The cannabis industry is really taking off, thanks to changing attitudes about cannabis. For a long time, anti-drug campaigns and strict laws painted it in a bad light and treated possession as a serious crime.
But now, public opinion has shifted. Most Americans are in favor of legalizing cannabis, and this shift has helped the industry grow. Nowadays, you’ll find more and more legal dispensaries offering a variety of products, from CBD oil to pre-loaded THC vapes. And with more states legalizing cannabis every year, the industry is only expected to keep expanding.
Some states are taking a step-by-step approach, starting with medical marijuana before moving on to recreational use. For example, in West Virginia, you can use marijuana legally if you get a medical marijuana card first.
If you’re like most people, you might not really get what CBD is, what it does, or why it’s become so popular. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. If you’re curious about trying CBD or want to know the different ways to consume it, this article is for you. Read on to learn what CBD is, how it differs from THC, its benefits, and how you can use it.
To understand why CBD has gained so much popularity, it’s important to know what it is. Many people mistake CBD for THC or use the terms interchangeably because they both come from the cannabis plant. However, CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most active cannabinoid in cannabis out of the 113 discovered.
While CBD and THC may look similar in terms of their genetic makeup, they have different effects. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t get you high. It’s still psychoactive, but not in the same way as THC.
CBD boosts the levels of anandamide in the body, which helps improve pain tolerance and mood by making the body more responsive to its natural endocannabinoids. THC, on the other hand, mimics anandamide and binds tightly to the CB1 receptors, leading to a stronger, more positive emotional response.
Many people also wonder about the benefits of CBD. Recently, the medical field has begun recommending CBD for certain conditions. It’s worth noting that while CBD offers several benefits, it isn’t a miracle cure. It’s been helpful in treating symptoms related to anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that people who take a specific amount of CBD before public speaking exhibit fewer signs of social anxiety.
Beyond that, CBD has shown promise in treating chronic pain and is used in medications to prevent and reduce the frequency of seizures caused by two rare forms of epilepsy.
For those new to CBD or thinking about trying it, the next question often is, “How can it be consumed?” You’ll be glad to know that there are many ways to take CBD, depending on your preferences. If you need a quick dose on the go or something to help you sleep, a vaporizer might be right for you. If you want to experience CBD’s anxiety-reducing benefits throughout the day, edibles could be a good option. Just be sure to check the potency of each method to find what works best for you.
