Since the legalization of industrial hemp in the United States in 2018, medical and recreational cannabis consumption has become popular. Depending on your location, you can readily access CBD products in health food stores, online shops, pet stores, and many more.
As more CBD products are emerging from left to right, people of all ages are getting more interested in trying them out. Fortunately, you’re in the right place as this guide will introduce you to the wonder compound, as well as the signs you may want to try CBD if it’s right for you.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol or CBD is a cannabinoid found generously in cannabis plants, particularly the second most abundant compound among 100 and more cannabinoids. Moreover, a large concentration of CBD is found on the plant’s aerial parts, such as the stem, leaves, and flowers, but may not be present in the seeds and roots.
Since CBD is only one of the compounds present in cannabis plants, CBD product manufacturers would have to extract the cannabinoid first from the plant. Currently, these are the most common methods of CBD extraction:
- Hydrocarbon solvent extraction
- Natural solvent extraction
- Steam distillation
- Carbon dioxide (CO2 extraction)
Once extracted, companies can proceed to incorporate CBD into their products using their methods. Since not all CBD products are equal, it’s essential to get your hands on the best on the market, which we will be discussed later.
Signs You May Want To Try CBD
Is CBD worth trying out? If you’re looking into using CBD, take a look at the following signs that may tick off your list:
1. You’re Shrouded With Curiosity
With CBD’s widespread attention and availability in many parts of the world, it’s not surprising to find people curious about how it works and how it’s made. You might even find a relative or friend who has recently indulged in CBD products.
According to Consumer Reports, one-third of the United States adult population attempted to use CBD in 2019. The cannabis product market is expected to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2022.
However, make sure to back up your curiosity with research and professional guidance. If you have an existing medical condition, it would be ideal to discuss CBD with your physician first.
2. You’re Looking For Therapeutic Relief
Many CBD-infused products in the market, especially those targeted for therapeutic and medical use, include other cannabinoids and compounds found in the cannabis plant. For instance, the psychoactive compound called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), associated with mind-altering effects, are also incorporated in some products.
Several theories support that CBD products infused with THC and other organic compounds found in the plant, like terpenes and flavonoids, can further boost the compound’s efficacy. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect, which promises to deliver therapeutic relief to its users.
3. You Haven’t Had Good Sleep For Days
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
At first glance, many people might find CBD controversial as it’s often linked to marijuana. This substance triggers a ‘high.’ Cannabidiol turns out to be the opposite as numerous CBD-infused products are used to alleviate stress and anxiety and promote good sleep quality.
The human body comprises a network that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, metabolism, and memory, called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS has two primary receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors, where CBD primarily interacts with. Through binding into these receptors, CBD can affect your mood and sleep-wake cycle.
4. You’re Interested In Adding It To Your Skincare Routine
CBD also poses benefits for the largest organ of your body: the skin. CBD has been found to possess anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for treating inflammation and free radical damage on the skin.
Moreover, there have been compelling studies that investigated how CBD can help relieve symptoms of psoriasis. If you wish to incorporate topical CBD products into your routine to treat skin conditions, consult your dermatologist first.
Before applying large amounts of CBD product onto your skin, patch test the product first to determine if you have any irritation or allergic reaction towards the product. As much as possible, stay away from topical products with essential oils as they can be harmful to the skin.
CBD With Medications
While CBD is a friendly substance for both humans and pets, there may be a few restrictions for people with medical conditions. CBD can alter the way certain medications work on the human body.
As mentioned earlier, talk to your doctor before incorporating CBD into your health routine. It may not be a good sign to incorporate CBD into your daily routine if you’re taking the following medications:
- Levothyroxine, a thyroid medication
- Warfarin, a common blood thinner
- Amiodarone, a heart rhythm medication
- Valproate, lamotrigine, and clobazam, a few seizure medications
If you’re uncertain of your medication’s potential interactions with CBD, it’ll be best to look for the grapefruit warning on your medicine. Grapefruit and other citrus fruits, like oranges and pomelos, work similarly with CBD when altering medications. These can increase drug concentration in your bloodstream and may lead to an overdose.
Ways To Consume CBD
With the plethora of CBD products available, it can be confusing to start your journey with CBD. Before purchasing any CBD product, it’s paramount to choose the best way you’d prefer to consume CBD among these methods:
- Sublingual application
- Inhalation through vaping and smoking
- Ingestion through edibles and pills
- Topical application through creams, lotions, and other CBD-infused beauty products
Since these methods are introduced differently into the body, they’ll deliver CBD effects at varying rates. If you’re looking for instant relief, inhaling vaporized CBD oil is the best method for you. On the other hand, ingesting CBD can take up to two hours, so make sure you don’t overdose yourself while waiting for the results.
Things To Know Before Trying CBD: Take-Home Message
Choosing the right CBD product should depend on the effects and benefits that you’d like to experience. If these signs meet your health needs and preferences, it may be worth giving CBD a shot.
But, take note that CBD products are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), thus the challenge of looking for quality CBD products. When looking for a CBD product, you may ask for its certificate of analysis (COA) conducted by a third-party lab to ensure that the ingredients, formulations, and dosages claimed in the product are legitimate.
Lastly, keep in mind that CBD isn’t a substitute for prescribed medication.
Featured Image by Julia Teichmann from Pixabay
