You may have seen an increase in cannabidiol products in ads or on the shelves in your local stores. But what exactly are CBD products, and why are CBD-infused products increasing at such a rapid pace? First discovered in the early ’40s, CBD is among 113 cannabinoids identified in cannabis plants. Another commonly known cannabinoid of the 113 is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Though both are found in the cannabis plant, the two compounds are very different.
It is also important to acknowledge that there are identifiable differences between CBD, THC, and marijuana, as confusion sometimes concerns people just learning about the benefits of CBD. The benefits of CBD comprise its non-psychoactive qualities and its ability to react positively with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Learn more about CBD and discover why cannabidiol products are a growing conversation topic in many different circles.
Understanding CBD: Myths and Misconceptions
Two of the most misunderstood compounds in cannabis plants are CBD and THC. While they are both independent compounds of the same plant, they each have unique qualities different from one another. Further, each compound is different from the whole cannabis plant, which comprises several compounds of cannabinoids.
Even more importantly, marijuana is a type of cannabis plant, different from all the others. Because of these closely related terms, there are often conflated myths and misconceptions that plague the lesser potent CBD and THC, each helpful in its own right.
CBD is harvested by extracting the compound from the cannabis plant. A complex process of extraction is used to isolate the CBD cannabinoid. This process is through the means of a carbon dioxide isolation method that removes the plant matter from the desired oil. Another technique uses a less complex crushing method that includes all plant parts to get the oil.
As of right now, the only FDA-regulated CBD product is Epidiolex. Epidiolex and other medical iterations approved by the FDA are used to combat violent seizures. CBD and cannabis therapy is only currently regulated to treat the following medical conditions:
- Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
- Lennox Gastaut Syndrome
Understanding CBD: Partaking in Products
The ways that you choose to use CBD products have an impact on the effects you may experience. Your endocannabinoid system is a biological system that has complex workings within your body. The way that CBD affects your body is by way of the receptors of the endocannabinoid system.
When you first begin dosing with CBD, there is often a weight suggestion for the amount of product you should use. It is highly recommended to follow these guidelines for your general well-being. As you become more accustomed to how CBD affects your systems, you can opt for a higher dosage. If you begin by taking more than the suggested amount, you will only end up wasting valuable products.
CBD is non-psychoactive in its effects; this means that your perception or behavior controlled by your mental processes are not affected by CBD, as they would be with other drugs or alcohol that produces an altering effect. Thanks to its wide range of benefits and few drawbacks, CBD comes in a variety of applications.
Oils and Tinctures
CBD oil and tinctures rely on bioavailability for dosing absorption. Bioavailability is the most efficient and reliable dosing method because it enters the body more quickly through the bloodstream.
Tinctures are alcohol-based mixtures that ensure the CBD compound has a longer shelf life for those who only intermittently use the application. Tinctures are stored in a bottle with dropper dosage lids for easy sublingual. Alcohol provides a more comprehensive storage solution but is often so bitter that additional flavor enhancers may be included.
CBD oil can be applied in a few different ways. Topical CBD oil can be applied to the skin, and provided that the concentration is high enough, the CBD will absorb through the skin just as quickly. Another application is through a similar method as the tincture. Instead of using alcohol as the suspension fluid, a carrier oil like coconut or hemp oil will suspend the mixture. Finally, CBD oil can also be applied through oral sprays. Oral sprays can be spritzed for quick absorption if used under the tongue, just as tinctures and other oils.
Edibles
Edibles are a desirable form of CBD consumption thanks to their convenient packaging and discrete dosing potential. Edible lack a little of the potency that other modes of consumption do because, unlike with bioavailability, the CBD must first go through separate body systems before it enters your bloodstream and works to bind to receptors the way it should.
When you consume CBD edibles, you can expect the desired effect of the CBD product to take up to an hour to be noticeable, while it may take six to eight hours to be fully processed. CBD gummies are a popular vehicle for CBD since they mask the taste and are often taken for candy, making dosing discrete.
Be sure to keep your CBD gummies separate from any other candy in your house. Gummies can come in many different varieties, and the most popular gummies are sour varieties because they do the best job masking the more herbal and earthy flavors of cannabidiol. Popular choices include:
- Gummy worms
- Gummy bears
- Tart gummies
- Sour CBD gummies
CBD for Pets
Pets have the same endocannabinoid systems and the same endocannabinoid receptors that humans do. This similarity in structure also means that animals may benefit from the effects of CBD products just like their human counterparts. For many pet owners, the bioavailability method and using a dropper applicator is the most successful approach. For others, they can only gain access by mixing food or treats with CBD oil for consumption. Before changing your pet’s diet or supplementing with any additional products, consult with your veterinarian for additional support.
Understanding CBD: The Bottom Line
The more is researched and understood about CBD; the more good uses seem to come to light. From the FDA-approved seizure treatments to unregulated but colloquially accepted homeopathic care, people are singing the praises of CBD. You can find CBD products more readily these days, and there is truly a CBD-infused product out there to meet the needs of even the most hesitant people.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that CBD has yet to be fully regulated by the FDA, which means there can be significant discrepancies in quality. Be diligent in doing your research to work with a trusted company that ensures you will receive a well-researched and custom-created CBD product that does what it should. Blue Diamond Herbs provides excellent customer service along with quality CBD products to meet your needs.