By Allie Fisher
If you’ve ever had questions about CBD oil, you’ve come to the right place. The following is the ultimate guide to CBD oil, including what it is, how it works, and everything else you need to know. Whether you’re new to CBD or you’re just not sure about it after months of use, this guide is for you.
What Is CBD?
The best place to start with this guide is what exactly “CBD” even is. CBD, or Cannabidiol, is what’s known as a Cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the Cannabis plant. These Cannabinoids interact with the body’s nervous system and produce a wide range of effects.
Does CBD oil work? This is probably the most commonly-asked question when it comes to CBD oil, and for good reason. After all, there are always people that will support “natural remedies”, even without any evidence to back up the alleged benefits. CBD is different, though. CBD isn’t just another alternative health craze, there are actually numerous studies that show compelling evidence to suggest that CBD is great for the body.
How Does It Work?
Our nervous system is uniquely set up to accept Cannabinoids via the Endocannabinoid System. The ECS is responsible for several of the body’s important functions, including regulating appetite, sleep, mood, and even memory.
Your body actually produces molecules that are similar to Cannabinoids, called Endocannabinoids. These are only produced as needed, and they’re what helps to regulate those functions we just mentioned via the ECS. Those molecules bind to endocannabinoid receptors, activating the ECS and triggering a response.
While CBD and THC are similar, what makes them different is the way they interact with the ECS. Where THC binds to those endocannabinoid receptors and produces the “high” that THC is famous for, CBD doesn’t actually bind to any receptors. Thus CBD doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects and has few to no side-effects.
How Do You Take It?
Now that we know how CBD works with the body, let’s learn more about how people take it. Aside from CBD oils, there are some other favorite ways to get a good dose of CBD, including taking gummies, capsules, using topicals like lotions, and even using a vape pen with CBD extract.
CBD oils can be used in a variety of ways. You can take oil under the tongue, put it in your food or drinks, or apply it to the skin. Localized pain and inflammation can be addressed with direct application, but most people prefer to take the oil under the tongue. This allows the CBD to absorb into blood vessels under the tongue and enter the bloodstream quickly.
Where Do You Buy It?
It’s important to understand that not all CBD is produced with the same care and precision. The extraction method, hemp quality, and quality of added ingredients differ among providers, with the top CBD companies in the industry using only organic domestic hemp and the most advanced extraction methods.
Buying CBD at a grocery or retail store usually isn’t the best option. The best CBD products are online and are independently tested by laboratories for consistency, potency, purity and quality. So next time you’re in the grocery store, take a look at your oils and see if the label says “independently lab-tested”. If it doesn’t, move on.
What Do You Use It For?
While CBD research is constantly being conducted, and we’re always learning more about this awesome natural compound, we do know that CBD offers the following benefits according to science:
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammation properties
- Anti-anxiety properties
- Possible anti-acne properties
- Anti-seizure properties
While there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that CBD can help with everything from libido to skincare and beyond, these few examples actually have scientific studies to back them up.
Is It Legitimate?
When it comes to “natural” products, there’s actually no regulation of the term “all-natural”. This can be confusing, and some advertisers abuse this term to make their products seem more legitimate. It’s true that the FDA doesn’t really regulate the CBD industry, but thanks to some of the best CBD companies in the industry, there’s a definitive standard of quality that’s being developed and followed by smaller companies as well.
So, yes, CBD oil is a legitimate purchase, but you’ll need to do your research and stay away from gas station or grocery store brands. Go online to get your CBD oil and you’ll get the best of the best for the optimal CBD experience.
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