If you have been living with chronic pain or anxiety, you’ve likely heard about CBD. US states have started legalizing medical and recreational cannabis, and this brought numerous CBD products to the market. Many people have yet to understand the full potential of CBD, and this article aims to provide a clearer understanding of CBD, CBD products, and their benefits.
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of the active compounds that can be seen in a cannabis plant. Another active compound of cannabis is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol which is popular for its psychoactive effects or for giving its users the “high.” CBD is not psychoactive, but it provides the same benefits as THC. This enables you to experience the therapeutic benefits without the sensation of being stoned which is caused by THC.
CBD products that are derived from marijuana or CBD products that contain THC may be more effective compared to those that are fiber hemp-based. However, if your area has not legalized medical marijuana or such strains are not available, you may still use CBD products that are industrial hemp-derived. When it comes to using CBD oil, it’s best to check the laws of your state or country.
There are limited studies conducted on CBD, but the results of the current studies are promising. Some of these studies show the potential of CBD for the relief of several mental health conditions such as addiction, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety disorders.
It may also be effective for physical conditions based on animal studies. Based on a study conducted on rats, CBD oil has the potential to treat pain caused by arthritis while a study on human cells revealed CBD cream as an effective anti-inflammatory.
One other consideration for CBD is the type of product to use. Some people prefer a particular type of CBD product depending on how and when they intend to use it. The following are the CBD products available in the market:
Oils and Tinctures
CBD oils and tinctures usually contain glycerin, alcohol, or oil. People can consume these on their own through the use of a dropper or by adding them to foods and drinks themselves. You can choose from different flavors and strengths of CBD tinctures and oils.
Vaporizers
If you want to ensure quick relief, vaporizers are the best to use. These deliver CBD extracts by way of inhalation. However, vaping comes with risks, which include lung damage. There are also sublingual that can be placed under the tongue. These may offer quick action minus the risk of lung injury.
Edibles
Edibles contain the extracts but they are in food form. CBD edibles can be in the form of food products or drinks like tea or chocolate. Another popular food form is CBD gummies. They also have various strengths and flavors.
Creams and Lotions
CBD may also be enjoyed in the form of topical creams, oils, and lotions. Some users report experiencing the immediate effects, while others may only sense the effects after several hours.
The best thing to do is to try various product types to find out which provides the quickest and most appropriate effects.
