CBD is currently one of the biggest markets at the moment, with tons of CBD products being released all the time, from CBD oils and e-liquids to even CBD face creams and chocolates. CBD is popular with every generation for its medicinal benefits, helping with mental illnesses and seizures. But some people are still sceptical on what CBD is, what benefits it has and how to find the legitimate stuff. Below are the answers to some of the most common questions about the popular cannabinoid.
SO WHAT IS CBD?
CBD is short for Cannabidiol, one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. It is used in products like oils, e-liquids, balms, and edibles.
DOES CBD GET YOU HIGH?
Unlike its sister compound, THC, CBD does not get you high, as it doesn't contain any psychoactive components. However, Dr Junella Chin, medical cannabis expert for cannabisMD, has found that around 5 per cent of people said they felt different after taking CBD, though these are usually the same people who get these effects from products like ibuprofen or paracetamol. You won't know how your body will react to CBD, so be sure to take it safely when you first start using CBD.
WHAT IS HEMP?
There are many terms used for CBD—Cannabis, hemp, marijuana, weed, dope grass, Mary Jane and wacky backy. The cannabis plant has 2 species, marijuana and hemp. These both contain CBD, but hemp contains a higher amount and a smaller amount of THC. When people discuss hemp oil, they refer to the oil extracted directly from the seeds of the hemp plant. This does not contain CBD or THC and is packed with healthy fats for use in beauty products, nutritional supplements, and for animal feed. Hemp seeds are a superfood.
WHAT MEDICINAL BENEFITS DOES CBD HAVE?
The FDA so far have only found that CBD can treat epilepsy, in a press statement made in 2018. This was found after the story of Charlotte Figi, a girl with a severe case of Dravet's syndrome who was having up to 300 seizures a week. When she was given CBD as a last resort, this number dropped dramatically, now only having 2 or 3 a month. For more information about Charlotte, read our blog post about this amazing true story.
CAN CBD HELP WITH MY ANXIETY?
CBD may be able to help you relax and destress. Dr Chin found that it calms your nervous system and reminds it that it's safe. It relaxes the body and helps it to mellow out.
CAN CBD RELIEVE PAIN?
Dr Houman Danesh, director of integrative pain management for the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, found that CBD does help to relieve pain, but works best with THC. THC is the prohibited compound, so can only be sold in very small percentages, making this harder to get. He believes you must research CBD further to see which dosage is best.
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO TAKE CBD?
There are a variety of ways to take CBD, depending on what you want and why you are taking it in the first place. If you don't want to ingest it, you can use cream to rub on your skin.
The way you choose also depends on how fast you want it to work. Vaping it won't take long, while edibles and tinctures take longer, though tinctures do also last longer.
If you prefer to eat something, try an edible, like gummies or chocolate. You can also try adding drops of CBD Oil to your food.
IS CBD LEGAL?
The Legality of CBD depends on where you are located. Many countries allow you to use CBD as long as THC is kept in very small quantities since it has psychoactive effects.
You can go on a plane with CBD, but be wary that things like Tinctures and other CBD Liquids are only allowed in small quantities. Also, be aware that vaping on a plane is illegal.
CAN CBD WORK FOR DOGS TOO?
There are CBD oils that you can give to your pets to help them. Since they also suffer from things like anxiety and pain, CBD can really help them. Find out more here! CBD Oil For Dogs.
Now you should know everything you need to know about CBD!
