CBD is everywhere these days, in drinks, beauty products, food, chocolate, and more, but what is it exactly? I asked Patrick Baileyto break it down for you.
The legalization of marijuana has made it an interesting past few years in the United States, to say the least. We’ve seen it become a source of light for those dealing with devastating illnesses. We’ve also seen a rise in cannabis dependence in users who abuse the medicine, so when CBD gained popularity many politicians and citizens were unsure how to feel about it.
Below we’ll break down everything you need to know about CBD and its capacity to heal and hopefully dispel and feelings of ill-will you may have toward the substance.
What is CBD?If you go to a marijuana dispensary, you’ll probably see 3 things when you look at a marijuana strain:
1) Strain Name2) % THC3) % CBD
CBD is short for “cannabidiol” and is one of over 100 compounds, called cannabinoids, found in marijuana. The two most popular cannabinoids are CBD (know for its medicinal benefits) and THC (which has some medicinal benefits, is responsible for the “high” and is the primary compound which leads to cannabis dependence).How Does CBD Work?Your body has several natural pain relief and response systems, and the beauty and complexity of the human body means these systems have evolved to handle more than just pain. One such system is the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in our pain regulation. CBD oil effects the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our brain, and small doses of CBD work to enhance our endocannabinoid system’s overall function.
The endocannabinoid system has been shown to play a vital role in our brain, endocrine, and immune systems, and some experts even say we have more endocannabinoid receptors in our bodies than all other receptors combined. Needless to say, it is one of the most complex and intricate parts of what makes us human.
What Are The Benefits Of CBD?CBD has the power to heal so many of society’s problems; and while many of them are physical, it also has extraordinary benefits for the suffering from mental ailments as well. Other Uses For CBD– Anxiety (especially anxiety associated with public speaking)- Insomnia
– Stress
– Crohn’s Disease- Rheumatoid Arthritis- Chronic Inflammation- Muscle Recovery (for athletes or any who exercises)- Neurodegenerative Diseases (like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis)- Acne- Substance Abuse Treatment
– PTSD – Cancer-Related Symptoms- Diabetes Prevention – Heart Disease (lower high blood pressure)and More
CBD MedicinesCBD usually comes in the form of the distilled liquid extract of cannabidiol that is integrated into medicine form. Here are the most common forms of CBD:
TincturesTinctures are alcohol-infusions of CBD oil that one uses a dropper to administer onto one’s tongue. Tinctures are fast-acting, extremely convenient, and often flavored. While they’re not as potent as other forms of CBD, it is easy to control the dosage of CBD with a tincture.
Pastes & ConcentratesCBD paste is highly concentrated CBD that is in the form of a hard paste which one then lets dissolve under the tongue or between the gums. This form of CBD makes it fast-acting and long-lasting. But, it can be difficult to control the dosage, and the taste is rather earthy and raw.
Vape OilCBD is vaporizer-friendly, too. It can be purchased in cartridge form and is the fastest-acting form of CBD on the market, taking effect only seconds after it hits the lungs. This method of administration is very short-lasting, and it obviously requires a vaporizer.
TopicalsCBD creams are an incredibly popular treatment form, especially for those suffering from arthritis or those experiencing specific areas of pain the body. They are convenient and lead to long-lasting pain treatment. With that said, it does only affect the target area that you’ve covered with cream, and the onset of pain relief takes longer than other methods of administration as you must absorb the medicine through your skin.
CapsulesCBD capsules are incredibly easy and long-lasting. However, they are one of the more expensive routes of administration, and it can be difficult to find your dosage “sweet spot” with capsules. For example, if your capsules are 20mg and your “sweet spot” is 30mg, your options are a light dose, a heavy dose or breaking open the capsules and measuring out your optimal dose.
EdiblesLike TCH edibles CBD edibles are a very popular treatment option. CBD edibles are extremely fast-acting and long-lasting, and the high concentration of CBD makes it a tasty and convenient choice. However, it is easy to overeat (especially if it tastes good!) and thus get much more of the medicine than you may really need.
Does CBD Get You High, Can You Get Addicted And Does It Show Up On Drug Tests?No, CBD will not get you high. The “high” from marijuana comes from marijuana’s other most popular cannabinoid: THC. CBD is however responsible for many of marijuana’s calming properties without any psychoactive side-effects.
No, CBD will not cause cannabis dependence. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for marijuana’s addictive properties, not CBD.
Also, no, CBD does not show up on drug tests. That is, as long as you get your CBD from a responsible source. Drug tests look for the presence of THC, so as long as your batch is not contaminated with THC, CBD will not cause a failed drug test.
Where To Get CBDFirst, it is important to consult your doctor about CBD use to make sure that it won’t interfere with any other medicines you’re taking. And because CBD is still unregulated by the federal government, there is a wide range of qualities and manufacturers out there. Here are a few things to look for when buying CBD:
1. Make sure it is made from “industrial hemp.”Industrial hemp has extremely low (.3%) THC, while marijuana has upwards of 20-30%. CBD oil made from marijuana is likely to have some THC, which could mean psychoactive effects and a failed drug test. CBD made solely form industrial hemp will not get you high and will not cause a failed drug test.
2. Ask for a “Certificate of analysis” from the company you’re looking at. Mose companies will be able to show you a “certificate of analysis,” which essentially shows you exactly what is in the CBD oil. If they cannot produce this certificate, they’re likely not a responsible or reliable producer.
3. CBD oil produced in a GMP facility. GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices, and any responsible company will have the seal of GMP on their product.
4. Look for ScamsDon’t buy from a company that tries quick, gimmicky sales tactics or one that sells CBD as a miracle “cure-all.” Responsible producers avoid these tactics.
5. Customer ReviewsLook for CBD with solid customer reviews and a well-documented customer service process.
The bottom line on CBD is that it is not a cure-all, but it may prove to be a helpful option for managing a variety of health conditions. As always, make sure you consult your doctor before taking it.
Hope you enjoyed Patrick’s post!
XoXo Tatiana