What is CBD?

Do you know the meaning of CBD? This brief guide addresses your concerns and dispels some common misunderstandings about CBD and its applications.

A lot of people are talking about CBD. Natural cure-alls for anything from chronic pain to anxiety, sleeplessness, and more may be found in CBD or cannabis-based products. In addition, the selection of items available to purchase appears to be expanding at a rapid pace. It's not uncommon to find CBD-infused items for your skin, hair, drink, pill, or even your pet. You've probably heard about CBD if you suffer from a long-term medical issue like chronic pain or anxiety. As more states in the United States seek to legalize marijuana for medical and recreational purposes, the CBD industry has seen a boom in supply. However, many individuals are still uncertain of what CBD is, how it may benefit them, and whether or not it is even legal.

CBD Explained

CBD is also referred to as cannabidiol. Cannabis sativa, the plant from which marijuana and hemp are derived, has a naturally occurring substance known as cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike marijuana, which contains a large amount of the psychotropic compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), hemp-derived CBD does not. Since CBD products are marketed as a means to experience the relaxing properties of marijuana without euphoria, they have become more popular. The CBD products developed from marijuana and CBD containing THC can potentially be more beneficial than hemp fiber. CBD products derived from industrial hemp can still aid folks who live in places where medicinal marijuana is not yet legal or where particular strains are inaccessible.

What is CBD Good for?

There haven't been a lot of CBD studies, but the outcomes so far are encouraging. As a potential treatment for diseases such as anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and schizophrenia, some research suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may be useful. If you have a physical problem, it may help. According to Philpott et al. (2017), studies on rats and human cells have shown that CBD oil may alleviate pain associated with arthritis, while CBD cream is an efficient anti-inflammatory. Similar research shows that CBD effectively treats juvenile epilepsy and other seizure-related conditions. More research is needed. However, there is some indication that CBD has anticancer capabilities and helps cope with cancer treatments' negative effects. The advantages of CBD as a therapy for mental and physical health disorders require more investigation.

How Do I Use CBD?

There are several ways to get CBD. In terms of how people utilize it, there is much room for interpretation. According to Working (2022), how much CBD you take depends on what you're trying to accomplish and why you're taking it. Topical CBD creams and ointments appeal to those who prefer not to take CBD orally. It's also safe to use on muscles, joints, and ligaments. Faster absorption rates and shorter half-lives are the most significant distinctions across tinctures, consumables, and vape pens. The effects of a vaporizer wear off in approximately two hours. A CBD vape pen, for example, can provide relief in as little as 10 minutes if you pull your back in the morning. It takes longer for tinctures and foods to take effect, but the effects endure for four to five hours. The effects of a tincture are felt within 30 minutes of taking it. A baked item, pill, gummy or other consumable is the preferred method of consumption if you want to experience the flavor of what you're taking.

How to Figure Out the Right Dosage

According to Skelley et al. (2020), getting the right dosage of CBD might be challenging. Everyone's body reacts differently to CBD. There isn't a standard dosage. We don't have enough clinical data to know how much CBD is safe to provide to people now; thus, additional study is needed. "Go low and slow" is the golden guideline of dosage. Begin with a modest dose and see how you react to it before increasing it if necessary. Some people can get by with just 10 or 20 milligrams of CBD, while others may require as much as 40 milligrams. A safe bet is to increase the dosage by 5 to 10 mg. Some experimentation is required before finding the best dosage for you. If your symptoms improve after taking a dose, you've found the proper one. Be aware that full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products may feel more powerful than isolates.

Is CBD Regulated?

According to Kolosov (2009), no government entity regulates or evaluates CBD products. The FDA hasn't authorized any CBD products other than the prescription epileptic medicine Epidiolex. Cosmetics, food, nutritional supplements, and pet goods are all included in this category. The FDA has not authorized CBD products that promise to prevent, treat or cure illnesses like cancer and Alzheimer's. It has warned businesses about the dangers of selling CBD products that make health claims to keep the public safe. It is noted that because of this lack of control, there is a lot of diversity in product quality. It's impossible to know if you're getting what the label promises. It's also a tricky area when it comes to dose. The FDA hasn't examined CBD products for optimal dose, so it's difficult to say how much CBD is safe to consume, whether as a pill, oil, or topical application.

Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

A drug test will not detect CBD, according to this explanation. However, it's not impossible. THC in your CBD product might lead to a positive drug test.

Conclusion

The sale of hemp and hemp products in the United States is now legal, thanks to legislation approved in 2018. Not all hemp-derived CBD products are, however, legal. CBD cannot be legally put in food or dietary supplements because it is an authorized prescription medicine. Only "cosmetic" items can contain CBD. While some CBD products on the market are branded as "dietary supplements," there are others that are not. In many cases, the amount of CBD in these products does not match what is indicated on the packaging.

References

Philpott, H. T., O'Brien, M., & McDougall, J. J. (2017). Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis. Pain, 158(12), 2442.

Skelley, J. W., Deas, C. M., Curren, Z., & Ennis, J. (2020). Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 60(1), 253-261.

Kolosov, C. A. (2009). Evaluating the public interest: Regulation of industrial hemp under the Controlled Substances Act. UCLA L. Rev., 57, 237.

Working, W. S. C. S. (2022). How Much CBD Should I Take the First Time?. Sign, 62.