A Beginnerâs Guide to Get Started with CBD
By now, you must have come across the term âCBDâ, especially if you are suffering from a chronic condition like, anxiety or pain.
As the states in the USA begin to legalize both recreational and medical cannabis, the market has enjoyed an inrush of readily available CBD. Even though there is a lot of publicity around CBD and CBD products, many people still have a lot of questions about CBD regarding its use, if it is legal and so on.
If you wish to get started with CBD, but not sure, CBDzoid.com has put together this handy, quick guide to answer your questions and clear the common misconceptions surrounding CBD and its uses.
What Does CBD Mean?
CBD or cannabidiol and THC or tetrahydrocannabinol are 2 of the active compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. THCâs psychoactive properties are well-known and this is what gets people âhighâ. CBD, on the other hand, is not psychotropic, but provides medical benefits. CBD can be used to achieve therapeutic effects without that stoned feeling.
CBD, also known as marijuana, is a naturally-occurring substance and used in products like, edibles and oils. When ingested, CBD imparts a feeling of complete relaxation.
CBD Types by Consumption Methods
CBD is made available in varied forms. You can tailor your method of CBD use as per your specific need. People who are against ingesting anything prefer an ointment or topical CBD cream. Those who like to taste something, choose edibles in the form of gummy, capsule or baked goods.
The biggest differences between edibles, tinctures and vape pens are how long the effects last and the speed of delivery. Edibles and tinctures take longer to work, but the effects last for about 4 to 5 hours. Vape relief is much faster, but wears off quickly â usually in about 2 hours. For an in-depth idea of CBD products by their delivery methods, take a look below.
CBD Oil
CBD oil refers to phytocannabinoid-rich oils that have been extracted from hemp. After the extraction, the CBD oil is refined and used in the creation of a wide variety of products including tinctures, capsules, balms, edibles, vape oil cartridges, beverages, gel caps, topicals and so on.
The term CBD oil is often interchangeably used to describe tinctures, which is one of the most common CBD products. But, there is a slight difference between the two. While CBD oil is made by infusing marijuana or cannabis in a carrier oil, a tincture is made by soaking cannabis in water and alcohol.
CBD oil is believed to be the purest form of CBD and there are commonly four ways to take CBD oil:
- You can apply it to your skin topically;
- Inhale it by vaping or smoking it;
- Ingesting it by pouring a few drops of CBD oil on beverages, edibles and so on;
- Taking it under the tongue, which is also known as sublingual.
The dosage of CBD oil is tough to say because it depends on why you are taking it, the strength of the CBD oil and your weight. Some might get relief with 5mg twice a day while there might be others needing 100mg 4 times a day or maybe higher. CBD oil offers therapeutic benefits and used by a lot of people to ease symptoms of various conditions like, epilepsy and anxiety.
We have reviewed various CBD oils manufactured by different brands to help you find the best CBD oils for your need. You can go through our CBD oil Bing review guides to make a decision.
Gummies
CBD gummies are edible candies containing CBD oil. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, flavors and concentrations of CBD. Edible gummies provide a discrete and simple way to ingest CBD, and creative marketing campaigns by several manufacturers have made their popularity soar among both non-users and long-standing CBD users.
But, there are so many CBD gummies in the market that it can be tough to decide which brand to choose. Moreover, not all of them are approved by the FDA and they vary in their purity and strengths. So, thereâs no guarantee that you are actually getting what you think youâre getting. To find the best CBD gummies, we would suggest you go through our reviews as we delve deep to find out the strengths and CBD concentrations, their effects and other ingredients mixed with gummies. For instance, CBD gummies come with spirulina and turmeric, vitamins D-3 and B-12 and more. Youâll also find vegan and gluten-free CBD gummies.
It is important to note here that CBD gummies are not consumed to get stoned. They do not come with psychoactive properties. But, they can help relieve anxiety, pain and insomnia.
Edibles
CBD edibles are products that you can eat. Traditionally, âedibleâ was a word associated with something that has marijuana. Space cakes or pot brownies are the first things to come to mind when someone says edibles. But, CBD edibles are different. They do not cause a high, but helps with anxiety, sleep and even inflammation. It takes about 30 minutes for the effect of these to kick in. Some of the CBD edible products available in the market are CBD gummies and capsules, chocolates, shots, cake pops and more. All of these products are infused with top-quality hemp oil and are available in various strengths, flavors and formulations. Our Bing reviews on CBD edibles will give you a much clearer idea of the different options available to you.
Capsules & Softgels
CBD capsules are also called softgels and this is an odorless and tasteless CBD option. This is great for those who are not too fond of the taste of CBD oil. CBD capsules are round or oval-shaped pills and are easy to swallow. Capsules and softgels are the easiest way to take CBD and experience its relaxation benefits. There are more than one brand offering these in the market and make sure to read the label before buying.
Vapes & Liquids
For a majority of smokers, vaping CBD is the most convenient and affordable option. Vaping pens are available for those who are into smoking e-cigarettes. These pens have to be filled with CBD vaping juice, also known as e-liquids. People suffering from asthma or chronic pulmonary diseases benefit the most from vaping CBD. This delivery system is capable of supplying CBD directly to the lungs and it results in quick clinical effect. Compared to other consumption methods, vaping CBD is generally done in small doses.
There are multiple providers of pens for vaping CBD and when you make your choice, ensure that youâre buying from a reliable source. Our reviews of different vape pens and CBD vape juice will help you make an informed decision.
CBD Syrup
CBD-infused syrups is a relatively new addition to the line-up of CBD products. This type of formulation combines CBD with a sweetened syrup mixture, along with other health supplements and ingredients. These syrups are supposed to be tasty, pleasant and easy to consume. You can take these syrups on their own or add it to other drinks. You can check out our Bing reviews and find recommendations for the best CBD syrup based on hemp source, their potency and such other factors.
Vape Cartridge
Cartridges are one of the most convenient options for those who choose to vape CBD. A CBD cartridge is a cylindrical tank that is filled with CBD vape liquid or juice. CBD cartridges are of two types â refillable and pre-filled cartridges. They are available in a range of flavors and can be flavored with terpenes, fruit extracts or have a strong flavor of hemp extract. Typically, cartridges have a volume of 0.5 ml or 1 ml. You can attach it to any vape device like, a large vaporizer or a vape pen. Some vape cartridges come in specialized forms like the JUUL vape pods. These only work with JUUL vaporizers.
Creams & Topical
CBD topicals refer to creams, lotions, salves and transdermal patches that are infused with CBD and are applied on the skin. CBD creams and other topicals offer relief on the surface of the skin or it can heal problems in the muscle tissues. When CBD is topically applied, its permeability increases 10 times than THC and it is able to penetrate deep inside the skin. The potential benefits of CBD topicals are reducing inflammation and pain, helping to heal wounds, soothing skin problems and so on. Take a look at our CBD creams and topical reviews to know our picks for the best CBD topicals.
Bath Bombs & Salts
CBD-infused bath products like, CBD bath bombs and salts offer unrivaled relaxation. These bath products are a great way to absorb CBD into your body. Bath bombs are a unique combination of baking soda, Epsom salts, essential oils, citric acid and a dash of coloring. Infused with CBD, these bath bombs offer skin nourishment and takes it to another level. CBD bath bombs and salts are capable of giving you a spa-like experience in your own bathtub.
CBD Drinks
Drinks containing CBD will not get you stoned or high, but it will help to alleviate stress, anxiety and pain. You will be able to sleep better and complain less about your acne or join pain. When it comes to CBD drinks, there are so many options to choose from. The market is flooded with CBD water, tea, soda, coffee, wine, beer, kombucha and a wide variety of ready-to-drink cocktails and other types of cold and hot beverages. You just have to take your pick.
CBD for Dogs and Cats
CBD is found to exert profound balancing and healing effects on all mammals, especially dogs and cats. CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system to help the body rebalance. Pet-owners can use CBD for a broad range of medical and behavioral issues including anxieties, pain, arthritis, digestive and neurological disorders, seizures, social withdrawal, past traumas, irritable mood and so on. If your dog or cat is recovering from a surgery or illness, CBD can help stimulate appetite and increase the speed of healing. Furthermore, when your pet is at the end of its life, CBD can help minimize the anxiety and pain that your furry friend might be experiencing.
CBD products for dogs and cats are manufactured to promote a feeling of complete relaxation for your pets, especially if your pet struggles with loud noises or gets stressed with guests. The dosage that you need to administer will depend on the size and age of your dog or cat. The reason why CBD works for animals is because they have the same set of receptors as humans do. However, while administering CBD to your beloved pet, make sure to be careful with the measurement as you wouldnât want to over-relax your pet.
CBD products for cats and dogs include CBD oils for dogs, tinctures, topicals, edibles (dog and cat treats) and so on. A full list of CBD products for pets, along with our recommendation can be found on the Bing review.
Health Benefits of CBD
Pain Support
For thousands of years, people have used CBD to manage chronic pain. CBD is known for not just pain management, but also for reducing discomfort. CBD oil can give people the best alternative to popping pills. As this is a natural ingredient, there are no side-effects and also, CBD does not make one high. You can ingest CBD gummies for pain relief or use lotion, creams and other CBD topicals. The CBD product that you choose would depend on the level of your pain and your preference.
Anxiety
CBD is known to help people deal with a wide range of anxieties. Whether it is post-traumatic stress disorder or social anxiety disorder, CBD can help to calm your nerves. You will find gummies, edibles, CBD oils and CBD vapes to help you deal with your anxieties. If you do want to try CBD instead of traditional medication, you can talk to your doctor. Your healthcare practitioner will be able to help you out with the starting dosage that is right for your specific need.
Sleep Support
Do you have insomnia? Whether your insomnia is caused by external factors or there are other related conditions that you are suffering from, CBD might be able to help you. Since CBD is known for its therapeutic and relaxation benefits, it can help treat your sleeplessness. Even though studies related to CBD are still in its infancy, there are studies suggesting that CBD is great when it comes to dealing with anxieties. By eating CBD gummies or sublingually ingesting CBD oil, you might be able to improve your sleep patterns. The dosage needed for you to get a good nightâs sleep can be decided by your doctor. But, it is always recommended to start with a small dosage and see its effects. For more in-depth detail, you can take a look at our guide that we have prepared to give information regarding CBD and how it helps with insomnia.
Migraines & Headaches
Studies and researches have shown that CBD is capable of helping with migraines and headaches. Cannabis has been used for over a century to treat headaches and researches say that substances present in cannabis contain therapeutic benefits. CBD oil is a great option for pain relief. You can massage the oil onto your head or consume it by pouring a few drops under your tongue. But, if you do not like the raw, earthy flavor of the CBD extract, you can check out other CBD products like, edibles and gummies or topicals. CBD edibles come in varied flavors and you might find one that appeals to your taste buds.
Inflammation
CBD oil, gummies and creams are popular for reducing inflammation as CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is something that not only people with arthritis suffer from, but a lot of people. This is because the bodyâs inflammation response is triggered by pollution, stress and several other environmental factors. Even though chronic inflammation is not always easy to sense, the struggle is real. If you are suffering from chronic inflammation and do not want to be dependent on popping pills, you can consider CBD for inflammation. Whether you choose CBD topicals, oils or edibles, it would depend on how fast you want the effects to kick in.
Arthritis & Joint Support
Researches and studies have found that CBD is capable of helping people with arthritis manage their pain. When you apply CBD topicals and creams for arthritis and joint pain, you may experience a sudden drop in signs of pain and inflammation. CBD helps in calming your nerves, making you feel relaxed and improving your overall well-being. CBD attaches itself to specialized receptors that are found in an individualâs immune system and brain. The CB2 receptor is one of those receptors and plays a vital role in the immune system when it comes to managing inflammation and pain. When CBD enters the body, it attaches itself to this receptor and reduces pain.
Kindly check your stateâs law before purchasing and using CBD products.