CBD 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Cannabidiol

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. It has gained popularity in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits and is available in a variety of products, including oils, capsules, and topicals. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to CBD, including its potential benefits, how to use it, and its legal status.

Potential Benefits of CBD

While research on CBD is still in its early stages, there are some potential benefits that have been identified. Here are a few:

• Pain relief: CBD has been shown to have pain-relieving properties and may be effective in treating chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
• Anxiety and depression: CBD has been shown to have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects, making it a potential treatment for these conditions.
• Neuroprotective: Studies have shown that CBD may have neuroprotective effects, making it a potential treatment for conditions such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
• Anti-inflammatory: CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which could make it a potential treatment for conditions such as acne and psoriasis.

How to Use CBD

CBD is available in a variety of products, including oils, capsules, and topicals. Here are a few ways to use CBD:

• CBD Pre-Rolls: CBD pre-rolls are a mellow and calming form of ingesting CBD. It is considered a great alternative to cigarette, cigar, or nicotine smokers.
• CBD Tincture: CBD tincture oil is typically taken orally by placing a few drops under the tongue or mixing it with food or drink. It provides a fast, long-lasting effect as it absorbs directly into your bloodstream.
• CBD Capsules: CBD capsules are taken orally and are a convenient way to take a precise dose of CBD. This form may easily blend into your daily routine.
• CBD Topicals: CBD topicals are applied directly to the skin and are typically used for localized pain or inflammation. CBD can absorb directly into the skin when infused with a carrier oil and proves effective for easing muscle pain.
• CBD Edibles: CBD edibles are food items that are infused with CBD. The most popular edible item on the market are CBD gummies. They are typically potent and provide long-lasting effects.

Legal Status of CBD

The legal status of CBD varies by country and state. In the United States, CBD derived from hemp (containing less than 0.3% THC) is legal under federal law. However, CBD derived from marijuana (containing more than 0.3% THC) is still illegal under federal law, although some states have legalized it for medical or recreational use.

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with potential therapeutic benefits. While research is still in its early stages, there are some promising potential benefits associated with CBD. If you’re interested in trying CBD, be sure to speak with a healthcare professional first. Remember, while CBD is generally considered safe, it can possibly interact with other medications and may have side effects.

Sources: 

• Burstein, S. (2015). Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 23(7), 1377-1385.
• Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.
• Devinsky, O., Cross, J. H., Laux, L., Marsh, E., Miller, I., Nabbout, R., … & Wright, S. (2017). Trial of cannabidiol for drug-resistant seizures in the Dravet syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine, 376(21), 2011-2020.
• Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., McIlwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Westlund, K. N. (2016). Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European Journal of Pain, 20(6), 936-948.