As more and more people are becoming aware of the health benefits of CBD, it's certainly become one of the most talked-about supplements in the market. But what is CBD exactly, and how does it work? In this article, we'll be breaking down these questions and more – exploring the various forms, pros & cons, and where to buy CBD. So if you've ever been curious about this natural supplement, read on to learn everything you need to know!
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What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. It's a naturally occurring substance that is often used in products like oils and edibles to impart a feeling of relaxation and calm. CBD can be derived from both marijuana and hemp plants, unlike its better-known counterpart THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce a “high” commonly associated with marijuana use.
Over the years CBD has been shown to offer a variety of health benefits, including relieving pain and anxiety, reducing inflammation, and improving sleep. Some people also use it to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC.
CBD is available in a variety of forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, vapes, and topicals. It can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin. CBD is also sometimes used as an ingredient in beauty products.
CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant and contains less than 0.3% THC. Hemp plants are a type of cannabis plant that contains very low levels of THC. CBD oil can be made from both hemp plants and marijuana plants, but it’s usually made from hemp because it has less THC.
The effects of CBD vary depending on the individual. Some people report feeling more relaxed or less anxious after taking CBD. Others find that it helps with pain relief or improves their sleep quality. There is still much research to be done on the potential health benefits of CBD, but it is considered to be safe for most people to use.
So how does CBD work? When taken orally, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate various functions such as mood, sleep, and appetite. The endocannabinoid system consists of receptors located throughout the body, including in the brain. When CBD binds to these receptors, it can help to modulate their activity and provide various health benefits.
You can purchase CBD products from many online retailers or brick-and-mortar stores. However, not all CBD products are created equal. It's important to do your research to ensure you're buying a high-quality product from a reputable source. When purchasing CBD oil, for example, make sure to look for an oil that is CO2-extracted and third-party tested. This will ensure that the oil contains what it claims to and that it hasn't been contaminated during processing.
Benefits of CBD
CBD products are becoming increasingly popular as more people learn about the potential health benefits of CBD. Some of the most common reasons people use CBD include reducing anxiety, relieving pain, improving sleep quality, and reducing inflammation. However, there is still much research to be done on the potential health benefits of CBD.
CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety by binding to the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor1 Study: Cannabidiol – Anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6319597/. This is the same receptor that anti-anxiety medications like Prozac work by binding to this receptor, CBD can help to increase levels of serotonin in the brain, which can in turn help to reduce anxiety levels.
CBD has also been shown to bind to the pain-relieving cannabinoid receptor known as CB22 Study: Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6277878/. Doing so, it can help to reduce inflammation and pain signals sent to the brain. In addition, CBD has also been shown to bind to adenosine receptors. These are involved in regulating sleep patterns. By binding to these receptors, CBD can help to promote wakefulness during the day and induce sleep at night.
CBD is believed to work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate things like mood, sleep, and appetite. Some studies have even shown that CBD can help treat more serious conditions like epilepsy and schizophrenia.
Like anything, people are either CBD believers 100% or the juries out. Before considering you should (1) speak with your doctors and (2) check your local laws, as it's legal in some countries and you can still go to jail or possession in other.
The downsides of CBD?
There are a few potential downsides to taking CBD.
- First, it is important to note that CBD is not FDA-approved. This means that the quality and safety of CBD products can vary greatly. This is why is very important if you do buy to ensure its from a reputable source.
- Secondly, some people may experience side effects when taking CBD, such as dry mouth, dizziness, or changes in appetite.
- Lastly, CBD can interact with certain medications. It is always best to speak with a doctor before taking any supplement, including CBD.
Is It Legal to Buy CBD?
Depending on where you live depends on whether CBD is legal as different rules apply. In most states, it is legal to buy CBD in the United States as long as it is derived from hemp. Hemp-derived CBD products are not considered illegal by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). However, CBD products derived from marijuana are still illegal under federal law.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHECK YOUR STATE LAWS TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION AS DIFFERENT CBD REGULATIONS APPLY.
For most states, the change took place in 2018, when the U.S. Congress passed and signed into law the Agriculture Improvement Act. This law removed hemp from the federal Controlled Substances Act, effectively legalizing CBD if it comes from hemp.
For other parts of the world, it's important you check local laws as it is different for every country.
Where can I buy CBD?
You can purchase CBD products from a variety of places, including dispensaries (if you live in a state where marijuana is legal), online retailers, and even some health food stores. Just make sure to do your research before buying anything to ensure that you're getting a quality product.
CBDistillery and Binoid are well known brands with a good reputation. You can also find the top 6 brands in the U.S. here.
Before making any recommendations, every brand is audited against our rating criteria (Specialization, Reputation, Composition, Product Source, Lab Testing, and Ingredients).
Reading Lab Reports
When you're shopping for CBD products, it's important to be able to read and understand lab reports. This guide will teach you how to do just that, so you can make sure you're getting the best possible product.
First, let's take a look at what information is typically included in a lab report. You'll see the name of the company that performed the testing, as well as the date that the testing was performed. The report will also include information on the type of CBD used in the product, as well as the concentration of CBD.
CBDistillery is very transparent in sharing its lab test results, for every product you can view the results.
See example lab test results for CBDistillery here.
Next, you'll see a section on what was actually tested. This includes things like purity and potency. Purity refers to how much CBD is in the product, while potency measures how strong the effects of the CBD are. It's important to note that not all products are created equal – some have more potent CBD than others.
Finally, you'll see the results of the testing itself. This includes things like whether or not there were any contaminants found in the product. If a product fails any of these tests, it's likely not worth your money.
Now that you know how to read lab reports, you can be sure you're getting a quality CBD product from a reputable company. Do your research and shop around until you find a product that meets your needs and budget – and always make sure to check those lab reports!
What is CBD – The Bottom Line
CBD is quickly becoming one of the most popular natural remedies available. With its long list of potential benefits, it’s no wonder why so many people are turning to CBD as a way to improve their health and wellbeing. While more research needs to be done, what we know today makes it a promising form of alternative medicine that could help with pain relief, anxiety management and even certain forms of epilepsy. We hope this article has given you an understanding of what CBD is and how it can work for you. Whether you choose to try out topical creams or oils, tinctures, edibles or vapes; there are plenty of ways for you to find the product that works best for your lifestyle and needs.
Tips for Buying CBD Products Online
If you're looking to buy CBD products online, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth transaction. Here are some tips for buying cannabis seeds online:
- Make sure the store you choose is reputable and has a good track record. There are a lot of scam artists out there, so do your research before handing over any money.
- Read the reviews of other customers before making a purchase. This can give you an idea of what to expect in terms of quality and service.
- Make sure you know the CBD laws for your state
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Sources and References
- 1Study: Cannabidiol – Anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6319597/
- 2Study: Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6277878/
