The Ultimate Guide to Cannabidiol: Unveiling the Wonders of CBD Products
For the past years, CBD has taken the world by storm. You may have seen it in dispensaries or your neighborhood health store since CBD has piqued the interest of medical practitioners and recreational users in nearly every industry.
From ancient Egypt to China, Classical Greece through the Spanish Conquest, several different cultures have embraced the wonders of CBD for over a thousand years. But it was not until decades ago when experts and medical professionals broke the negative stigma associated with it due to its potential to treat various medical conditions. Since many people have acquainted with the cannabis trend, it is only right to learn more about CBD. Read our Shark Tank CBD Oil review here
What is CBD?
Before diving into the wonders of CBD, it is vital to understand what it is. CBD or commonly known as cannabidiol is one of the chemical compounds found in the leaves and flowers of a cannabis sativa plant. Contrary to common belief about CBD, it does not cause intoxication or a “high” feeling, unlike the mind-altering compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is an excellent option for people who are seeking the benefits of cannabis products without feeling euphoric or breaking federal law.
What are the Known Benefits of CBD?
To date, there are limited studies behind the potential medical benefits of CBD oil. While many people tout it as a magic elixir that serves as a cure-all product, using CBD oil has been a subject for skepticism due to the little evidence to support the claim that it can help treat symptoms of several medical conditions and illnesses. But what are the known benefits of CBD?
- CBD eases menstrual cramps
For most women who have experienced menstruation at its worst, the PMS symptoms do not only ruin one’s mood; it can also cause headaches, nausea, bloating, and even depression. Although there are little shreds of evidence about CBD as a pain reliever to menstrual cramps, the anecdotal testimonials of customers proved that it could lessen the pain of cramping and control the emotional response of women.
- CBD can calm epilepsy
Last 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has unanimously recommended the approval of the purified CBD-infused drug, Epidiolex. The reason behind the adoption is its potential to treat two rare and severe forms of epilepsy in patients from ages two and above. The significant evidence to support the claim that it can reduce the seizures and stop it altogether has forced the FDA to push through with the new drug. However, they continuously remind the patients taking anti-epileptic medicine alongside other CBD products to decrease the dosage to avoid any side effects.
- CBD can treat acne
Acne occurs when excess dirt, oil, and dead skin cells clog pores. Once the bacteria builds up in the pores, it will cause the red blemishes and breakouts in the skin. CBD has antibacterial properties that can fight off the acne-causing bacteria and stop the skin’s overactive oil production.
How To Consume CBD
Since CBD is becoming ever more present in the medical realm, new products are hitting the market regularly. However, it can be a bit nerve-wracking and overwhelming, with a variety of products becoming available with growing ease. You can take CBD in different forms depending on your preference.
- Tinctures
Many people often confuse CBD tinctures and CBD oils. But who can blame them? Both products have similar bottles, and the process of cultivating them is the same, as well. What sets them apart is how each extracts the constituents of the cannabis plant.
CBD tinctures are one of the most convenient ways to enjoy the benefits of CBD. It comes from a high concentration of CBD strains of hemp combined with 60-70 percent alcohol. It has a long shelf life and easy absorption when taken under the tongue. Moreover, you can consume these tinctures without any hassle any time of the day since it does not require prep work like smoking and vaporizing. With its potent concentration, you can adjust your daily dose precisely since you would only need a small amount.
- Edibles
CBD edibles are a sweet and discreet way to consume CBD. Some of the edibles you will see in dispensaries, and vape shops include gummies, protein bars, and brownies. They do not contain THC, and it may help relieve and potentially treat various ailments such as anxiety, chronic pain, epilepsy, nausea, and sleep disorders. Meanwhile, the effects of CBD edibles take longer – usually 30 minutes to two hours — to kick in compared to tinctures.
- Topical Creams
If you’re into the wonders of CBD in terms of treating muscle aches and pains, topical creams and salves are for you. From arthritis to chronic illnesses and general inflammation, experts found that topical CBD oil is an efficient cure for pain management. It can also alleviate burns, insect bites, and relieve the previous injury. To get the most of the product, apply it directly to the skin.
Moreover, several topicals available in the market today come with natural ingredients and nutrients which moisturize dry and damaged skin. Some natural substances infused in a CBD topical include aloe vera, shea butter, almond butter, beeswax, and coconut oil, to name a few.
Most CBD topicals are inexpensive, and you can choose from a variety of concentrations that suit your preferences. High-concentration topical suits consumers who want more potent CBD products. But remember: do not apply CBD topicals to an open wound or cut to avoid the risk of infection. It might reach the dermis and the hypodermis layers, which can cause an adverse reaction with CBD.
- Inhalation through Smoking or Vaping
You can feel the effects of CBD in an instant through inhalation. Smoking CBD goes straight to the lungs and the bloodstream, which circulates throughout the body. The results of smoking CBD vary from person to person and depends on the product, as well. There are several ways to inhale CBD, which include dabbing, vaping, smoking with hemp joint, and using vape cartridges.
Will Traces of CBD Show Up in A Drug Test?
Despite the golden health and wellness benefits of taking CBD, could it make you fail a pre-employment drug test? The answer is: it’s unlikely that CBD will show up in a pee test. In an average drug test, they will look for traces of cannabis, which means THC or THC-metabolites in your system – not CBD. Since CBD is chemically different from THC, the drug test would not detect pure CBD. However, if you take hemp-based CBD products blended with THC, the test can detect the trace amounts.
Is CBD safe?
For first-time users, learning how to consume CBD oil and how to get started is steep. Since you want to be cautious and considerate about any changes in your system, it is necessary to take small amounts at first. People who have never used CBD oil of any kind or have limited experience with hemp may not have an idea of how their bodies will react with the substance.
Generally, aside from its potential to treat several medical conditions, many people geared towards CBD use since it is safe. Based on the report of the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD does not pose any public health risk or potential for abuse. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented guidelines for marketing, producing, and labeling CBD products. Some labels claim to have a particular percentage of CBD but fall short of their promise once investigated.
In Conclusion
The bottom line is: the benefits of CBD oil are plenty, but choosing a quality product is the key. Whether you are an uninitiated or a long-time user and advocate of CBD oil, a little research can guarantee that you get the most out of your experience.
