5 Things about CBD You Should Know
The CBD market is expected to reach $20 Billion in the next four years.
In this backdrop comes a recent survey that revealed 1 in 7 Americans has today incorporated CBD products in their lives.
You have probably marveled at how CBD has fueled a multi-billion industry seemingly overnight. You have probably also wondered if this product is indeed worth the constant chatter around it?
If you don’t know much about it except what’s in the grapevine, here are some solid facts you should know about.
1. CBD Is Not Psychoactive
CBD, cannabinoid in full, is a chemical compound from a cannabis sativa plant.
A cannabis plant is made up of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD, among 100-140 other chemicals known as cannabinoids.
Unlike THC, which is the most abundant chemical, CBD is non psychoactive, meaning it does not deliver the feeling of euphoria commonly associated with cannabis. You can use cannabis without feeling sedated.
While THC offers numerous health benefits, people shun it because of its mind-altering effects. CBD, on the other hand, delivers similar benefits without the psychoactive effects.
2. CBD Is Legal
Because of its psychoactive properties, THC has been classified as an illegal substance in most countries around the world, including the U.S.
While this does not automatically place CBD in the clear, legally, it’s much safer to use.
In fact, CBD derived from hemp was made legal in the U.S. Farm Bill of 2014.
It’s however important to note that this remains a gray area, especially given that each state determines legality for its residents. The distinction between hemp and marijuana further complicates this.
Still, if you wanted to try CBD for various reasons, you will be better off purchasing premium hemp based products from a reputable, licensed supplier.
3. How to Take CBD
CBD can be administered in numerous ways today.
The first way is through ingestion as CBD products are infused in gummies, chocolate bars, popcorn, soda, and so on.
Closely related to ingesting into the digestive system is sublingual application, where you place oils and tinctures under the tongue. Using this method, the components bypass your digestive products and go right into your bloodstream.
You can also get CBD infused creams that you apply topically. These are mainly used when trying to cure pain or inflammation.
For people with major reservations about ingesting CBD, but still keen to get some relief from physical aches and pains, the topical application of CBD offers an acceptable trade-off.
4. CBD and Drug Tests
Pure, good quality CBD products should not show up on a drug test.
When they do, it’s probably because a product has trace amounts of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is marijuana’s main active ingredient.
If enough THC is present, a drug test will pick it up.
Again, because CBD products are nor strictly regulated, product information and labeling might not be 100% accurate.
Again, use some discretion to identify reputable stores and pharmacies to buy from within your area.
5. CBD Helps With Anxiety
Studies into CBD have shown that the compounds can help with short term OCD, panic disorders, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
In a 2010 study looking into cannabinoids in people with social anxiety disorder, researchers were able to observe changes in blood flow to parts of the brain linked to anxiety.
In this particular study, cannabidiol not only changed how the brain responded to anxiety but also it helped study participants feel better.
The Future is Bright
While what is now known regarding CBD is more than what was known a decade ago, researchers are looking into more areas of study to reveal more about it
Most certainly, the next coming years will give more insights into the benefits, better ways of administering it, and even make suggestions into how its processing can be improved.
