The Annual CBD sales in the U.S. are expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2022. CBD use has been on the rise over the last few years. The ongoing legalization of cannabis products in various states has boosted the CBD trade into a consumer-based industry.
CDB is a trendy buzzword in the wellnesses market. Several consumer products and services now have a CBD-infused alternative from candies and coffee to beauty spas. It seems like everyone wants to get their hands on some CBD.
Despite the deep infiltration of CBD products, there is still a lot that people don’t know about CBD. Sellers advertise many different things about their products that end up confusing users even more. Since most CBD products are relatively new to the market, lack of information deters many potential users.
There is a lacking in reliable CBD education. People need to know about the product; how to use it and the results to expect. In this article, we look at some of the essential facts of CBD and CBD uses that baffle many consumers, especially new users.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, a naturally occurring chemical extracted from the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant is mainly made up of two active compounds – cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is what’s responsible for the intoxicating effect of cannabis.
You have probably also heard the terms hemp and hemp oil being used concerning CBD. The cannabis plant has two varieties – hemp and marijuana. CBD and THC can be extracted from both varieties.
However, hemp happens to contain a much higher content of CBD. Hemp also contains low levels of THC, as low as 0.3% compared to marijuana. For this reason, CBD is mostly extracted from the hemp plant.
Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. It does not contain any CBD or THC. The oil has its uses in making healthy fats, beauty products, and as a CBD additive.
The Full Range of CBD Products
Before we get into the available CDB consumer products, it is important first to understand the different extraction processes and the resulting products.
CBD Extract
CBD extract is an oily substance with a range of consistency and color from a dark paste to a honey-like liquid. The extract preserves the full cannabinoid spectrum. This means that it contains all the plant’s material, such as fatty acids and terpenoids.
The extract is made to provide the maximum health benefits of CBD. The oil is sold as a standalone product in syringes or included in other products.
CBD Isolate
Isolating refines the CBD extract down to its pure CBD molecules. CBD isolate is a white crystalline powder with a CBD concentration of over 99%. During the crystallization process, all the terpenoids are removed, but they can be added later to make what’s known as terpsolate.
CBD isolates are often added to a variety of consumer products, including edibles.
CBDCapsules
CBD capsules are one of the most convenient products to consume. It is a form of coated gel tablets that contains CBD oil. The capsules shell itself is usually made of gelatin. The taste may be a little overwhelming for some, but if you are familiar with vaping, then the taste of these CBD capsules may be familiar to you as well.
Oil-based Products
CBD oil is marketed as two main products. One is the CBD oil tincture, and the other is the CBD capsule.
The tincture comes in a small bottle with a dropper. It is consumed sublingually by squeezing a few drops under the tongue. The capsules may either be soft pill-sized gels or two-piece capsules. They are swallowed or chewed, just like supplements.
These products normally contain a mixture of CBD extract, CBD isolate, and carrier oil. The CBD extract maximizes the potential benefits, and the isolate increases its potency. A carrier oil helps in the absorption of the CBD; it can be hemp oil, coconut oil, or a variety of MCT oils.
The gels and tinctures may also be enriched with natural or artificial flavors and colors. CBD isolate Powder-containing capsules are also available.
Edibles
Consuming edibles is the new spicy way of enjoying CBD. These are plenty of consumable products that are infused with either CBD extract or CBD isolate. The most common types of products include baked goods, candies, and other confectionaries.
You’ll even find CBD-rich chocolates and gummies including vegan CBD gummy bears. Many casual consumers and new CBD user generally prefer to try the CBD experience with edibles.
Only recently, water-soluble CBD was developed, which opened up more creative ways to take CBD. There are now several liquid-based edibles, from drinking water, cocktails, coffee, and energy drinks.
Vapes
Vaping has grown in popularity among the younger CBD users. Initially, it was seen as an alternative to smoking, but today, vaping is a trendy lifestyle.
A dose of CBD extract or isolate is vaporized in a traditional vape pen or inhaler. Vaping has the quickest effects of all other methods of consuming CBD.
The products include reusable vape pens and cartridges, disposable pens prefilled with a dose of CBD solutions and vape oil or eLiquid.
CBD oil designed for vaping containing organic thinning agents such as vegetable glycerin and MCT oil. The flavor is also enhanced using natural or artificial additives.
Transdermal Patches
Patches are an effective way to take CBD through the skin. They function similarly to nicotine patches, except that they have CBD infused strip.
The patch is applied on veinous areas of the skin such as the wrist. Permeation enhancers in the CBD strips accelerate the absorption the CBD through the skin. Once in the skin, the CBD is taken up by the bloodstream.
CBD skin patches are designed to deliver a slow, steady intake of CBD for long-lasting effects.
Beauty Products
CBD is a popular ingredient in various beauty products. Oils, moisturizers, lotions, gels, soaps, balms, and masks are some of the products that you can find enriched with CBD. Most of these products use CBD extract combined with other enhancing ingredients.
You can also get CBD topicals in form or rubs and balms for relieving muscle aches and pains.
Pet products
Pets can also enjoy the benefits of CBD through a variety of pet-oriented products. Cats, dogs and other animals can take CBD though CBD snacks, sprays, capsules or tinctures. Each product is specifically dosed for particular animals.
CBD Education on the Benefits of Taking CBD
Taking CBD has several wellness and health benefits. Currently, the FDA has only approved Epidiolex for the treatment of certain types of epilepsy. Many organizations are pushing the FDA to recognize more CBD remedies for various health conditions.
CBD has been well known to relieve chronic pains and aches. There is evidence that CBD inhibits the neural transmission of pain and promotes relief and comfort. Researchers have also found that CBD helps control the spread of cancer and even alleviates some of the symptoms.
CBD has anxiolytic-like effects that reduce stress and anxiety, which is helpful to people dealing with depression. These effects are also associated with better quality sleep. CBD oil can be highly effective in treating behavioral and nervous conditions such as seizures, ADHD, and autism.
It has also been found to lower cases of diabetes and other related conditions such as heart diseases.
On the skin, CBD shows the potential of anti-aging benefits by boosting the production of collagen, a protein vital for skin regeneration. CBD also reduces skin inflammation and improves blood circulation.
What are the Side Effects of Taking CBD?
Different users react differently to CBD. But most reports of any side effects include mild symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, appetite change, and mood swings. Some users, however, have reported more severe symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
Who Should Take CBD and How?
CBD is a natural product that is perfectly safe for consumers of any age, including children. Technically, CBD is not a drug, but physicians can still prescribe it as a supplement. Although that issue is still a bit hazy, at least for now, anyone can walk up to a store and buy a CBD product.
But CBD extracted from marijuana is illegal in most state and can only be sold under prescription.
Currently, there is no recommended daily prescription for CBD. This is a problem, especially when it comes to concentrates and oils. Most manufacturers include a rudimentary prescription chart on their products, though that’s not enough because a prescription is dependent on many factors.
Since there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ way of taking CBD, most users begin gradually or by experimenting. The best way is to start by taking small doses and gradually increasing the intake to a comfortable level. This way, you arrive at the perfect personal dosage to get the desired effect.
If in doubt or you have an existing health condition, seek expert recommendation. Consult a doctor who is experienced in the usage of CBD. The doctor should give you an idea of where to start and describe the effects that CBD will have on your body.
Enjoy the Craze
Being an extract of cannabis, CBD gets a lot of bad press. But it’s time that CBD education taught you the facts.
CBD is a safe supplement that is perfectly legal to use. It boasts of several health and wellness benefits, most of which have been proved. And judging from the number of people using CBD, it seems to live up to its hype.
But, remember that it’s not a substitute for other medication unless it’s prescribed over other treatments.
The beauty of CBD is, with the numerous different ways of consuming it, there is a product for everyone. The different methods of consumption appeal to different users and have different effects. So, there is a lot to choose from.
If you like new experiences, it doesn’t hurt to try CBD. Read our blog for more information.
