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Welcome to the World of CBD!
The interest surrounding the CBD industry is growing. Now more than ever, it is common to meet someone who can tell you the benefits of CBD. Most people have a story or two about themselves or someone else using CBD to benefit their health. Whether or not you’re looking for the best cbd oil to use or you’re just curious, this guide can help.
Though excitement is growing, much is still not widely known about cannabidiol. There is alot of science…but also a lot of hype. Naturally, questions remain. A plant that for many years was considered taboo is now readily available. This is due to oil within the plant that can benefit your body.
Even with the growth of the industry, it is hard to find trusted answers to your questions. In this article, we want to pull back the veil of mystery surrounding the world of cannabinoids. As a consumer, you want information on a product that can be trusted. We are here to provide you with those answers.
Please note: The article will not advise you on the medical uses of CBD. The sale of CBD advertising cures or treatment of health issues is illegal. Seeing a licensed doctor for proper medical care is not to be substituted or delayed by the use of CBD. In this article, we evaluate CBD but we do not or endorse its use or promote products made by KANIBI.
Short Answers for Common Questions
Here, we give you the first glance at questions we will later look at with more depth. These questions only scratch the surface when it comes to the world of CBD. For beginners, this is a good place to start (in addition to our CBD FAQ).
- CBD? What is it? CBD is a common compound extracted from the cannabis plant. The substance extracted is non-psychedelic. THC is the other most common compound in cannabis plants and it is highly psychedelic (thus giving you the “high” feeling).
- What does it do? Promotes balance through interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
- Why use CBD? Mood, exercise markers, and the regulation of sleep patterns are thought to be the result of a system of well-balanced endocannabinoids.
- Is it safe? It is important to check your medication. Those that warn about interactions with grapefruits should not be taken with CBD. Otherwise, yes. CBD is generally safe for the average person.
- So what dosage do I take? Like anything else, the dosage is specific to the person. As CBD works with your endocannabinoid production, you should figure out the smallest dose you can take that will work.
So What Exactly is CBD?
To answer this question, we look at the whole picture. We will go from plant to the stage where it is purified.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is only one of many cannabinoids produced by a plant known as cannabis. Though CBD is a cannabinoid, there are over one hundred others that exist. The cannabinoid that jumps to the minds of most is THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is marijuana’s active ingredient.
THC can commonly be used as a relief mechanism for some people and conditions but because it’s psychedelic, it produces the “high” feeling. CBD can provide the same relief to some without disorientation or the high. The THC that is found in marijuana is not the same as CBD. While they are similar on a molecular level, they vary on a chemical one.
CBD vs THC
- THC and CBD cannot be considered food for your body. Neurotransmission is simulated through the cannabinoid’s reaction with the receptors in our bodies.
- CBD remains non-psychedelic while THC enhances psychoactive processes.
- While their atomic makeup consists of 2 oxygen atoms, 21 carbons atoms, and 30 hydrogen atoms, their arrangement is different. The forming molecules, while having the same atoms, are unique in their behavior.
- Most cannabidiol supplements contain little to no THC. This is less than 0.03% of the product. In addition to CBD, there may be other types of cannabinoids present.
Hemp Oil and Hemp Seed Oil
These should not be confused with CBD. Products containing CBD should have a clear label stating as such. There are hemp products that don’t label the contents of cannabidiol, meaning amounts are likely insignificant.
Hemp oil and hemp seed oil products may be labeled similarly though they are made from the stalk and seed of hemp. Neither of these contains CBD. There is no CBD to be found in hemp seed oil products.
Different Types of CBD Oils
- Full-spectrum: CBD is extracted not from the seeds but rather, the flowers and leaves of hemp. Amounts of all other cannabinoids, including THC, can be found in what is considered to be the rawest form of CBD available.
- Broad-spectrum: THC has been removed though other cannabinoids remain.
- Isolate: Other cannabinoids have been removed and only CBD remains. This is the form in which CBD is the purest though it is more commonly used in food and supplements as a powder.
- Nano: CBD molecules can be damaged as bigger clumps are broken down into smaller ones. The saturation ability of the target is increased.
- Hemp oil and hemp seed oil: No CBD is to be found but these are the most prominent cannabis products, able to be found in a variety of places. Though the CBD is lacking, hemp oil still has benefits of its own though it will not live up to expectations of CBD.
The Uses of CBD
At this point there is a large body of research showing that CBD can be a very effective all natural treatment for everything from deeper sleep, treating pain, anxiety or even just clearer skin. CBD use has become popular among athletes seeking an all natural way to treat muscle pain (via topical creams or muscle gels) or for people that have arthritis and use it to treat inflammation. There have even been people who have claimed CBD is an effective treatment for some kinds of seizures. The common element among it’s popularity is the fact that CBD is entirely natural and organic.
The Science Behind CBD
CBD works by bonding to the pain receptors in your body’s cells, thus increasing the availability of Anandamide. This is the same chemical your body naturally produces when you feel a “runner’s high.”
This is very different than THC which is a psychedelic and actually makes you “high”. THC binds to the CB-1 receptors in your brain thus directly producing a “mind-altering” state. CBD is a different molecule which binds to the CB-2 receptors. These receptors are only found in your body’s cell tissues (and not in your brain) thus CBD cannot produce a “high” like THC….but it can produce a calming effect on your body.
Endocannabinoid
While leaps and bounds are being made in the scientific community, scientists are still unsure of what happens to the endocannabinoid system when it is not balanced. Cannabidiol and your endocannabinoid system can work together. Your body is capable of making cannabinoids that participate in regulating a system.
Opioidergic
This system relates to your pain sensitivity. Cannabidiol interacts with the opioidergic system though to a lesser-known extent. Research is still ongoing on what exactly happens when cannabidiol reacts with the opioidergic system. Scientists are interested in the comparison between CBD and traditional pain management techniques through all phases of the treatment process.
CBD and Ethics
Companies are not allowed the sale of CBD if it is advertised to treat medical conditions. The FDA has imposed this rule upon companies, despite the bright outlook of evidence. The rule is put in place to protect consumers from a lack of educated and proper health care.
CBD use is good for commonplace conditions such as:
- a better connection with your sense of self
- establishing focus and a sense of clarity and calm
- after exercise as support for recovery
- better sleep
- joint & muscle pain
- arthritis
When an illness or condition of a more serious nature presents itself, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Consuming CBD
The variety of forms CBD is available in is endless. In this article, we give you insight into the different kinds and the proper way to use them.
Tincture and Oil Drops
The most popular way to purchase cannabidiol is in oil form The oil form has a standard CBD extract in the tincture. To use this form you must:
- Distributing the contents evenly is important. Shake your bottle before use.
- Use the dropper and fill it to your dosage
- Place the oil under your tongue and hold it there for a moment, allowing the contents to absorb. You can also put the oil in drinks, food, or any other medium.
Gummies and Edibles
Another extremely popular form of CBD are CBD Gummies and edibles are easy to use and easy to carry (although be careful of melting). For a deep-dive on CBD Gummies read our review here.
To use the edibles all you have to do is eat as needed until reaching the dosage of CBD you desire. You should use the label on the product as a guide for how much to take.
Creams and Gels
Applying CBD to the skin is often done with the use of a cream. These sports creams contain CBD and are used by applying to clean and dry skin where needed. You shouldn’t apply the product to any damaged skin. After applying the gel, massage into your skin. You can reapply the product as needed.
Smoking and Vaping
This is one method of using CBD that we don’t endorse or promote. The reason has nothing to do with CBD but rather all the contaminants that show up in converting CBD into a liquid to be smoked or vaped. You’re MUCH better off finding one of the numerous other ways to consume CBD. After all – it’s all natural to begin with so why add carcinogens to it?
Is CBD Safe?
There is alot of research showing CBD to generally be a safe, all natural, supplement for a variety of uses. Some clinical trials have shown some adverse affects when measured against a placebo such as:
- Negative effects when combined with alcohol, acetaminophen, antipsychotics, and antifungals
- Potential for Decreased Appetite
- Negative effects when combined with some chemo-therapy drugs
- Diarrhea
The above information was taken from a study on the potential adverse events related to medical and consumer use of cannabidiol. Any medication with a warning for grapefruit should not be used in conjunction with CBD. As with anything else, take into account more than one opinion and speak to a trusted medical professional.
Final Thoughts on CBD
Research is still ongoing in the uses of CBD. Marketing and encouraging cannabidiol as a replacement for proper diagnosis and the treatment of a medical issue is not recommended. Throughout your daily life, there are benefits of CBD to be considered. CBD can bring clarity and focus to yourself and the world around you. When coming to conclusions about the use, it is important to reference sources of knowledge as well as trusted medical opinions.
The field of study surrounding CBD and its use is rapidly growing. Medical advice regarding the use of CBD is still not fully able to be recommended as there is no definitive evidence on medical usage. Despite this, many still use cannabidiol as an all-natural alternative to other substances…and the numbers continue to grow. Cannabidiol is being researched through multiple aspects of life as scientists search for answers.
CBD, though easy to use in multiple forms, should be used with caution when in conjunction with prescription drugs. Though an average and healthy adult may not experience adverse effects, it is important to consult your doctor beforehand and decide is CBD is right for you.
Though we are unable to recommend the best way on how you should enjoy CBD, our goal is to review the highest quality providers in the space.
