CBD, or cannabidiol, is a derivative of the marijuana or hemp plant. It’s important to note that there are chemicals in the marijuana plant that can cause euphoria or disconnection with reality. CBD is the part of the plant that does not create a psychoactive effect.
What CBD Is–And Isn’t
While shopping for CBD, take care to note any products known as full-spectrum as these contain both CBD and THC. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a psychoactive product that creates a sense of euphoria or “high”. If you are only looking for the health benefits of CBD, you can safely avoid the risks of THC by staying away from full-spectrum products.
CBD can be found and taken into the body in several formats. CBD gummies can be chewed and swallowed. You can take CBD under the tongue for quick absorption. CBD teas are available, though the dosage can be quite strong. The product can also be vaped.
CBD As Therapy
If you’re struggling with a chronic health condition, be aware that there are CBD varieties that are recommended for particular conditions. For example, there are varieties of CBD oil that have been approved to treat seizure disorders in children.
Other conditions for which CBD is particularly noted include anxiety and chronic pain. Those struggling with arthritis pain may want to try the Medix line, which is available as a topical, edible, and powder.
Curiously, while a stronger dosage may be recommended for those with spinal nerve pain or rheumatoid arthritis, anxiety sufferers do much better with a small dosage. The receptors in the brain accept CBD and a calming or soothing effect is achieved. However, if too high a dosage is ingested, the brain may create an opposing response, and panic or extreme anxiety can occur.
It’s recommended that anyone who starts a course of CBD for any condition start with the smallest dose and carefully monitor their response. Current research indicates that CBD is not habit-forming, so if you don’t get relief and need to up your dosage, you can slowly increase with little risk of negative effect.
Repair Or General Wellness
Many people use CBD for general wellness and mental clarity. If your current stress level has you in a “brain fog”, a CBD dose can be applied or ingested in a variety of ways.
For example, there are many topicals, such as the Onyx + Rose Bliss Balm, that simply boost your endorphin level. Since endorphins make you feel good, applying such a topical over sore muscles or on tender toes after a hard workout can not only reduce your pain but lift your spirits.
Source The Product
CBD oil is meant to be ingested, so the purity requirements are standardized. If you find a CBD tincture for sale, be sure to check two specific factors.
You need to know the source of the CBD oil, whether it’s a full-spectrum or non-psychoactive (to determine the ratio of THC to CBD) and what the carrier liquid is. The CBD oil should be assumed to be an edible grade if the source is trustworthy.
Anyone mixing their own tinctures should also provide you with information on the purity of the carrier liquid. Generally, tinctures are made with a combination of oil and either alcohol or vinegar.
As a general rule, the CBD oil you buy in a bottle with a stopper is a combination of CBD oil and carrier oil for flavor or aroma.
Interaction Risks
It must be noted that CBD is a drug. There is always the risk of interaction when mixing drugs. Discuss any plans to use CBD with your prescribing physician before you use a CBD product. Should you have a bad or dangerous reaction, make sure to take your CBD product and any prescriptions with you when visiting your physician to source the cause of the reaction.
There is a sizable difference between CBD and THC. Data around the non-euphoric effects of CBD are coming clearer as more people gain relief from this versatile product. If you’re going to self-medicate, start with the smallest dose. If you plan to use CBD in combination with something you’re already taking, make sure to discuss it with your physician first.
