When you think of cannabis, THC, aka tetrahydrocannabinol, might be the first thing that comes to mind. However, there's another popular cannabinoid you should know about Cannabidiol (CBD). While extensive research on CBD is ongoing, a few pieces of evidence suggests that CBD might have certain health benefits, such as pain relief.
Thanks to these potential benefits, CBD products of shapes and sizes are currently flooding the market. Nonetheless, it is challenging to differentiate the great from not-so-good products let alone understand CBD terminology, like full-spectrum and isolates.
However, there are differences in variations, and it doesn't need to be complicated for new cannabis users.
CBD, the abbreviated form of cannabidiol, is a chemical compound derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant, also known as marijuana or hemp. A naturally occurring substance used in products like edibles and oils imparts a feeling of calm and relaxation.
Unlike delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another primary active compound found in marijuana, CBD is not psychoactive. Meaning, you won't experience any effects like euphoria or feel sedated or altered in any way.
Nevertheless, there are two potential exceptions to this the first is that some people react differently to CBD for unknown reasons. Typically, these are the people who have side effects from taking Tylenol or Advil. For this reason, people are advised to know how their body will react to CBD when they are taking it for the first time.
It is also vital that you purchase CBD from a licensed dispensary for quality assurance. Because otherwise, it is possible to buy a product that is more or less potent than advertised or even contains trace amounts of THC.
When it comes to health benefits, there's not much evidence to support CBD's use as a medication. Nonetheless, it is still worth trying for pain management. The tricky part is that some studies suggest CBD works best for pain when combined with a bit of THC. Additionally, figuring out the amount of CBD you should take is challenging as well the dosage that alleviates one patient's pain may do very little for you.
Furthermore, CBD might be worth trying to treat symptoms of anxiety. CBD tells your body to calm down and reminds your nervous system that you are not in a heightened fight or flight response. So, people with anxiety might find CBD helping them feel more relaxed.
When shopping for CBD, the first thing you should consider is whether a product is made with full-spectrum or isolate oil to tap into all the health benefits of CBD. Full-spectrum oils contain nearly all cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, including CBD, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids, whereas isolates undergo further refining and contain only CBD.
Studies have found that THC and CBD might work better when taken together than when they are taken alone with the entourage effect. Full-spectrum products being less processed preserves a few of cannabis volatile organic compounds, such as terpenes. Terpenes impact the smell and taste of the product and have medical benefits of their own.
However, CBD is one of more than 85 active cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. While chemists have found new ways to isolate CBD, CBD isolates may still have less bioavailability" than full-spectrum. Meaning, your body absorbs less CBD from isolates than a full-spectrum.
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Cannabis and its extracts can be consumed in numerous different ways. The most common options people root for fall into a few general categories, and each has its own pros and cons. Additionally, depending on the method you choose, your experience will vary.
For instance, smoking a CBD-rich flower or vaping a CBD-rich cartridge is the fastest way to administer cannabis. When drugs are inhaled through the lungs, they are directly sent to the brain without getting metabolized by the liver. The relatively short onset and duration make inhalation ideal for acute problems like acute pain or nausea.
Edibles in general or full-spectrum CBD gummies are an option for ingesting cannabinoids. However, it takes longer to feel the effects ”nearly an hour when taken on an empty stomach or up to three hours when takes with food. Nonetheless, the effects are long-lasting, making edibles and capsules a suitable choice for treating multiple chronic conditions.
Topicals or lotions are one of the most common kinds of cannabis products. They are great for localized pain treatment, such as for skin or joint issues.
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Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of other cannabis compounds, like terpenes and flavonoids. It may also contain THC in small quantities. On the other hand, CBD isolate contains just CBD and nothing else. While the entourage effect states that full-spectrum products might work best, CBD isolates can still offer appreciable effects. Regardless of the CBD product you take, always talk to your doctor first.