CBD 101: What You Need to Know
December 4, 2019Since the passage of the 2014 Farm Bill, CBD has become a rapidly growing phenomenon in our culture. In April 2019, there were 6.4 million Google searches for “CBD” and “cannabidiol.” This was roughly 117 percent higher than it was in 2018. As you’re looking into CBD, you’ll come across a ton of information regarding products and brands. How do you know what to choose and whether CBD will be a good fit for you? We’re here to demystify what CBD is, so you can make more educated decisions.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a type of cannabinoid—a naturally-occurring chemical compound that lives in the cannabis plant. This compound, often used in products like oils, teas, and gummies, has been known to provide physiological and neurological benefits, giving our bodies a sense of calm, balance, and relief.How Does CBD Work?
There are over 85 cannabinoids found in the hemp species of the cannabis plant. CBD is extracted from the hemp plant and diluted with various ingredients to make different kinds of products. CBD has a lock-and-key interaction with our endocannabinoid system (ECS)—neurotransmitters and receptor cells that run throughout our bodies. The ECS plays an important role in a wide variety of processes like pain, memory, mood, appetite, stress, sleep, and more. Our bodies even produce their own endogenous cannabinoids, indicating the symbiotic relationship between humans and cannabinoids. Similar to how a thermostat adjusts the temperature in our homes, when our bodies’ homeostasis (stability of our internal environment) is off, our ECS helps correct it. And when CBD and other cannabinoids interact with our ECS, this triggers various physiological effects that promote biological balance in our bodies.Is CBD Legal to Use?
CBD is legal under federal law. Per the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as hemp and hemp-derived products carry no more than 0.3 percent of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) on a dry weight basis, they are legal. When it comes to discussing CBD, there are two types of plants you should familiarize yourself with—marijuana and hemp. It’s important you don’t confuse these two (the terms are often and mistakenly used interchangeably). The distinguishing characteristic between the two is the amount of THC:- Hemp carries more CBD content than marijuana does. And, as noted earlier, per the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp carries 0.3 percent or less THC.
- Though marijuana does carry CBD and other cannabinoids, it carries a higher content of THC (more than 0.3 percent). THC is another chemical compound derived from the cannabis plant. High amounts of THC create psychoactive effects.
What Is CBD Used For?
With a strong foothold in the health and wellness sector, CBD has been used as a popular natural remedy for a variety of issues like:Pain
Studies have found that CBD and other cannabinoids may reduce chronic pain. By binding to the ECS, it can help decrease inflammation.Anxiety/depression
CBD has shown promise in helping minimize anxiety and depression. It’s also been used to treat insomnia in children with PTSD.Acne
Findings have illustrated CBD may be a good supplement to treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties.Neurological disorders
Research has conveyed the benefits CBD can bring to various neurological disorders. For example, in one study, CBD oil reduced the number of seizures for people with one type of epilepsy.What Does CBD Feel Like?
In other words, how does CBD make you feel? It’s important to keep in mind everyone’s body is different. Therefore, CBD might impact you in unique ways. But overall, CBD infuses your mind and body with a feeling of calm and relaxation.Does CBD Get You High?
CBD does not get you high; it is non-psychoactive. Though some CBD products may have trace amounts of THC, the 0.3 percent limit is so small it won’t cause mind-altering effects. At ọṅụ, our products are exclusively made with hemp-derived CBD isolate, which does not carry any amount of THC.Different CBD Products:
There are several different types of CBD products available in the market:Tinctures
CBD extract is diluted with carrier oils such as MCT and olive oil to help your body absorb the compounds more efficiently.Tea
If you’re a fan of tea, CBD-infused tea can be an easy way to consume the natural nutrients of tea leaves and the compounds of CBD.Gummies
Another easy and delicious way to consume CBD is CBD gummies. These gummies are usually made with syrups and sugars to give them their sweet flavors.Capsules
Often in the form of softgels, CBD capsules are a quick way to ingest CBD.Lotions/Creams
Did you know your skin has cannabinoid receptors? When you lather it with CBD lotion or creams, the CBD compounds interact with these receptors that fuel your ECS.Vape Pens
If you prefer inhaling and absorbing CBD through your lungs, vape pens can be a good option for you.How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
There isn’t a solid answer to this. How long CBD stays in your system depends on multiple factors such as:- How much CBD you’re using: The higher amount of CBD you take, the longer it will stay in your system.
- How frequently you use it: CBD builds up in your body over time. The more of these cannabinoid receptors the CBD activates, the more responsive your ECS becomes to CBD. Therefore, the more you use CBD, the longer it’ll stay in your body.
- How much you’ve eaten: If you take CBD on an empty stomach, it gets removed from your body faster than if you were to take it with a meal.
- Method of use: The method of use plays a vital role in how CBD impacts your body and the duration it stays in there. We’ll go more into detail on methods in the next section.
- Your body: It’s always important to keep in mind that everyone’s body is different. Thus, you might have different experiences than other people. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to CBD.
How to Take CBD Oil?
How to use CBD oil depends on what you want the oil to do. There are four methods of absorption:- Sublingual: The most common way to take CBD is through sublingual absorption. This involves using a dropper to place CBD oil under your tongue. Allow it to sit for 10 to 60 seconds before swallowing the remaining CBD.
- Ingestion: This remaining CBD, along with CBD gummies and capsules, is ingested. Because it goes through our digestive system, it might take some time to feel the effects.
- Inhalation: Vaping or smoking CBD is a quick way to feel the effects. This method avoids the digestive system. Instead, the CBD compounds are absorbed through your lungs, which triggers your ECS faster.
- Topical: When CBD is taken topically, it’s absorbed by the skin. Lotions and creams would fall into this category. Topical products allow you to target specific areas on your body that might need some relief.