Over the past couple decades, we’ve seen more and more people begin to advocate for the use of medicinal marijuana. However, in recent years, the popularity of hemp-derived CBD has soared. It is, for instance, particularly appealing to individuals who want to manage anxiety or pain without experiencing the high that comes with consuming marijuana.
What started as skettchy gummies in a gas station has turned into a health hack for people of all ages everywhere.
What Is Hemp?
Both hemp and marijuana are the same plant species: cannabis sativa. However, hemp contains far less THC, the cannabinoid associated with the high of marijuana. THC has medicinal benefits, but is used more recreationally these days.
Yet, hemp is cultivated for another popular cannabinoid: CBD. CBD is associated with managing anxiety and even enhancing well-being in general.
That said, full-spectrum products which feature a bit of THC are popular as well. They do not have enough THC to induce a high yet feature a synergistic effect. This effect is known as the entourage effect associated with the combination of various cannabinoids including THC.
Meanwhile, if you are interested in using CBD alone, isolate is the product to purchase. This way you have as little a chance of consuming THC as possible.
There are various CBD products out there, so make sure you do your research before your online shopping. There are different doses, forms and terps. It’s best to find someone who uses CBD or works at a dispensary to help you determine the best product for you.
Types of CBD Products
- Full-Spectrum
- Broad-Spectrum
- Isolate
Full-Spectrum
Full-spectrum products feature CBD with other cannabinoids including THC and terpenes as well. THC is the cannabinoid that gives the psychoactive high, so this type of CBD (ingested or inhaled) may give users a bit of a head high, as well as the intended effects. Full-spectrum products are good in topical solutions, treating many ailments, such as muscle and joint pains.
Broad-Spectrum
Products that feature the various cannabinoids and terpenes without THC are known as broad-spectrum. These products cover a large variety of issues from pain to anxiety, come as topicals to gummies, and more.
Isolate
CBD isolate, as its name suggests, is isolated CBD. Due to the difficulty of filtering out all the THC, however, you could still fail a drug test using this product. This goes for all CBD products though.
Be forewarned though: Any CBD product could cause you to fail a drug test. Therefore, if you are subjected to drug tests at work or pain management, using CBD products might be a risk not worth taking.
Beyond all this, you need to determine how you wish to consume your CBD (e.g., gummies, tinctures, vape pens CBD flower). Sublingual tinctures are particularly popular but some people are more comfortable using gummies at work or school.
Some CBD Savings
Another upside to CBD (over marijuana) is that it is often affordable for those who need it most. That is, there are assistance programs offered by some CBD manufacturers.
In fact, CBD Oil Users provides a list of Top Brands With CBD Assistance Programs. For instance, Lazarus Naturals provides significant discounts for its customers who are low-income, disabled, and veterans. Check with your local dispensaries and smoke shops to see what daily deals they offer.
Learn Some More About CBD
All things considered, CBD is an appealing product that enables many to overcome their difficulties. However, you must be well-informed to get the most out of CBD use.
For instance, you need to experiment to find your optimal dose, or “sweet spot,” as CBD users call it. After all, everyone has a unique Endocannabinoid System.
Additionally, you need to know when to take a tolerance break rather than increasing your dose unnecessarily (e.g. when your optimal dose stops working), a costly mistake. Learning your limits will save your wallet and tolerance in the long run.
