CBD

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is one of today’s most exciting cannabinoids. CBD is a cannabis compound with substantial medical benefits. CBD lacks the psychoactive properties found in THC, meaning that people who consume it will not experience a high. Recent studies show effective results when people incorporated CBD into their health and wellness routines.

These days, you might see CBD sold anywhere from health food stores to pet supply shops. While the availability of these CBD products might tempt you, always remember that any substance you put in your body should be reviewed and approved by certified analysts ensuring its safety.

Discovering the benefits of CBD

CBD-specific treatments are fairly new, despite the fact that cannabis has been used for its therapeutic qualities for thousands of years. Around 2009, a group of CBD-rich strains of cannabis gained notoriety because of their incredible anti-convulsion properties and ability to treat severe forms of epilepsy. Continued research showed CBD-based products were effective in treating chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis and Crohn’s disease, as well as providing immediate relief for patients suffering from anxiety, depression, and even some forms of psychosis.

In the last few years, CBD has proven to be a low-risk treatment for patients of all ages and stages of well-being. Children suffering from debilitating seizures, elderly patients struggling with dementia, and cancer patients living with chronic pain all benefit from the many therapeutic properties of CBD. With the discovery of this non-psychoactive cannabinoid, many find that they are less worried about the side effects and the stigma associated with traditional marijuana treatments and getting high.

How CBD interacts with the body

CBD has its own way of working with the body, including processes that interact differently with the endocannabinoid system and its receptors. While THC bonds directly with the receptors – impacting the way your brain sends and receives messages – CBD works with the endocannabinoid system indirectly. That’s part of the reason why people who consume CBD don’t experience a high. In fact, CBD is actually thought to help moderate the psychoactive effects of THC, making THC consumption more manageable for many.

‍Consuming CBD

There are a variety of ways to consume CBD, which gives people the chance to choose the method they feel most comfortable with. The most common forms include edibles, capsules, oils & tinctures, lotions, and vaping. When choosing a CBD product, it’s best to take the condition being treated into account. For instance, topical lotions work best for arthritis pain, while edibles tend to be more effective for digestive issues. Most physicians recommend trying several methods to find the one that best suits your needs.

As far as dosage goes, the standard “start low and go slow” approach applies. Every person’s body chemistry is different, and it may take time to understand how CBD interacts with your body. A person’s size, physical condition, even their previous experience with marijuana can affect the way they’ll react to CBD treatments. Research suggests that starting with 20mg and increasing the dose as needed works for most people, but as with any medical treatment, it’s best to consult a physician to figure out the right approach for you.

As the medical marijuana industry grows, so does the field of research supporting it. The last decade has seen phenomenal changes in the way society views cannabis, but there’s still a long way to go.