The cannabis industry is seeing significant growth, mainly because of changing attitudes towards the plant. For a long time, cannabis was heavily criticized by anti-drug campaigns, and laws made possession a serious crime. However, public opinion has shifted, and most Americans now support cannabis legalization. This change in attitudes has also transformed the industry.
Nowadays, you can find a growing number of legal dispensaries offering products like CBD oil and pre-loaded THC vapes. As more states legalize cannabis each year, the industry is expected to keep expanding. Some states are cautious, legalizing medical use before recreational use. For example, in West Virginia, you need a medical marijuana card to use cannabis legally.
Understanding CBD can be confusing. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It’s natural to be curious about what it is, what it does, and why it’s so popular. This article provides insight into CBD, how it differs from THC, its benefits, and how you can consume it.
First, let’s understand what CBD is. Many people mix up CBD and cannabis, sometimes even using the terms interchangeably. However, CBD is a specific cannabinoid from the cannabis plant, one of 113 discovered so far. It shares some genetic similarities with THC but differs significantly in its effects. CBD is widely used for alleviating anxiety, depression, and pain.
A common question is, “How is CBD different from THC?” Unlike THC, CBD does not have intoxicating properties, so it won’t get you high, although it is still psychoactive in a different way. CBD increases levels of anandamide in the body, which improves pain tolerance and mood by making the body more responsive to naturally occurring endocannabinoids. On the other hand, THC mimics anandamide and binds tightly to CB1 receptors, creating intense positive emotions.
People often wonder about the benefits of CBD. The medical industry has recently started recommending CBD for certain conditions, but the cannabis industry tends to overhype its benefits. While CBD is not a miracle drug, it offers some short-term advantages. For example, it can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that taking a specific amount of CBD before public speaking can reduce social anxiety. Additionally, CBD shows promise in treating chronic pain and reducing the frequency of seizures in two rare forms of epilepsy.
Finally, if you’re curious about how to consume CBD, you have various options depending on your preferences. For instance, using a vaporizer can be convenient if you need a quick dose to help you sleep or manage stress on the go. Alternatively, if you prefer to feel the effects throughout the day, CBD edibles might be a better choice. It’s also important to understand the potency of different methods to find what works best for you.