General Guide on How to Take CBD
The cannabis plant is made up of two primary compounds – cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The THC compound is what gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. CBD, on the other hand, has emerged into the wellness space as a non-psychoactive relaxant that is now used in everything from beverages and body moisturizers to treatment for seizures, pain relief, and much more.
How Much CBD Should You Take?
Although the research surrounding CBD is relatively new and is still developing, the general consensus is that CBD is safe to consume at responsible levels. Among the relevant factors that determine how much a person should take are a person’s weight, the results desired, and the concentration of CBD in the product being consumed.
A person who is taking CBD to treat a medical condition should consult their physician regarding the best methods for their personal use. The opinion of a doctor should especially be consulted when a person is taking prescription medications in order to avoid adverse drug interactions.
Casual CBD users are recommended to start with a low dose of no more than a few milligrams at a time and increase this dose on a staggered basis, making careful note of the concentration consumed each day. Increasing the dosage of CBD in a controlled manner allows users to evaluate the effects of their consumption and make a conscious choice regarding whether to maintain or alter this level.
When to Take CBD Oil
CBD oil has many benefits that make it a worthwhile option to explore in the growing world of complementary medicine.
Pain Management
Those who suffer from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, as well as athletes at all levels, have found success in using CBD products, including CBD tinctures, to better their day-to-day quality of life. Both cite the anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties of CBD as primary benefits. Athletes also use CBD to aid in aiding their body’s recovery process and managing their energy levels.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are two of the most significant and widespread mental health issues that prevail in the modern world. CBD has been proven to calm the physiological effects of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, as well as improve mood stability through positive interaction with the brain’s serotonin receptors. CBD is also a natural sleep aid that some use for managing insomnia, yet another condition of modern-day living that is linked to anxiety.
When Is the Best Time to Take CBD Oil?
The best time to take CBD oil depends on how a person’s body reacts to CBD, along with the effects they wish to achieve. Since CBD oil is administered orally and has to be absorbed into the bloodstream before producing effects in the body, its onset is slower relative to topical CBD products. This can be advantageous for the diligent consumer. If a person wishes to feel the effects of CBD throughout their day, they can take a tincture early in the morning and let the effects run their course, including a possible midday dose as needed. A CBD tincture can also be used to improve sleep quality and induce nighttime relaxation; in this case, a person should take a dose before heading to bed.
How Long Does CBD Take to Work?
The length of time it takes CBD to work depends on the mode of consumption and dose consumed. It is recommended that users purchase from reputable vendors in order to ensure the quality and safety of the product. Although the body generally metabolizes the body in about a week, some individuals do not experience the full range of effects for weeks.
Tinctures
CBD oils leverage the capillaries under the tongue in introducing CBD compounds to the bloodstream. The onset of CBD administered using this method can take up to an hour, with effects lasting a couple hours.
Edibles
The general rule of thumb when it comes to edible CBD products is that their effects take longer to manifest in the body; this is because ingested CBD has to be metabolized by the body before entering the bloodstream. It is for this reason that ingested CBD also tends to linger in the body, resulting in a sustained, longer-term effect.
Smoking and Vaping
The effects of smoking and vaping the CBD flower can be felt in as little as a few minutes after inhalation, providing an efficient means of consumption. However, these effects tend to dissipate the fastest relative to other methods.
Topical Application
Topically-applied CBD products, such as CBD-infused lotions and balms, are great for targeted pain relief since the user can apply product directly to the area of concern. The therapeutic effects are known to last several hours following application.
How Does CBD Make You Feel?
Unlike its counterpart THC, CBD use does not result in any psychotropic effects. The effects of CBD are a result of the compound’s interaction with the human endocannabinoid system. This biological system contains cell receptors and other compounds that run throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and plays a role in regulating functions such as sleep, pain, appetite, reproduction, and mood. Consuming CBD produces a stimulating effect on the endocannabinoid system, which in turn produces the gamut of benefits that characterize the CBD user experience.
Not all CBD products are created equal, however. You want to make sure you are purchasing products from quality suppliers, With properly tested CBD goods.
Although CBD is accepted as generally safe to use, it comes with minor side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Poor-quality CBD can pose the dangers of consuming a product that has not been properly tested and may even be improperly labeled. Improper consumption of CBD, such as in the case of using prescription drugs known to have adverse interactions with CBD, can be mildly harmful, increasing the toxicity level or decreasing the drug’s efficacy. Some evidence also suggests that CBD oil may cause inflammation in the liver, making it a potentially risky option for those with liver disease.
As with the use of any new medication, herbal-based or not, users are encouraged to seek the advice of a trusted physician in order to determine how to best utilize CBD to derive the greatest benefit and meet their personal health goals.
