The Latest on CBD and Its Health Benefits – While many people know that cannabis contains a chemical called cannabidiol (CBD), the benefits of this non-psychoactive cannabinoid have only recently started to be understood. In fact, CBD is one of the most beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant, which has been used to make paper, rope and canvas since biblical times.
CBD has less than 1 percent THC, meaning it has no effect on the mind or spirit. That makes it an excellent supplement for anyone looking to avoid the side effects of THC (the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis).
The potential health benefits of CBD are almost endless. From helping with epileptic seizures to reducing anxiety and inflammation, there are so many ways this non-psychoactive cannabinoid can help you and your loved ones. This article will explain what CBD is, its benefits, its uses as a supplement and more.
The Latest on CBD and Its Health Benefits
There’s a lot of buzz about cannabidiol, better known as CBD. And though the cannabinoid has been around for long, its recent surge in popularity is likely due to a combination of factors. For one thing, CBD is now legal in the U.S. It’s also gained momentum as a result of being added to many foods and beverages as an additive or extracts from hemp plants as opposed to marijuana plants.
CBD has actually been drawing attention since even before it was formally identified and isolated in the 1960s. Research on animal models has shown CBD to have analgesic (pain-relieving) qualities as well as anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially be of use for a variety of conditions ranging from arthritis to chronic pain to sleep disorders like insomnia.
In short, there are a number of good reasons why you might want to know more about this natural cannabinoid found in Cannabis Sativa L. Aspera that makes up more than 80% of the plant’s weight rather than in its THC-containing resin (about 20% by weight). Here are some modern insights into why you should pay attention to this non-psychoactive cousin of marijuana:
CBD Has Been Used As A Medicine In Its Own Right
CBD has shown great promise as an anti-inflammatory, anti-tumoral, anti-spasmodic and as a treatment for anxiety and insomnia. However, it has also been used as a medicine in its own right, alongside conventional drugs, and has shown promising results.
There’s Hype About CBD And Health Risks
CBD has been getting a lot of media coverage, particularly in the U.S., due to its potential benefits. However, there’s been a lot of hype around CBD, and it’s important to keep that in mind. CBD is currently legal in only a handful of countries, but many of the claims about its health benefits are based on research conducted in countries where it’s not regulated or banned. It’s also important to note that CBD has a number of risks, includingcks of side effects, which you should discuss with your doctor or health care provider before taking it.
CBD has been heralded as a “solution to the opioid crisis,” though it’s important to note that this is a generalization. Many people who use CBD report an increase in opiate receptors, though why this happens is unclear.
How Much CBD Should I Take?
Here’s the most important rule when it comes to cannabis: Start low and go slow.
If you’re smoking or vaping CBD, it’s hard to measure your intake in milligrams. But the nice thing about inhalation is that you get pretty instantaneous feedback. If a couple puffs on a CBD vape leaves you feeling relaxed but not too relaxed, that’s probably your happy spot.
Everyone responds to CBD differently. “There’s no such thing as a standard dose of CBD, given that it’s being used… by many people for many different conditions,” says Martin A. Lee, founder of Project CBD.
The different varieties of CBD may also require different dosages. For instance, you may need to take more of a CBD-only isolate compared to a full-spectrum product. If your stuff is CBD-only, Lee recommends 25 milligrams to start. You can always go up or down from there.
If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with full cannabis access, you can get your feet wet with a lower dose of a full-spectrum CBD. Try 5 milligrams and titrate up (that is, adjust) by 5 more milligrams every couple of days.
Here’s a quickie suggestion guide for the two different types of CBD you may be taking — but remember that everyone is different.
How Hemp Farming Can Improve People’s Health
Hemp farming has been proven to be a reliable source of fiber and protein, and as such, it’s had a long history as a crop. However, in the last decade or so, interest in the fiber and fiber-based products derived from hemp, like hemp paper and hemp textiles, has grown in tandem with awareness of CBD. Hemp farming is also increasingly being done in other countries, which means there are now more options for consumers around the world.
Side Effects of CBD
As with all drugs, some side effects of CBD may not be apparent to patients until they’ve used it for a while. For example, changes in appetite and weight are common alongside hunger and an increased interest in eating is another side effect that people may not encounter immediately after taking CBD. It’s important to discuss side effects with your doctor or health care provider, as these are signs that a person may experience an adverse reaction to CBD.
Speak Up for Your Health and Cannabinoids
As mentioned above, CBD isn’t a “medicine” in the traditional sense. It’s not a pill you take and then forget about. Rather, it’s a natural compound found in cannabis plants that has large potential health benefits. As such, it’s important to stress that you should not rely on CBD solely for medical purposes. You should talk to your doctor or health care provider about your goals and how best to achieve them with this medication.
The Future of Cannabinoid Therapy
As CBD’s popularity grows, scientists are beginning to wonder: What is it doing in our systems? What other cannabinoids are there? And how do we best manage and use these beneficial compounds? Although CBD is the most-studied cannabinoid, there are a number of others that have potential therapeutic value in terms of pain, inflammation and other conditions. In fact, scientists are working toward decriminilingating more than a few cannabinoids to create more-comprehensive cannabinoid panels to better serve the needs of people with a variety of health conditions.
CBD benefits
As mentioned above, CBD has a wide array of benefits and can assist in a number of conditions. Here are just a few of them: Helps with muscle spasms Helps with pain and inflammation Gives you a boost in the mood department Boosts cognitive function Boosts your immune system Lowers cholesterol Strengthens the mood-regulating GABA receptors in the brain
What’s next for the scientific community on CBD?
As CBD’s popularity grows, more research is needed to fully understand its full potential. This includes additional clinical trials to find out just how much CBD is ideal for various conditions and what dose would be necessary for maximum effect. In the meantime, CBD is widely available in both pill and liquid form, and is added to plenty of foods and beverages. If you’re interested in trying CBD for yourself, check out our complete CBD buying guide to learn where to get your fix.
Why is this cannabinoid so important?
Although there are a number of health benefits of CBD, one of the most impactful may be the fact that it acts as an anti-inflammatory. Chronic inflammation is known to be harmful and can reduce your quality of life. As an anti-inflammatory, CBD has been shown to be effective in treating diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, conditions that are often accompanied by inflammation. Furthermore, because inflammation is a factor in many chronic conditions like arthritis and heart disease, CBD could potentially provide relief for these conditions as well.
Summary
CBD is a cannabinoid found in marijuana plants that has a wide range of health benefits. It can be used as a medication because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but is also found in supplements and food items. CBD is not a drug and does not have the same side effects as other medications. It helps with pain, inflammation and helps with stress and anxiety.
