Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is one of the major cannabinoids found in hemp. It’s seen a rise in popularity in recent years, thanks to a wider understanding of its many well-being-enhancing benefits.
CBD is not intoxicating and does not produce a “high”;
In this guide, we’ll explain the basics of CBD, including how it works, what you can use it for, and the different types of CBD products available.
In This Article
How does CBD work?
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in the regulation of certain bodily processes. Sleep, mood, and appetite are all controlled in part by the endocannabinoid system.
Cannabinoids are natural compounds of the hemp plant that bear similarities to the endocannabinoids found in the human body. Although we don’t yet know the exact reason why, CBD is thought to aid endocannabinoids in promoting healthy physiological functioning.
The effects of this can range from better sleep to improved heart health and digestion. The steady stream of scientific studies coming out on the benefits of CBD also point to lower stress, boosted recovery, and more balanced moods.
What does CBD do?
The effects of CBD are wide-ranging and surprisingly positive. Very few potential side effects have been established but there are increasing numbers of benefits, including:
- Better sleep
- Enhanced general wellness
- Improvements in mood
- Supports immune function
CBD can also support skin health, exercise recovery, and homeostasis. Whether this is a side-effect of higher-quality sleep or a direct effect of the CBD itself is unclear. But either way, the end result is the same.
Will CBD make me high?
Some people are cautious of CBD because they’re unsure whether or not it will make them “high”. The truth is that CBD contains no psychoactive properties and does not produce a high sensation. It does, however, tend to make users feel calmer and more relaxed.
CBD products sometimes contain traces of THC, one of the psychoactive cannabinoids in hemp. These incredibly small amounts aren’t strong enough to induce a high but if you are concerned, check the product information to find a THC-free supplier.
The different types of CBD products for beginners
There are multiple ways to take CBD and benefit from its well-being-enhancing properties. CBD oils and creams are popular among people who prefer topical application.
CBD capsules offer an alternative way of ingesting CBD.If you struggle to swallow pills, then CBD edibles such as gummies and dissolvable powders could be a better option.
A spotlight on CBD oil
Oil-based CBD is one of the most common CBD products on the market. When CBD is extracted from hemp it’s in oil form, and so diluting it in a food-grade carrier oil, such as coconut oil, is the obvious next step.
However, there’s one big drawback to CBD oil: it’s not as easily broken down by the body as other forms of CBD. This makes it more difficult to absorb and results in 4.5 times less bioavailability than water-soluble CBD, for example. In fact, the bioavailability can be as low as 6% in some oil-based CBD products.
The reason CBD oil remains so popular is because of its wide availability. Most CBD products on the market are in oil form, so there are lots of options to choose from – they just might not be as effective as the advertising makes out.
The advantages of water-soluble CBD
At NextEvo, we decided to only sell water-soluble CBD because of the many advantages it offers over oil-based formulations. Not only is this type of CBD more readily absorbed into the body – meaning you get more bang for your buck – but it’s also absorbed a lot quicker, for fast-acting results.
Another advantage of water-soluble CBD is that it tastes a lot nicer than oil-based products. Unlike oil, water has no flavor. This means there’s no strange aftertaste, and it’s also a lot more versatile in terms of adding CBD to food and drink.
Our exclusive SmartSorb technology improves the bioavailability of CBD so that it can get into your system in as little as 10 minutes. Clinically proven to deliver four times the amount of CBD to your bloodstream as oil-based formulations, you get the full benefit of the product you’ve ingested.
How to find the best quality CBD
When looking for high-quality CBD, focus on products with natural ingredients. It’s crucial to know exactly what you’re putting into your body, so the ingredient list should be looked at with a critical eye, while synthetic ingredients are best avoided altogether. Pure natural additives, however, can have a beneficial effect on the quality of CBD.
The way that CBD is extracted from hemp is what has potentially the biggest impact on its quality. CBD should be isolated with a CO2 extraction method – this enables the preservation of all major cannabinoids, flavonoids, and fragile terpenes (which strengthen the CBD’s effects).
Third-party laboratory certification is another key indicator of a CBD product’s quality. When the analysis is conducted, a certificate is produced showing exactly which ingredients have been used and at what concentration.
Third-party laboratory certification ensures that you are buying from a transparent and trustworthy seller. But it’s important to check that the certifier themselves is reputable and dedicated to high standards of operating.
The bottom line is to always do your own research when shopping for CBD products. Check the ingredients list, check the supplier’s credentials, and make sure you understand what you’re taking and why.
How much CBD should a beginner take?
Those who are new to CBD should start with a low, infrequent dose. 5mg is considered the lowest dose needed to still have the possibility of achieving the desired effect.
Some people have a higher natural tolerance than others, so the required dosage varies from person to person. Taking a low dose of CBD and monitoring the impact for a few weeks is the best way of figuring out which dosage is right for you.
Asking yourself questions like “Am I sleeping better?” and “Am I feeling less discomfort?” will help you determine the efficacy of a dose. Bear in mind that it’s not just the amount that you take but also the frequency of the dosage that should be considered.
If you find that you can feel little impact after a while of taking a small amount of CBD, then you can slowly and steadily increase your dosage.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or have used CBD in the past, dosing low and slow is a necessity.
Always speak to a medical professional before starting to take CBD. They will be able to advise of any considerations regarding existing medical conditions and can help minimize the risk of any side effects.
Does CBD have any side effects?
Although this is great news for those who could benefit from CBD, it doesn’t mean that there are no side effects at all.
Like any substance put into the body, CBD has the potential to cause unwanted effects when taken in extreme doses. These are extremely rare but can include:
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite and weight
More serious side effects have only been reported during trials where the dosage was higher than what’s recommended for human consumption. It’s also worth noting that more research is needed to establish how CBD interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Is CBD legal?
CBD made from hemp is legal at federal level in the US, but with some variance in the law from state to state. Most of these variances are focused on THC and to what degree it’s present in CBD products.
Some states have not removed hemp from their list of controlled substances, despite it being legalized federally.
You should always check what the specific law in your state allows. Looking through the ingredients list before you buy a product will ensure that you’re legally able to use it where you live.
CBD in summary
CBD is a supplement that can be added to your daily routine to support your body’s functioning. It’s non-intoxicating and, when taken at the right dosage, can improve your overall wellness.
More research is needed to fully understand how CBD works and its potential future uses, but the studies that have come out so far look promising.
You can buy CBD in a variety of forms, so finding the ideal product to fit your needs and lifestyle is simple. If you’re interested in trying CBD, speak to your doctor first and always buy from a reputable seller.