CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound in hemp and cannabis plants that is making big waves among health and wellness-minded individuals.
CBD interacts with our body on a molecular level. There is a system of microscopic cannabinoid receptors inside of every person and animal, this is known as The Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The Endocannabinoid System is one of the most recent biological discoveries to completely revolutionize our understanding of the human body. The system is a collection of microscopic cannabinoid receptors spread throughout our peripheral and central nervous systems which interacts with cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), as well as the endogenous cannabinoids that are produced by our own bodies. These receptors bind with cannabinoids once they enter the bloodstream and can elicit various effects — THC can famously get you “high,” for example, whereas CBD is non-intoxicating and has instead been popularized for its more subtle effects.
What does it do?
In the case of CBD, much has yet to be learned about its effects. Many people advocate for CBD product use as a key part of their daily routine to maintain a sense of equilibrium and to support healthy function of body and mind.
However, we must also note that the FDA has not reinforced these claims so far, and the federal prohibition of cannabis makes further cannabinoid research nearly impossible (even using hemp, which was re-legalized in 2018).
Are there any side-effects?
CBD has minimal direct side-effects, the most commonly reported of which include:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Low blood pressure
- Light-headedness
This compound, however, can pose a significant health risk when combined with certain prescription medications or other drugs, like alcohol. Always check with your doctor before experimenting with CBD, especially if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Delivery methods
If you’re interested in trying CBD, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the cannabinoid’s various delivery methods. The most common CBD products are usually an extract or oil, sometimes in tincture form. Tinctures are the one of the most popular methods as they are taken sublingually and are absorbed faster, also by using a dropper, you can create a serving that is more accurately tailored to you. There are also CBD tablets and lozenges or, edibles like a CBD chocolate bar and CBD gummies, if oral consumption is out of the question, CBD topicals, salves, transdermal patches, and even suppositories are growing in popularity.
For a helpful list of CBD terms read more here. You can check also out Lazarus Naturals’ offerings for more info about the best and safest ways to consume CBD.