner’s guide to CBD. So take a look for yourself. 

What is CBD?


Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many phytochemical compounds found in the hemp plant, usually the Cannabis Sativa strain. Unlike its counterpart THC, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects found in marijuana, CBD is not intoxicating and does not get you high. 

However, it offers you the same therapeutic benefits, and can even counteract the adverse effects of THC. 

Most companies offer three types of CBD variants. Full-spectrum CBD has a whole range of cannabinoids, including THC, flavonoids, and terpenes. This allows one to experience the entourage effect. 

Broad-spectrum also gives you an entourage effect but has virtually no THC. Isolates, on the other hand, are the purest form with 99% CBD.            

How does it work?


The human body consists of the Endocannabinoid System, which is responsible for a number of functions like promoting immunity, homeostasis, regulating mood, cardiovascular health, etc. 

The body produces its own set of endocannabinoids; however, regular intake of phytocannabinoids can be highly beneficial in strengthening the ECS. 

CBD interacts with the CB2 receptors in the body and binds with the individual cells to supercharge their functions. Other cannabinoids activate CB receptors too and bring about a change in their own way. 

Benefits


While cannabis has been used medicinally for thousands of years, research into the health effects of CBD began in the early 60s. However, widespread awareness was achieved in the early 2010s thanks to the inspiring case of Late Charlotte Figi, who had a dramatic recovery from daily seizures with regular consumption of CBD products. This led to the FDA approving many CBD based drugs as well as media coverage turning positive. 

There have been numerous scientific studies conducted on the effectiveness of CBD. It is proven to have wide-ranging benefits for one’s health. Some of them include

  • Alleviate pain and calm down a debilitating feeling of chronic pain, muscular dystrophy, etc. 
  • Reduce anxiety and bring in a sense of calm & relaxation
  • Minimize seizures and epilepsy
  • Hinder the growth of tumor cells
  • Anti-inflammatory properties, with improvements in degenerative, autoimmune, and digestive disorders
  • Control emotional states and mood swings
  • Improve sleep
  • May help improve Erectile Dysfunction issues with CBD Gummies for ED
  • Promote better skin health, and improve skin disorders like eczema, acne, and dermatitis

You can take a look at the scientific studies backing up these claims in this article

Finding the right CBD product


CBD is available in several product segments, from oil tinctures, capsules, topicals to chewing gums, protein powder, water, and patches. How you choose to consume the CBD is dependent on your taste and accessibility. 

As long as you choose a reputable company to buy from, you would end up with a high-quality product. Things you should look for in a CBD brand include 

  • Sourcing and Manufacturing
  • Production process and how CBD is extracted
  • Third-party testing
  • Transparency and purchasing experience
  • Reviews and customer support

Is CBD legal?


According to the 2014 US farm bill, hemp can be cultivated, and commercial CBD products are made from it as long as they have less than 0.3% THC. Not only is CBD wholly legal, but it can also be carried through airports, as per a recent clarification by the TSA. 

With certain US states and countries like Canada, Thailand, Netherlands legalizing recreational use of marijuana –  purchasing and using CBD products with higher THC content might not be an issue depending on your location.

However, most reputable CBD companies only sell products within the permissible limits of THC.                                                                          

CBD for Pets


A great thing about CBD is that it interacts with the ECS of animals in the same way as it does with humans.  So your furry friends can benefit from its various properties too. 

Specially developed CBD treats, oils, and other pet centered products can help your pets in several ways. From calming them down during stressful times to improving arthritis and other health ailments, CBD can significantly improve their quality of life. 

CBD and Nanotechnology


CBD nano is a relatively new concept that has garnered a lot of hype for its ability to improve the bioavailability of CBD. By shrinking CBD molecules, companies can change the properties of the compound from strictly lipophilic to something amenable to both fat lipids and water. 

This improves how your body processes the CBD, reduce the dosage required and the wastage. There is still a lot of research needed to confidently say this method is superior. However, this has been one of the most promising innovations in the industry so far.

Conclusion


CBD might seem like a new phenomenon, but its roots date back to millenniums. Its health benefits have been widely documented, and it has comparatively no side effects in contrast to prescription pharmaceuticals. 

There is a wide range of product types for you to choose from, and as the industry matures with significant investment in R&D, consumers can only look forward to better prices and better products. If you were on the fence about CBD, our advice is to give it a shot. You have nothing to lose and a better quality of life to gain.

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