CBD. There’s a lot of buzz about it right now. You probably know someone who is taking it, read about it online or heard about it on the news. Each person seems to have their own opinion on CBD, from a wonder drug to just another version of marijuana. So let’s take a moment to lay aside all we’ve heard about CBD, any prejudices we might have and simply take a look at the science.
What is CBD?
Simply put, CBD is a naturally derived compound of the hemp plant. It is legally taken by many people to address a variety of health concerns. It will not get you “high”. But let's go a little deeper…
CBD stands for Cannabidoil, one of the many cannabinoids of the Cannabis plant, the most well known cannabinoid being THC- the main psychoactive element of Cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive qualities at all and although CBD affects the same endocannabinoid system as THC, it does so in the inverse way of THC. CBD interacts with a wide range of proteins and biological pathways in the body and will affect everyone differently.
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So if it doesn’t get me high, what does it do?
Scientific studies on CBD are still in the works, however the strongest research points to CBD’s use as an anti-seizure medication for childhood epilepsy. There have also been studies showing CBD to be effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain. Yet you probably know someone who’s taking CBD that doesn’t suffer from any of these conditions, so why are they doing it? Because science still hasn’t caught up with people’s real life experiences with CBD. Many people take CBD to address a variety of common concerns including, but not limited to: appetite, energy, focus, inflammation, pain, stress, sleep, and even just for general wellness. CBD can have many different effects depending on the dosage and delivery method.
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How do I know what CBD can do for me?
The truth is, like any other substance, you won’t know how CBD affects you until you take it. And in most cases you will have to take CBD for a period of time before you begin to notice its full effects. CBD works most effectively once you’ve found the proper dosage and take it regularly. Seven to ten days of consistent use is recommended. The delivery method is also a huge factor in how CBD interacts with your body. CBD applied topically can relax muscles or reduce acne inflammation, while CBD taken sublingual (orally ingested by holding under the tongue) can enter the bloodstream faster and address chronic pain. The effects of CBD, once in your body, will usually last two to six hours depending on the individual and the dosage. Dosage is calculated based on your BMI, weight, metabolism and delivery method, however it is not a perfect science. CBD affects everyone differently. You can find online tools, such as this one to help recommend a good dosage to start at for you body type and ailment: https://dailycbd.com/en/cbd-dosage/
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Why should I take CBD?
You should take CBD if you are looking for a natural way to address any of the concerns listed above. Scientific studies have shown that CBD is most often extremely well tolerated, but you should still be careful with what you’re putting into your body. At Planta Wellness we only carry the top names in the industry who produce the purest and highest quality CBD. Look for third party tested CBD products that show you exactly what and how much is in the product. You should speak with your doctor before beginning a CBD regiment, but if you’re curious stop by and we can guide you through the ways CBD can fit into your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBD legal?
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Yes! All the CBD products at Planta Wellness are made from hemp derived CBD. The 2018 Farm Bill reclassified hemp as an agricultural commodity. This allowed for legal growing of Hemp and in turn, the legal sourcing of CBD.
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What is CBD’s relationship to Marijuana?
You will often see these two paired together and it makes sense- they both come from the cannabis plant. In that case what’s the difference? THC is the main psychoactive element of Marijuana. CBD on the other hand plays a role in relaxation and reducing inflammation. Any Cannabis grown with a THC content greater 0.3% is considered Marijuana and is subject to separate State and Federal laws. Any cannabis grown with a THC content of less than 0.3% or less is considered hemp. However, it’s believed that cannabinoids work best in tandem with other cannabinoids, so these traces of THC, although not enough to get you high, help make the CBD more effective.
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Is CBD safe?
For the most part. CBD is very well tolerated by most people. However, you can’t predict with 100% accuracy how your body will react to a substance. This is why it is important to consult a medical professional before you begin a CBD regiment. At this time, the FDA strongly recommends avoiding CBD if you are breastfeeding or pregnant until more research can be done on the possible effects.
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What is the difference between Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD products?
Full Spectrum CBD products contain several types of naturally occurring cannabinoids, including a small amount of THC. Broad Spectrum also includes several types of cannabinoids, but here the THC has been entirely removed.
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CBD isolate is pure CBD extract with no other cannabinoids.
Although these terms are widely understood to have these meanings, it’s important to know that their use is not heavily regulated. Some manufacturers may misuse the words, that is why you should look for trusted brands that have third party testing.