All You Need To Know About CBD

Complete Guide

Updated on November 18, 2024

Have you been hearing the buzz around CBD picking up again as more people are turning towards its benefits during the Coronavirus pandemic, then you are not the only one. Over the years CBD has gained popularity among all age groups for its amazing benefits. If you have finally decided to give CBD a try and learn all about it first hand, you have come to the right place.

We have explained all the important questions about CBD you need to know before you commit to it. Hopefully, by the end of the article, you would be ready to choose the product and start reaping its benefit.

What is CBD?
Cannabidiol ( CBD) is a compound found in the cannabis Sativa plant ( also known as hemp or marijuana) which is a naturally occurring substance that imparts a calming and relaxed feeling when consumed. CBD is one of the more than a hundred phytocannabinoids that are unique to the cannabis plant just like THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol ) the compound that causes the high that cannabis is famous for.

Where is CBD derived from?

CBD is derived directly from the cannabis or hemp plant. Most of the products you find these days contain CBD derived from hemp as they are rich in CBD and contain only traces of THC.

In case you are wondering how CBD is extracted from the plant.

CBD Plant

These two are the most commonly used extractions methods:

  • CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, which is further diluted by mixing it with a carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil, or hemp seed oil. This method is called food-safe oil extraction. 
  • The CO2 extraction which is the golden standard in the industry, it uses supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) to pull CBD from the plant. Once the process is complete CO2 is separated from the organic compounds, yielding full-spectrum CBD oil.

Types of CBD

There are mainly three types of CBD available which are, isolate, Full Spectrum, and Broad Spectrum.

Isolate

Isolate contains only CBD, with no other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, or THC. These are mostly found in crystalline solid or powder that contains 99% pure CBD. As these are pure CBD they are tasteless and odorless. These are mostly preferred by those who want a THC Free product.

Full-spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum contains all cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis plant, including up to 0.3%THC, plant terpenes, and flavonoids. It also contains Omega -3 fatty acids, Vitamins E, A, and C, and minerals like zinc and magnesium. Full-spectrum products are believed to be the most potent option as they cause the entourage effect.

Broad Spectrum CBD

Broad Spectrum contains multiple cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis plant like terpenes and flavonoids but doesn’t contain THC. Broad-spectrum contains many of the same active cannabinoids, terpenes as Full Spectrum other than THC. This becomes a preferred option for those who would like the benefit of the entourage effect without THC.

Benefits of CBD

CBD Benefits

Benefits of using CBD for medical conditions to name a few:

  • Pain and Inflammation
  • Seizures
  • Nausea and migraines
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Relief from pains caused by terminal illness
  • Insomnia
  • Skincare

CBD benefits for Kids

If you are a parent chance are you have heard about how CBD is been used for its numerous health benefits for kids. It is been used for attention disorder, anxiety, kids with autism.

CBD benefits for Animals

If you are a pet parent you would be happy to know that your four-legged babies can benefit from CBD products too. It helps with their skin health, promotes healthy hip and joints, and gives relief from pain to name a few.

There are a number of products available in different flavours and forms which would be easier for animals to consume.

Side Effects of Using CBD

Some of the possible side effects of using CBD are

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Changes in appetite
  • Dry mouth
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue.

Consumption of CBD doesn’t have any prolonged side effects which are a good sign. Also, CBD Oil is safe, as it’s not addictive or habit-forming like recreational marijuana. It also doesn’t give you a high which makes it safe to be used during any time of the day.

CBD can also interact with other medications you are taking, it’s advised to consult your doctor before taking CBD.

Does CBD make you high?

As CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical found in the cannabis sativa plant it will not make you high, euphoric or sedated. This quality of CBD has made it an appealing option for pain relief and health-related issues without the mind-altering effects of opioids or marijuana

Let’s get some more clarity on how CBD calms our mind

The human body has an endocannabinoid system responsible for creating and receiving cannabinoids. This system uses two receptors namely CB1 and CB2. CBD, when consumed, does not act on these receptors, unlike THC which alters normal brain communication making us high.

Research has indicated that CBD does not attach directly to these receptors,  instead, it works through the endocannabinoid system indirectly to relax our body, and reduce pain.

Available forms of CBD products

CBD is available in several different forms, which gives us loads of options when it comes to choosing how to consume CBD. Here are the most common forms of CBD products available which you can choose from.

  • Oils and Tinctures are the most widely used products. These come in liquid or oil forms which are infused with CBD. It is consumed by dropping a few drops under your tongue so the tiny capillaries absorb the compounds quickly.
  • Capsules and Pills are used by anyone who doesn’t like the taste of CBD oil. These are available in flavors which make them easy and fun to consume. These are used for systematic treatments. The only drawback of consuming capsules or pills is the time it takes to effect from ingestion to onset.
  • Gummies are the most fun and popular way to take CBD. These come in various flavors and are affordable, also as these are Gummies it is easy to carry around making them discrete to consume anywhere at any time.
  • Creams and Lotions have CBD infused topicals are which are often used on a particular part of the body to treat muscle and joint pain. These have recently gained popularity as skin care products for reducing acne.
  • Vaping is by far the easiest and hassle-free CBD experience. As you inhale vaporized CBD oil through Vapes or E-cigarettes, compounds are inhaled and absorbed directly from the lungs into the bloodstream making you experience the effects of CBD faster than any other form. It’s one of the fastest and potent ways to experience the benefits of CBD.
  • CBD Shots and Juices are becoming a popular choice as it’s convenient, hassle-free and can be consumed anytime and anywhere. Most of these come in small bottles that are discrete and easy to carry when on the move. The plus is it comes in various flavors which makes it a fun and interesting option.

The Right Amount of Dosage

If you are wondering how much CBD you need to consume, it’s pretty simple if you are a first-timer start with a low dose and slowly increase your dose. Remember actual CBD content differs between products, so use caution while using a new product. It’s best to check the quantity to be taken on the product description on the website.

Some of the products suggestions are as follows:

  • CBD Oil Tincture a few drops under your tongue.
  • CBD Capsules 1 tablet a day to up to 3 in a day.
  • CBD topicals to be applied to the targeted area.

Things to remember while selecting a CBD

Hemp Source. Extraction method. Type of CBD. Third-party testing and lab results. Now that we have covered all the important facts about CBD here are some commonly asked questions regarding the intake of CBD.

Is CBD Legal?

Now that we have covered all the important facts about CBD here is the most important question is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal on the federal level, but still illegal under some state laws. Check your state laws and also of those you plan to travel to.

Conclusion

We hope all your queries about CBD are covered by us, helping you make an informed decision about the use of CBD, its numerous benefits, and the type of products you can choose from. Remember CBD is a supplement that has to be used along with your medication, healthy diet, and lifestyle

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