CBD is becoming hard to ignore. It’s a booming market that’s getting bigger by the week. And with more doctors and health professionals getting behind the movement, it’s becoming clear that CBD can serve a variety of purposes.
What is CBD?
According to Mayo Clinic, “CBD is a chemical found in marijuana. CBD doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that produces a high. The usual CBD formulation is oil, but CBD is also sold as an extract, a vaporized liquid and an oil-based capsule. Food, drinks and beauty products are among the many CBD-infused products available online.”
The power of CBD lies in its versatility. While the healthcare community is still learning so much about its powerful benefits, researchers and medical doctors already use it to treat epilepsy, anxiety, migraines, chronic pain, and a number of related issues.
4 Tips for CBD First-Timers
If you’re a first-time CBD user, you’re probably intimidated. With so many different options, forms, brands, and terms, you’re probably wondering where to start.
Here are a few helpful tips:
- Choose Your Type
There are multiple types of CBD. The kind you should choose depends on your objective. Here are the three most common:
- Broad spectrum CBD. Products with this formula contain a number of highly beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes, but have zero THC. This formula requires hemp plants to undergo significant processing that isolates and removes the THC, while still preserving the plant’s therapeutic properties.
- Full spectrum CBD. With a full spectrum blend, there can be up to 0.03 percent THC in the CBD product.
- Isolate CBD. This formula removes all of the beneficial cannabinoids except the CBD crystals. You won’t find any other vitamins, minerals, or terpenes inside.
Knowing the difference between these three types of CBD will help you navigate some of the confusing and circular terminology that’s used in this industry. Most first-time CBD users go with a broad spectrum or full spectrum product.
- Select a Form
Even within specific types of CBD, you’ll find a number of different products/forms. This includes common ones like:
- CBD oils. Also known as tinctures, oils are ingested using an oil dropper that you place under your tongue. (Another option is to use a sprayer that sprays the oil directly into the mouth).
- CBD capsules. Much like a pill or supplement, CBD capsules are swallowed. For optimal absorption, it’s recommended that you find a water-soluble formula.
- CBD topicals. These products come in lotions, creams, and sprays. They’re applied directly to the skin to provide localized relief in different areas of the body.
- CBD suppositories. While not as common as the other three options, CBD suppositories are one of the most effective options.
The form you choose will depend on a variety of factors, including your underlying symptoms, desired effect, dosage, timing, etc.
- Find the Right Dosage
As with any medication or supplement, getting the right dosage is important. Most of the clinical trials have studied dosages between 100 to 800 milligrams per day. However, before using any product, you should speak with your doctor to come up with a dosage plan that’s safe for you (based on your medical history, current medications, height and weight, etc.).
It’s a good idea to start with a small dose and work your way up to larger amounts over time.
- Give it Time
Don’t expect immediate results. While some CBD products can provide quick relief, it depends on the type, product, dosage, etc. In many cases, it can take days or weeks for the CBD to build up in your system. (It can also take time to find the correct dosage for your body.) Be patient and don’t give up prematurely. As long as you aren’t having negative side effects, you should take CBD for at least 30 days if it can help.
Putting it All Together
While CBD is becoming increasingly common, there’s still so much that most people don’t know. If you’re unfamiliar with CBD, don’t let it dissuade you from giving it a try. Do your research and consult with healthcare professionals to determine which options are right for you.
As long as you’re smart about the type, product, and dosage, CBD can help you accomplish your health goals.
