Since U.S. states start to legalize both medical and recreational cannabis, the market has enjoyed an influx of readily available CBD. While with all the publicity, many people are unsure of what CBD is, how it can help them, and if it’s even legal.
By now, you’ve probably heard someone mention CBD, especially if you live with a chronic condition like pain or anxiety.
If you’re going to try some CBD products but not sure where to begin, we put together this sweet ,handy guide to help you make clear CBD and its uses.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the Cannabid sativa plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another active compound and the most well-known, thanks to its psychoactive properties — it’s the one that gets you “high.”
When people talk about hemp oil, they’re referring to oil extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. There are no cannabinoids—CBD or THC—in hemp oil. This ingredient is packed with healthy fats and often appears in beauty products for its moisturizing benefits.
Benefits of CBD
1. Anxiety relief
CBD may be able to help you manage anxiety. Researchers thinkTrusted Source it may change the way your brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, a chemical linked to mental health. Receptors are tiny proteins attached to your cells that receive chemical messages and help your cells respond to different stimuli.
2. Anti-seizure
CBD has been in the news before, as a possible treatment for epilepsy. Research is still in its early days. Researchers are testing how much CBD is able to reduce the number of seizures in people with epilepsy, as well as how safe it is. The American Epilepsy Society states that cannabidiol research offers hope for seizure disorders, and that research is currently being conducted to better understand safe use.
3. Pain relief
The effects of CBD oil on your brain’s receptors may also help you manage pain. Studies have shown that cannabis can offer some benefits when taken after chemotherapy treatments. Other pre-clinical studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health are also looking at the role of cannabis in relieving symptoms caused by:
- arthritis
- chronic pain
- MS pain
- muscle pain
- spinal cord injuries
4. Anti-acne
The effects of CBD on receptors in the immune system may help reduce overall inflammation in the body. In turn, CBD oil may offer benefits for acne management. A human study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that the oil prevented activity in sebaceous glands. These glands are responsible for producing sebum, a natural oily substance that hydrates the skin. Too much sebum, however, can lead to acne.
How do I take CBD?
CBD is available in several forms. This allows people to tailor their method of use to their specific need. Here are the most common forms of CBD:
Oils and tinctures
These liquids, usually oils, are infused with CBD and placed under the tongue with a dropper. The oral mucosa is full of tiny capillaries that absorb the compounds quickly.
Oils and tinctures are a good choice for anyone who can’t take pills or capsules.
Creams and lotions
CBD-infused topicals are used to treat muscle and joint pain. They can also treat some skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis.
Capsules and pills
CBD capsules and pills are used for systemic treatment of seizure disorders and digestive issues. The Food and Drug AdministrationTrusted Source recently approved Epidiolex, the first high-potency CBD drug to treat seizure disorders.
There’s one drawback with capsule forms, though. The time from ingestion to onset of effect can take a while.
Edibles
Gummies are one of the most popular ways to take CBD. They’re affordable, portable, discrete, and tasty. There’s also no guesswork involved: You know exactly what dose you’re taking.
Vaping
Inhaling vaporized CBD oil, like e-cigs for CBD, is the fastest way to experience effects. Compounds are inhaled and absorbed directly from the lungs into the bloodstream.
The jury is still out, though, on whether vaping does damage to delicate lung tissue. Proceed with caution if you choose to vape CBD.
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