CBD is appearing in greater quantities and can be found nearly everywhere. No doubt, ever since the legalization has passed (read more), there is a rapid increase in demand for CBD products. Thus, due to the market saturation for CBD-derived products, they have grown in numerous forms, including oils, tinctures, topicals, edibles, and more.
For some people, it is quite overwhelming to choose what’s the best product to try first. Well, all of these forms equally deliver the same benefits. However, not all of these are created in the same way. When you administer cannabidiol, you must understand that everyone responds differently. Moreover, it may even vary on what form of product you are taking (potency, concentration, and delivery).
If you’re interested in trying CBD products, read on as we laid out the top 3 CBD forms best for first-timers!
CBD Overview
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is a non-psychoactive compound derived from Cannabis sativa plants. This is one of the fastest-growing supplements in the market due to its medical applications ranging from treating epilepsy to reducing pain and overcoming addiction from illicit substances, thanks to its diverse mechanism of action from marijuana itself.
Also, it is commonly advertised for its relaxing effect, which helps in aiding stress, insomnia, anxiety, and depression— by influencing your endocannabinoid system.
Alongside CBD, THC comes along with it. However, THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that causes alteration to user’s minds, especially if it comes in a large amount.
These two compounds similarly produce beneficial results that can help you achieve optimal health. But for obvious reasons, CBD is a safer alternative than THC.
It is often cited in anecdotal data from real users that cannabidiol will not make you high. Instead, there are therapeutic claims which are all helpful to maintain a healthy life. Even WHO (World Health Organization) says that it is well-tolerable by humans.
CBD And Endocannabinoid System
Cannabidiol influences the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a set of endogenous cannabinoid receptors in the body that plays a role in pleasure and pain and other bodily functions such as mood, appetite, metabolism, and immune response.
Types Of CBD-Infused Products
Full-Spectrum: This type of product contains all the cannabinoids present in hemp plants, including THC and terpenes. Users prefer this type because it is very potent and is effective in delivering beneficial effects.
Broad-Spectrum: Like full-spectrum ones, this type of product also contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes present except for the presence of THC. It is also very potent and effective, nevertheless.
Isolates: This is the purest form of cannabidiol. Moreover, this is the perfect option for those who are hesitant about consuming a product that contains THC since cannabidiol is isolated from the rest of the cannabinoids.
Forms Of CBD
- Oil
Perhaps cannabidiol fans would attest that CBD in the form of oil is the most flexible product to use. Well, you can apply it topically, sublingually, and by ingestion.
One of the most common ways to use CBD oil is to take it by mouth. You can also use a product that contains cannabidiol oil as an ingredient. These are things you ingest, such as pills, chewable gels, tinctures to take sublingually, vape cartridges for an immediate result, and foods like treats and chocolate recipes. Also, you can apply it directly on your skin by gently rubbing it on any part of your body to address pain and discomfort.
- Topicals
One of the benefits of using cannabidiol is it helps in reducing skin conditions and muscle soreness, which works simultaneously with its anti-inflammatory properties. As CBD has been seen extending well beyond the skin’s surface, it has been an effective way to treat pain and inflammation.
Using topicals such as lotions and creams may help relieve the discomfort and irritation that comes with your condition, and you can add it to your specific area of concern.
There is still a pressing need for additional scientific evidence to substantiate this claim. However, several studies have shown positive results. A report from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology states that it has helped in skin disorders such as contact dermatitis and psoriasis.
- Edibles
Edibles are one of the most popular forms of CBD products. More specifically, CBD-infused gummies. Moreover, edible gummies provide a convenient and discreet way to administer CBD for pain management, anxiety relief, and depression. They’re easy to consume, portable, and they come in different sizes and shapes, which are easy to dose as well while consuming it in a fun way like a candy.
Since they are already packed in a specific dosage, you wouldn’t have to worry if you are consuming too much or not. You can either choose to adjust the dosage or simply lower or increase it depending on your own preference by consuming more or less.
If you choose an edible gummy over other forms, keep in mind that you may experience delayed results, which may happen for more than an hour or more. When you eat a gummy, things move slowly in the digestive process rather than taking it sublingually, which has a better chance of reaching the bloodstream. Although it is not fast-acting as ingesting or sublingual delivery, this can last up to 8 hours after consumption.
It is best to use any time of the day, but CBD gummies are a way to have a calm, leisurely evening to avoid a night of troubled sleep(link: https://www.livestrong.com/article/403012-are-gummy-bears-healthy/). Also, don’t forget to always choose vegan gummies so that you’re free from gelatin and sugary threats that may harm you adversely than you think.
