CBD or Cannabidiol is garnering a lot of attention as a remedy for physical and as well as mental illness since they are touted as safe, natural, and affordable. It is used as a health supplement for overall wellness. But what is CBD and how to use it? If you too are curious about the hype and want to begin your journey with CBD, there is this great resource on everything cannabis-related you need to know.
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What is CBD?
CBD is an oil that is derived from Cannabis. It is a type of cannabinoid, which are the chemicals naturally found in marijuana plants. It’s a naturally occurring substance that’s used in products like oils and edibles to impart a feeling of relaxation and calm. Unlike other cannabinoids, Cannabidiol does not create any form of intoxication, hence it is widely used for medicinal purposes. The plant Cannabis sativa has two primary species, hemp, and marijuana. Both contain CBD, but there is a much higher percentage in hemp, which also has very low levels of THC compared to marijuana.
Benefits of CBD
Although there is still some controversy around cannabis products, they have certainly proven benefits such as-:
1. Relief from Anxiety- CBD helps curb anxiety by modifying the way the brain receptors respond to the serotonin-the chemical that affects your mood, sleep, digestion, and behavior. It relieves anxiety by reducing stress, relaxing heart rate, improving symptoms of PTSD, and mending sleep in cases of insomnia.
2. Respite from Pain- A study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine states that CBD is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults. It reduces pain by acting on a variety of biological processes in the body. It produces an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic effect that helps in pain management.
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3. Treatment for Cancer- CBD is proven to enhance the potency of certain drugs in the treatment of cancer. It does so by moderating inflammation and changing the pattern of cell reproduction. It curbs the ability of some tumor cells to reproduce.
4. Anti-acne- By reducing the overall inflammation of the body, CBD can help you to get rid of the ugly acne. CBD reduces the activity in sebaceous glands- the glands responsible for producing natural oil that hydrates the skin- that helps in preventing acne.
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Now to savor these benefits, it is very important that you use CBD properly. Let us find out how.
How to Use CBD?
How CBD should be used depends totally upon what it is being used for. It is generally extracted in the form of oil or powder and then added to sprays, lotions, food, etc. It can be taken orally, put into capsules, or applied topically. It can also be inhaled by means of vaping or taken sub-lingually i.e. by placing it under the tongue. If you’re consuming CBD in pill or tincture form, be careful about the carrier oils, stabilizers, or filler ingredients that may be used in it. You can even put it in your coffee or regular shakes.
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The amount of CBD you should consume depends on a range of factors including your body weight, the medications you are taking, and your body chemistry. Consult your doctor about the dosage and potential risks. It is always advisable to start with small doses and gradually increase. You could start with 20-40mg a day and progress as your body adapts. Various studies state that THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD are more effective when used in combination rather than individually. It is known as the “entourage effect.” There could be possible side effects to its usage too, for example, fatigue, diarrhea, change in appetite, etc. hence a lot of care must be exercised while taking CBD.
Another thing to consider while using CBD is the legality of the drug. There are certain countries where CBD is not legal, so it is important to find out if it is legal in your state or not. In addition, since CBD products are not currently regulated by FDA, it is important that the product that you are using is lab-tested or at least approved by a third party. Try to look out for products made from U.S-based Cannabis since they are subject to regulations that cannot contain more than 0.03% percent THC. It is important to enquire about the purity and origin of CBD. You can opt for both full-spectrum CBD as well as CBD isolate depending upon your purpose. When you choose a full spectrum CBD, you can avail the benefits of other plant compounds besides cannabidiol.
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Hence, we see that there is a reason CBD has gone mainstream. It can be deemed as some sort of plant magic and with new companies hitting the market daily, the CBD industry is expected to be worth $22 billion by 2022. Both scientific research and anecdotal evidence show a number of reasons people are making CBD part of their daily wellness routine.
