CBD has been getting a lot of buzz recently, with new potential health benefits being discovered all the time. It’s gotten so much attention that the FDA has even approved a CBD-based medication for treating some severe seizure disorders in kids. This medication, called Epidiolex, was released in 2018 and contains pure, pharmaceutical-grade CBD. It has really made a difference for many patients where other treatments have failed.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of the many compounds found in hemp and marijuana plants. Some of the benefits of CBD include pain relief, reduced anxiety and depression, better acne management, and anti-seizure effects. There’s also early evidence that it might help protect the heart and nervous system, combat cancer, and ease chemotherapy symptoms.
Unlike THC, which can cause a high, CBD oil has little to no THC, so it doesn’t lead to intoxication. Both CBD and THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which has two main receptors: CB1 and CB2. CBD primarily affects CB1 receptors in the nervous system and skin, and these receptors are not responsible for the high that THC causes. THC, on the other hand, activates CB2 receptors mostly found in the brain, leading to that high sensation.
CBD is usually extracted from hemp plants that are legally required to contain less than 0.3 percent THC, which is too low to cause intoxication. In comparison, marijuana plants can have THC levels around 12 percent. Hemp oil, which comes from hemp seeds, contains minimal CBD but is rich in healthy oils and fatty acids. It doesn’t have the same effects as CBD but can be beneficial for skin conditions, PMS, menopause symptoms, and as a moisturizer for skin and hair.
With that background in mind, let’s talk about choosing a good CBD product and how to dose it correctly. CBD comes in many forms, including topical products for skin use and flower buds that can be smoked, vaped, or added to foods and beauty products. The flower form needs to be heated to activate its cannabinoids.
CBD oils are quite popular and come in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum varieties. Full-spectrum oils contain all the original plant compounds, which work together to provide better benefits through what’s known as the entourage effect. Broad-spectrum oils are similar but have no THC.
CBD tinctures are concentrated liquids dissolved in alcohol and come in dropper bottles for easy dosing. They can be flavored with things like citrus, cinnamon, or vanilla. CBD can also be found in gummies and capsules, making it easy to know exactly how much you’re taking.
When shopping for CBD products, check the label for the method of extraction—CO2 extraction is a good sign of quality. Also, look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA), which shows that the product has been tested for purity and contaminants.
If you’re new to CBD, start with a low dose and increase gradually. The right dose depends on factors like body weight, sex, chemistry, and the condition you’re treating. Always consult your doctor before starting new treatments. A good starting dose might be in the 20 to 40-milligram range per day, divided into two or three doses to keep levels steady.
For dosing, check the product label. Gummies and capsules will have the CBD amount listed per piece. For liquids, the label might show CBD content per drop, ml, or for the whole bottle. For example, if a product has 100 mg per ml, and there are 20 drops in a ml, that’s 5 mg per drop. If a bottle has 200 mg of CBD in total and is 10 ml in volume, then each ml has 20 mg of CBD, and each drop has 1 mg.
Use the dropper’s markings to measure your dose accurately. With this guide, you can confidently start your journey with CBD and see if it benefits your health.