Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a popular wellness product. It is one of the active compounds derived from cannabis. The other one is tetrahydrocannabinol, THC. This is the compound that gives you the high of consuming marijuana. CBD doesn’t give you a high but acts as a psychoactive. It can help you feel less pain, more mellow, and more comfortable. Some manufacturers do add THC to their CBD products. But CBD can also be derived from hemp.
Is CBD legal?
Many countries are legalising marijuana and hemp use. But use is also restricted in others. In Kenya, any use, growth, consumption, or possession of marijuana or hemp is illegal. Some states in the US also allow the use, while others have placed restrictions.
In Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and others, all cannabis products are legal. However, if you’re planning to travel with your cannabidiol, confirm the legalities. Countries like Thailand have the harshest anti-drug laws, but CBD oil is legal.
Types of CBD products
They are available in three forms.
1. Full-spectrum
This contains all components of cannabis, including THC. It also contains terpenes—which are responsible for how the plant smells. The products also contain flavonoids, which create an “entourage effect.” This increases the therapeutic effects of CBD products.
2. Broad-spectrum CBD
It has all cannabis components but no THC. The products undergo THC extraction, but they can still retrain traces.
3. CBD isolate
This is pure CBD without any other components. Also, this doesn’t have the entourage effect.
Popular CBD products
The main ways to consume CBD are through droplets under the tongue, orally via capsules, gummies, capsules or pills, vaping, and topical application.
1. Oils and tinctures
These are liquids infused with CBD. They are taken by putting droplets under the tongue. The effect act quicker when the oil is held under the tongue for longer. They are usually around 120ml. However, some people hate the taste.
Read also: Using CBD Oil For Wellness – What You Need To Know
2. Edibles
These CBD products don’t kick in as fast as oils. They include gummies, cookies, brownies, and other infused foods. These delay the kicking in of the cannabidiol effect. In addition, they are easy to dose and are discrete.
The lasting effect is why they are popular. Studies also show that they can help manage anxiety when taken in doses of 300-600mg. However, gummies can melt and stick together. They’re also usually only 5mg-25mg. Swallowing many gummies may have a placebo effect on insomnia and anxiety. It can also be cost-prohibitive to buy gummies to manage anxiety. You may wonder whether it’s worth it to invest in cannabidiol products when you only need 10mg of THC to manage anxiety. Although with the legal complication of marijuana, CBD products may be your best option.
There is no consensus on the bioavailability of CBD edibles. Research shows that it’s between 4% and 20%. When you consume a gummy containing 100mg of CBD, your body may only absorb 25mg. Comparatively, when THC is consumed, it’s metabolised by the liver into a more potent psychoactive.
It’s also important to consider that the edibles may not list all ingredients. Other manufacturers only spray CBD isolate on the gummies, which doesn’t stick. They can also infuse melatonin to regulate sleep cycles and l-theanine, an amino acid that can relax you without drowsiness. CBD gummies alone may not be the most effective solution when looking for pain relief.
CBD pills may be the most effective if you don’t want to get high. You may have to look for broad-spectrum rather than CBD-isolate products. They’re also very expensive for managing anxiety. Studies on the effectiveness of CBD edibles in managing pain and inflammation are inconclusive. The odds of disappointment are high.
3. Topicals
These are creams, lotions, patches, and ointments. They are applied to the skin. You apply them to an affected area. However, topicals are difficult to dose. They also come as bath bombs, essential oils, and massage oils.
4. CBD drinks
These are teas, waters, beers, or beverages infused with CBD. They also have the same bioavailability conundrum as gummies. A water bottle with 25mg of cannabidiol will not relieve anxiety or inflammation.
However, CBD-infused beer is more dangerous than misusing alcohol. Both alcohol and cannabinoids are processed in the liver. The side effects may not be extreme, but it’s not worth the risk. Traditionally, drinks are infused with adaptogens like ginseng to boost mood and energy levels. In addition, CBD is fat-soluble and doesn’t dissolve in water. It’s more likely to stick to the inside of a plastic bottle.
5. Vapes
A CBD vape pen contains vaping liquid infused with cannabidiol. It has just as high bioavailability as CBD oil. It can help with inflammation, anxiety, and conditions like nausea. The vape e-liquid makes it easier to customise vape flavours. Cartridges are also easily refillable. However, vaping poses health risks from exploding vape pens. Vaping liquid that contains nicotine can also pose an addiction risk.
The problem with CBD is that it’s a fairly new product on the market. The production has minimal regulation, and you could easily buy snake oil. It’s best to try small doses before investing in multiple CBD products.
Check out:
How To Use CBD Products To Improve Your Overall Health
7 Benefits Of CBD For Health, Hair And Skincare
The Health Benefits Of Cannabidiol (CBD Oil)
Reasons Behind The Growing Popularity Of HHC Gummies
