CBD-infused products continue to gain widespread recognition, and understandably so.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is marketed for its ability to treat pain, anxiety, and a host of other medical conditions. In fact, CBD accounts for the majority of cannabis’ therapeutic properties. So, any herbal medicine user would be enthusiastic about incorporating cannabidiol into their lifestyle.
But as you shall find, there are a couple of things to know before using CBD-based products.
For instance, the mere fact that CBD is a cannabis-derived compound means CBD-based products may not necessarily be legal in your local jurisdiction. And the fact the chemical is a herbal extract means the CBD industry may not be as effectively regulated as the mainstream pharmaceutical industry.
Read on as we unpack the top six things to know before buying and trying CBD-based products.
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- CBD Is a Derivative of Cannabis
The first thing to know before integrating cannabidiol into your lifestyle is that the compound comes from cannabis.
Now, cannabis is a plant genus that produces numerous species. These species are sometimes known as strains. Examples include Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Cannabis ruderalis, and Cannabis hybrids.
Most Sativa strains produce marijuana cultivars, whereas indica strains produce hemp cultivars. CBDistillery and other high-quality CBD products by reputable sellers generally come from hemp instead of marijuana, the latter of which tends to contain higher levels of the psychoactive compound – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
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- CBD Is Not Globally Legal
CBD is a derivative from a cannabis plant, which means that the compound is still criminalized in many countries around the world.
In the United States, the passage into law of the 2018 Farm Bill made all hemp-derived CBD products legal in all fifty states. The only requirement is that such products must contain a maximum THC concentration of 0.3%.
Besides the US, CBD is also legal in many European Union countries. However, the contrary may be the case in many Asian, South American, and African countries.
- CBD Doesn’t Induce Euphoria
Many opponents of cannabis use take issue with the plant’s mind-altering effects. Unknown to them, cannabis produces more than 115 pharmacologically beneficial compounds, and only a handful of those chemicals induce euphoria.
Tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary cannabis extract noted for its mind-altering effects. CBD is neither psychoactive nor intoxicating.
Therefore, you can supplement with CBD-infused products without worrying about getting high in the process. The closest CBD will get to altering your state of mind is possibly lifting your moods.
- CBD Can Treat Many Ailments
CBD is mainly recommended for pain treatment. The compound relieves pain by stimulating pain-mediating receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
You can also use cannabidiol for stress, anxiety, and depression. CBD-infused supplements treat stress and anxiety by increasing the brain’s signaling of ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin.
People living with sleep disorders like insomnia may also benefit by incorporating cannabidiol-based products into their health and wellness routines. CBD boosts sleep in various ways. First, the compound may lower sleep latency, thanks to its powerful sedating properties. CBD is also noted for its ability to increase sleep duration by shortening rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Plus, CBD-based products have been shown to treat some of the most bothersome causes and side effects of insomnia, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD).
The following are other diseases that you can relieve or manage using CBD supplements;
- Inflammatory diseases like inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Tumorous conditions like cancer
- Digestive issues like nausea and constipation
- Metabolic disorders like diabetes
- Psychiatric issues like schizophrenia
- Skin infections like acne and dermatitis
- All CBD Products Are Not Made Equal
Despite what many retailers would rather have you believe, all CBD products aren’t made equal. Therefore, it’s imperative to understand the factors to consider when looking for high-quality CBD products. That’s especially true if you’re a new user.
First and foremost, it’s essential to ask the retailer or manufacturer how the cannabidiol used in their products was obtained. Note that there are numerous ways to extract CBD. However, the best extraction method tends to be the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Method. CBD obtained by the CO2 Method is usually purer and more potent.
Another factor to consider when looking for quality CBD products is to look for proof of lab-testing results by independent labs. That’s your only assurance that the product contains the ingredients appearing on the label and in the said proportions.
Lastly, it’s advisable to establish a retailer’s reputation before buying any CBD products from them. The thumb rule is to engage retailers with a relatively longer industry presence and favorable reviews from their previous clients.
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- There Are Numerous Delivery Methods
Last but not least, there are many ways to consume cannabidiol. They include;
- Smoking dried hemp flowers
- Vaping CBD-infused e-juices, dry herbs or wax concentrates
- Applying CBD-enriched skincare products topically
- Oral administration of CBD tinctures
- CBD edibles, such as gummies, candies, and chocolate products
The delivery method that you choose depends on your desired effects. Smoking, vaping, and the oral administration of CBD tinctures have a shorter onset time and deliver short-lasting benefits. On the other hand, edibles take longer to kick in, but their effects last significantly longer.
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The Bottom Line
Integrating cannabidiol into your lifestyle is an excellent health decision. However, there’s a lot to know before using CBD supplements. That’s especially true for first-time users.
