From celebrities that swear by it to parents that use it to treat their children’s medical disorders, CBD is becoming extremely popular around the globe. What is CBD though, and why are people increasing their use of it? Read on to learn everything you need to know about this cannabinoid, and what it might be able to do for you.
What is CBD?
Marijuana is made up of over 100 compounds called cannabinoids. Of these, CBDis just one of them. Unlike THC, the other well-known cannabinoid in marijuana, CBD will not get you high. It does not have psychoactive effects but instead, calms the mind and helps treat many ailments, such as chronic pain.
Rise in Popularity
People have just begun to really understand the full effects of CBD and the medicinal benefits it holds. However, people have been using this cannabinoid for centuries. The first documented incident of a person using marijuana for medical purposes was Chinese Emperor Sheng Nung in 2737 BC. At that time, the Emperor used marijuana in a tea to relieve him of many ailments.
Today, study after study has been conducted on CBD. These studies continue to establish that the cannabinoid can help relieve pain, anxiety, and even stop seizures in individuals that suffer from certain ailments, such as epilepsy. It’s for this reason that more places around the world are legalizing the cannabinoid, leading more and more people to start using it. For those interested in trying CBD, it's essential to ensure safety by buying products from trusted sources.
Benefits of Taking CBD
Of course, CBD is becoming increasingly popular due to the fact that it holds so many benefits. From relieving chronic pain to helping ease heart conditions, there is really so much CBD can do.
Many people use the cannabinoid to relieve chronic pain, as it reduces inflammation and interacts with neurotransmitters. CBD is found to help most with pain when it’s combined with some THC. When this is done, CBD can help with ailments such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Millions of people use CBD oils and tinctures to help reduce anxiety and depression. These ailments are typically treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which can have many unpleasant side effects, and also be addictive to some. CBD and its effects on anxiety and depression have been the focus of study after study. Today, it’s well-known that CBD has the same effects on anxiety and depression, without any of the negative side effects.
CBD is also very popular among cancer patients, as it can help reduce the symptoms associated with the disease. Some studies have shown that CBD is a better alternative to pain medications that many cancer patients say simply don’t work. In addition to reducing this pain, CBD can also reduce the nausea and vomiting many cancer patients experience as a side effect of chemotherapy.
Other diseases CBD can help with are neurological disorders such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Research in this area has been ongoing during the last few years, and they continue to establish that CBD can help treat these diseases. This is largely due to the fact that the cannabinoid acts on the Endocannabinoids system, and helps regulate signals to the brain.
Additionally, research has also shown that CBD also has benefits for the heart. Studies have shown that it can help lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. This cannabinoid helps to lower blood pressure because it is so effective for reducing stress and anxiety.
Ways to Take It?
Like any other type of cannabinoid or marijuana, there are many possible ways to take CBD. While it is possible to find a strain high in CBD and simply smoke the flower, this isn’t ideal for everyone. Those suffering from cancer for example, may not wish to inhale combusted materials, which can contribute to the growth of cancer cells. For these individuals, there are many alternatives.
One of the most popular alternatives to smoking is vaping CBD. Vaping is similar to using e-cigarettes. A CBD oil is placed into the vaporizer, which is then vaporized and inhaled. It’s thought that vaping is safer than smoking, because you’re not inhaling combusted materials.
Another very popular way to take CBD is through edibles. A CBD tincture, oil, or even the flower from a high CBD strain can be added to anything, including salad dressing, cookies, and even gummy bears. It is important to understand that when using edibles, it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to four hours to feel the effects.
CBD oils and tinctures are cannabis concentrates. They typically come in a small bottle with a dropper. To take a dose, simply place a drop underneath your tongue. It will be immediately absorbed by the bloodstream, allowing you to feel the effects right away.
Sometimes, CBD oil is placed into a pill or capsule rather than a bottle. These look like other vitamins you would find at the pharmacy. Some pills and capsules use CBD isolate rather than CBD oil.
Lastly, there are also topicals that can provide direct and localized relief. These topicals can come in the form of lotions and creams, and are applied directly to the skin. Sometimes, they are also used on the hair or nails. These topicals are mainly used to treat pain, but are often placed in haircare products, and used as massage oils, as well.
Finally
If it seems that you’ve been seeing CBD everywhere lately, it’s probably because you have. There’s a reason CBD has become so popular, and why more and more people are using it every day. Not only does it have many benefits that contribute to better health and wellness, but there are also so many ways to take it and use it. Without any psychoactive properties, CBD is the only part of the marijuana plant that holds so many benefits for individuals of every age. If you’ve ever even thought about starting to use this powerful little cannabinoid, you probably should.
