Because CBD is extracted from hemp, a type of cannabis plant, many people have numerous questions about the substance. Increasing one’s CBD knowledge to understand the basics of what it can do and how to ingest it is important before giving it a try, so let’s get into some CBD FAQs.
What Does CBD Stand for?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is a compound that occurs naturally in plants from the Cannabis genus. Unlike THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not produce a high feeling. CBD products are currently federally legal, although each state has its own set of rules and regulations regarding CBD.
What Are the Benefits of CBD?
CBD has a wide range of benefits, for both physical and mental health. Mentally speaking, CBD has been shown to have some positive effects on symptoms from anxiety and depression. It is currently thought that CBD positively affects serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, and low levels of it are linked with anxiety and/or depression.
CBD may also help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, which can provide mental and physical health benefits. Some people benefit greatly from taking CBD 45 minutes to one hour before bedtime to help them relax and unwind. Some CBD products are also infused with melatonin, a natural hormone that can also help induce sleep.
Some people have also found CBD immensely helpful for reducing their chronic pain. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, allowing it to reduce inflammation that can lead to pain and swelling in joints. People with arthritis often report improvements in their pain after taking CBD.
These are just a few of the many possible benefits CBD can have on one’s life.
Does CBD Have Side Effects?
Currently, there do not appear to be any major side effects of taking CBD. Some rare and minor side effects including nausea, digestive issues, and appetite changes have been reported, but it is thought that some of these issues arise from other components of a CBD product, not necessarily from the CBD itself.
Either way, it’s best to start taking CBD in small doses to see how it affects you. You can always take a bit more for a stronger effect later, but it’s always better to start small and build up your dosage over time.
How Long Does it Take for CBD to Take Effect?
Some methods of CBD ingestion take as little as a few minutes to provide noticeable effects, while others can take one to two hours or more.
Vaping CBD oil is the fastest way to feel the effects of CBD, but this method also has a shorter duration of noticeable effects. As a result, a person may have to vape CBD every 30 minutes to an hour to keep up the effects throughout the day. This method is helpful for a person taking CBD for anxiety, especially if it helps them when they feel a panic attack coming on.
Other methods, like edibles, capsules, or tinctures tend to take a bit longer to take effect. Tinctures that are placed under the tongue work more slowly than vaping, but this method is still a bit faster than edibles and capsules.
Edibles and capsules have to be broken down and absorbed in the small intestine, which tends to take at least one to two hours. Although it’s not quick to take effect, taking CBD orally usually allows its effects to last longer.
Where Should I Buy CBD?
Because CBD is still largely unregulated, it’s important to purchase CBD from a trusted retailer. Look for CBD products that are third-party tested, meaning an outside agency has investigated the product and determined that the product contains what the label says it does.
Bad actors, or those who sell counterfeit CBD products, may add chemicals and compounds to thin out the CBD to make it less effective and more profitable. These chemicals may also be inherently dangerous or become dangerous when heated for vaping.
Stick to CBD brands that use strict quality measures, and don’t be afraid to ask questions when shopping for CBD products.
In Conclusion
The world of CBD can be confusing and overwhelming, but it’s definitely not as scary or intimidating once you learn a bit about what it is and the effects it can have.
