Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has taken the world by storm over the past year or two. But with millions of people still on the outside looking in, it’s important to have open and transparent conversations about how to get started. In doing so, fewer people will be intimidated, and we’ll enjoy greater adoption in the marketplace.
What is CBD?
CBD is a very misunderstood element in the health and wellness space. It often gets confused with marijuana, THC, and illegal drugs. However, it’s none of these things.
“While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or manufactured in a laboratory,” Harvard Health explains. “One of hundreds of components in marijuana, CBD does not cause a ‘high’ by itself.”
According to a combination of medical studies, research, and self-reported findings, doctors and scientists believe CBD may help improve a variety of issues and conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain (including inflammation and arthritis), and even addiction.
Tips for Using CBD
When it comes to CBD, there’s no singular way to use it. There are a variety of approaches and methodologies. Here are some tips that may be helpful for you:
1. Consult With Your Doctor
While CBD is natural and safe – and does not require a prescription, except for a select couple of epilepsy drugs that have it included as an ingredient – it’s still helpful to consult with your doctor before use.
Research does suggest that CBD can undermine the effectiveness of certain drugs. It can also increase the risks of others (particularly when taken at higher doses). Your doctor can help you determine whether there will be any complications between the CBD and any medication you’re currently taking.
2. Choose Your Method
There are numerous ways to take CBD. You can choose the method that’s best for you based on personal preferences and/or how quickly you want to enjoy the effects. Some of the most common options include:
- Edibles. These are products that you eat or ingest. This may include gummies, snacks, or even candies. They typically come in a variety of flavors and combinations.
- Sublinguals. Most edibles contain high amounts of sugar and preservatives. If you’d rather not ingest these additives, you can opt for a sublingual product (which is usually much purer). These are tinctures, which include sprays, oils, and even lozenges.
- Topicals. These products come in lotions, balms, salves, creams, and patches. They’re designed to be applied directly to the skin to treat localized pain.
- Suppositories. For fast application and/or localized treatment of sensitive areas, CBD suppositories can be applied vaginally or rectally. There are even options designed specifically for pleasure.
At the end of the day, it’s your choice which method you want to use. However, you can always consult with a CBD expert to get another opinion on the best route to go.
3. Find the Right Type
Once you have the method chosen, you’ll want to consider the type of CBD. Companies that manufacture CBD products typically use one of three different compounds and concentrations. They are as follows:
- Full-spectrum. This includes all parts of the cannabis plant. It contains some THC but is less than 0.3 percent.
- Broad-spectrum. This contains most of the cannabis plant and its compounds. However, unlike full spectrum there are only trace amounts of THC.
- Isolates. This type only contains CBD. There are no other cannabinoids or THC. Because of this, there may not be any noticeable effects. (However, there are still long-term benefits.)
Please consult with a doctor to determine which type of CBD is best for you and your situation. It’s also important to note that there are different state laws governing the legality of different CBD products. While full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolates are considered legal in all 50 states, this doesn’t mean all CBD products are. In some cases, they may be blended with other products that contain more THC. It’s up to you to verify that the products you’re ordering and using are legal in your area.
Adding it All Up
CBD is not a miracle drug or cure-all. It’s a natural plant derivative that promises healthy benefits and advantages to those who use it intelligently. By learning about CBD and all its powerful properties, you can enjoy more of the benefits.