More and more people are delving into the use of CBD products to help them manage their underlying medical conditions. The demand for these products even increased significantly with several states and nations easing up their regulations and rules when it comes to the use and sale of CBD products. In addition to this, the popularity of CBD products is even magnified by numerous renowned personalities endorsing it and vouching for its effectiveness. This article tackles everything you need to know about CBD and how it can help you become healthier.
How CBD Works
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol and this compound is extracted from the cannabis plant. This compound interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the body, which is responsible for many bodily functions such as appetite, sleep, mood, and memory. It has mainly three components which include the receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids.
The endocannabinoids are the ones responsible for keeping the internal functions of the body running smoothly while the enzymes are the ones that break down the endocannabinoids. On the other hand, the receptors are the ones binding the body’s natural endocannabinoids and these are also the ones that interact with CBD that can influence how the former govern coordination, movement, and other body functions.
CBD Variants
Full Spectrum CBD
One of the most popular variants of CBD is the one that is labeled as full spectrum. This is derived from the whole hemp plant matter, which means that the extraction process includes the roots, stems, flowers, and leaves. From there, a full spectrum of cannabinoid compounds which includes CBD, CBG, CBN, and THC among others are extracted. More often than not, full-spectrum CBD is darker in color and contains only 0.3% of THC or less. You will also most likely taste a “hempy” flavor with a full spectrum CBD product. With all the cannabinoids present in a full spectrum CBD, the product is considered more effective.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Another popular variant of CBD is one that is labeled a broad spectrum. The process of extraction is similar to full-spectrum CBD products, only that, after this process, the THC compound is separated and removed entirely. The end product is CBD with all the other cannabinoids present but without the psychoactive effects of THC. For this reason, broad-spectrum CBD products are becoming more and more valued by several users.
CBD Isolates
There is also the CBD isolate variant which is a product that consists of only one isolated compound from the hemp plant. Through a supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, all other compounds are removed, leaving only a 99% pure CBD product. Apart from CBD isolate though, the same process can also yield CBG and CBN isolate. With a product as pure as this, there is a greater chance for you to target the areas that you want to address with the use of CBD.
Methods of Consumption
CBD products also come in different forms that you can consume in various ways. Some products can be ingested sublingually, while others can be consumed orally. You may also find CBD products that you can consume through inhalation, as well as those that you can apply directly on your skin.
Sublingual
One of the most popular forms of CBD products is CBD tinctures which are ingested sublingually. This means that you need to apply a few drops of the tincture underneath your tongue where you need to hold it for a couple of seconds. After only five to ten minutes, you will be able to feel the effects of CBD working. This means that people having seizures will most likely be relieved of their episodes almost instantly.
The reason behind the immediate effect of CBD through the sublingual method is that the nerves underneath your tongue tend to deliver the compounds directly to your brain. Because of this, even pets are given CBD products through the sublingual method. The key is in starting with a few concentrated drops first before gradually increasing the dosage as necessary.
Oral
CBD also comes in pills and capsules, as well as brownies, gummies, candies, and other sweet treats. All these are considered as CBD products that can be ingested orally. Unlike the sublingual method of consumption though, you may need to wait for half an hour to a couple of hours before the effects of CBD begins to kick in. This is because the CBD product you have ingested still needs to be digested by your stomach before the compounds are transmitted into your bloodstream to your brain.
Nonetheless, as soon as you begin to feel the effects of CBD products after ingesting them, you are most likely to remain alleviated from your pain for up to 24 hours. This long-term effect makes ingesting CBD orally one of the most viable ways for people to use it to relieve their pain. For people who often gag in taking in pills and capsules though, sweet treats such as brownies, gummies, and candies prove to be a better alternative. The latter can even be found in convenience stores already. Rest assured that they are labeled properly and sold only to adults.
Topical
For people who intend to address joint pains, as well as other chronic skin conditions, going for CBD products in the form of topical solutions prove to be the best. In this way, people with joint pains can feel immediate relief by a localized treatment of their pain points. In the same manner, a topical solution also paves the way for localized treatment of skin issues such as extreme eczema or psoriasis.
For medical CBD creams, CBD is suspended in liposomes to ensure that the compound penetrates deep in the skin. Apart from medical grade CBD creams though, there are also CBD beauty creams now that target a specific area such as the face, hands, and feet. Some other topical CBD solutions include lip balms and eye gels which aim in supporting supple and healthy skin.
Inhalation
Some people intend to feel the effects of CBD within a couple of minutes after they consume it and for this reason, they tend to go for inhalation methods. In this case, CBD concentrates are either smoked or vaped, or even dabbed using rigs. The smoke or vapor inhaled passes through the lungs and bloodstream, producing an almost instant effect. However, for beginners, this is not significantly recommended because there is a great chance of over-consumption through inhalation.
Where to Buy CBD Products
Because of the increased demand for CBD products due to its recently gained popularity, there are now several sources where you can acquire different CBD products. When you explore online, you will surely be able to find various manufacturers and distributors offering different types of CBD products. As much as possible, go for online dealers who have a certificate of analysis (COA) to ensure that you get the best quality extracts. This serves as a guarantee that their products have undergone a form of quality control. In addition to this, it will also be beneficial to choose a laboratory that has carried out third party testing and provide the results of these on their websites.
Apart from online sources though, you can also visit local dispensaries to purchase CBD and other cannabis products. If you are in the state of Nevada, the experts from inyolasvegas.com suggest you should check out a local dispensary that offers not only a pickup option but delivery services too. Some even offer great deals for premium products, which ensures that you get high-quality CBD at a reasonable price. Just keep in mind to be wary of manufacturers and distributors who are not transparent or unwilling to provide information about their products, or those with vague labeling on their packaging.
Health Benefits of CBD
Several health benefits can be attributed to the use of CBD products which is why numerous people are already delving into it. Although further studies are necessary to back up some of these health benefits, numerous people already attest to its effectiveness. Some of the most common benefits that can help you become healthier are listed below.
Pain Management
One of the most common benefits that you can garner from the use of various CBD products is an alleviation from pain. For this reason, even people with varying chronic health issues rely on CBD products to help them manage their condition. Perhaps the pain relief properties of CBD can be attributed to the fact that it impacts the receptor activity, influencing how your mind and body react to pain and its causes. This means that instead of sending pain signals to different parts of your body, neurotransmitters that suppress these prevail, significantly reducing inflammation.
Neuro Benefits
Another benefit that you can reap from the use of CBD products is overall brain health. While further research is necessary to back up this claim, several people who are suffering from epilepsy already vouch for the effectiveness of CBD in reducing the severity of their seizures, as well as its frequency. Having seizures are known to be one of the most common symptoms of people with epilepsy.
Apart from managing the symptoms of epilepsy such as seizures which are caused by failing brain functions, CBD is also known to improve the condition of people living with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as those suffering from dementia. Because of this, they can improve their quality of life, as the neurodegeneration of their brain cells is slowed down. For this reason, even people without these conditions are benefitting from the use of CBD as their brain health is maintained and neurodegeneration is prevented.
Healthy people can also boost their brain health through the use of CBD products. Several individuals already boast of an improved memory function and concentration particularly with the consistent use of CBD products. This can be attributed to the fact that CBD can also prevent free radical damage in the brain cells.
Heart Health
For some people, CBD is effective in lowering their blood pressure and maintaining their overall heart health. This can be a result of the anxiety regulating properties of CBD that can ultimately lead to reduced blood pressure. Even the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD support heart health and prevent any heart-related illnesses.
For this reason, people who are most likely to suffer from high blood pressure and other heart-related conditions due to their genes take CBD as a means to prevent any impending underlying health conditions. Nevertheless, taking CBD alone will prove to be insufficient, such that a proper diet and regular exercise are still necessary to fully reap its benefits when it comes to a healthy heart.
Mood Regulator
Finally, CBD products can help you become healthier because of their mood-regulating properties. Because of the way that CBD interacts with the receptors in your endocannabinoid system, you can stay calm and collected even under the most stressful situations. Your mental and emotional health will greatly impact your physical health as well.
For this reason, several people suffering from anxiety and depression resort to the intake of various CBD products to help them manage their condition. As soon as the effects of CBD kicks in, they begin to calm down. As a result, they can think more clearly and logically.
Apart from this, CBD is also known to address sleeplessness which is a common symptom of people suffering from anxiety and depression. For this reason, even people experiencing insomnia can benefit from the use of CBD products in the proper dosage.
CBD is known to have various health benefits that prove to be effective in treating the symptoms of different underlying health conditions. The key is in determining the specific variant that will work best for you, as well as the method of consumption that you are most comfortable with. From there, you can already source out the CBD products that you need and once you get hold of it, you can begin reaping its benefits. Just keep in mind to stick with the proper dosage and use the CBD products responsibly.
