What is CBD? What Should You Know About It?

CBD has been a buzzword for the past few years and is one of the fastest-growing markets of the 21st century. Many of our family and friends are beginning to include it into their daily routines for all kinds of purposes. CBD comes in all kinds of forms, concentrations, and delivery methods.

Despite all this, CBD and hemp, in general, are quite new to the market, and so a lot of people still aren’t quite sure what this compound is, or what it might be used for.  By creating this awesome guide, however, you will get some valuable information as it pertains to this exceptional plant derivative.

CBD: The Basics

So, what is it? CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is the dominant compound of the industrial hemp plant, belonging to the cannabis genus.  It’s a non-psychoactive compound that is the most abundant out of all of the compounds in hemp.  Hemp naturally has over 100 distinctive compounds, and what makes it unique from other plants is that it, like other members of the cannabis genus, has cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids are cannabis-specific compounds that include CBD.  Cannabinoids are particularly useful to the body because of how they are utilized when consumed.  Cannabinoids are used by the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is a system found in every mammal.  This system manages homeostasis throughout the body, and it does this by sending cannabinoids like CBD to cannabinoid receptors.

Cannabinoid receptors are located in every area and system of the body.  Cannabinoid receptors are present in the brain, the digestive tract, the skin, the muscles, the circulatory system, the liver, and so on.  Each cannabinoid receptor has the job of regulating a task of the body, and it does this by using cannabinoids.  Cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors to allow regulatory actions to take place.

Therefore, CBD is a compound that uniquely behaves in the body.  In short, it supports the body’s natural self-regulating mechanisms to maximize overall bodily functionality.

What Is CBD Used For?

CBD offers so many widespread properties to the body, it has many uses.  In fact, by this point, there have been countless clinical studies relating to its more specific effects.  There are many easily accessible case-by-case studies and research on the use of CBD.

Generally, many people who take CBD say it helps them feel relaxed, both physically and mentally.  It’s also associated with helping one focus and generally feel more at ease.  A lot of people who take CBD do so when they wish to unwind after a long day, or when they’re feeling particularly tense.  Each person’s experience with CBD is unique, and so the exact effects that you feel may be completely individual.

Types of CBD Extract

When buying CBD, you can choose from three different types of CBD extracts, which play a big role in the overall effects of the product.

• CBD Isolate: Refers to an extract containing pure cannabidiol.  It doesn’t contain any other compounds in the hemp plant, and therefore offers a stronger concentration of pure CBD than the other two types of the extract below.  Due to being free of terpenes, it does not have any flavor, as terpenes are compounds that determine the taste and aroma of a plant.

• Broad Spectrum: Broad-spectrum hemp contains every naturally occurring compound in the hemp plant except for THC, which has been completely removed.  It does boast a huge array of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and nutrients, with each compound offering its unique properties on top of those of CBD.
• Full Spectrum: Full-spectrum hemp contains every compound in hemp including THC, but only in the trace amount that exists in the plant.  This amount is legal and non-psychoactive.  Full-spectrum hemp produces the entourage effect, meaning it may be more potent and effective due to a synergistic relationship shared between the different cannabinoids.

As you can see, the terms “hemp” and “CBD” are often used interchangeably.  Any CBD product made from broad or full-spectrum hemp contains far more compounds than just cannabidiol alone.

Most Popular CBD Delivery Methods

CBD can be found in a variety of delivery methods, which refers to how the compound absorbs into the body.  Here are some of the most commonly found forms of CBD.

• Edibles: CBD Edibles are ingested, offering long-lasting effects of up to 8 hours.
• Tinctures: CBD tinctures are CBD oils that are bottled with a dropper cap for easy administration and dosing.  They are absorbed sublingually and come in many milligram strengths and flavors.
• Topicals: CBD topical solutions are administered to the skin to absorb into the muscles and joints, while also offering the properties of the compound
• Vapes: CBD Vapes involve inhaling the compounds through a vaporizer device, with vapor being lighter and less harsh than smoke.  Popular vaping products include disposable vape pens, bottles of vape oil, and pre-filled cartridges.
• Flower: CBD flower is the raw buds of the hemp plant which can be smoked or vaporized.  They are available as loose buds or pre-rolled in papers.
• Capsules: CBD capsules simply encapsulate hemp extract for easy ingestion.  Like edibles, they promote long-lasting effects.

The Potency of a CBD Product

CBD products come in various milligram strengths, which refers to the number of milligrams of hemp in the product.  Therefore, the milligram strength tells you how potent the formula is.  Even the most potent hemp products on the market are relatively gentle on the body due to the non-toxic nature of the plant.  Usually, higher potency levels are used by those looking to address a specific issue with CBD.

Is CBD Psychoactive?

CBD is not psychoactive, and neither is the hemp plant.  The 0.3% THC level in hemp that naturally occurs is not going to get you high.  This is true even if you take large doses.

Is CBD Legal?

CBD is legal thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018, which declared that hemp is federally legal, as well as its derivatives including CBD, as long the product contains no more than 0.3% THC.  A couple of states have made CBD illegal, and some states ban specific products, like vape oils or edibles.  Check with your state’s laws to see if there are any restrictions when it comes to using hemp products.

Can CBD Be Taken Daily?

Most people find that taking CBD daily gives them the best results.  Cannabinoids work cumulatively in the body, getting utilized by the endocannabinoid system more efficiently if they build up in the body.  Therefore, consider making hemp part of your daily routine for a more effective experience.

Find Out What the World of CBD Can Offer You Today!

CBD is an intriguing cannabinoid, to say the least, that is only one of many found in the hemp plant.  If you’re interested in including CBD into your routine, consider all of the available different delivery methods, and consider taking your product daily for the best results.

As you can see, this compound is highly unique in how it works with the body and may be able to act as the perfect addition to your daily regimen.