In recent years the fight to legalize marijuana has become increasingly popular. As more states have begun to change their stance on medicinal and recreational uses of weed, there have also been increasing studies in its benefits. In comes CBD, which is a compound which is derived from the marijuana plant. Discovered to have many health benefits, and also legal to sell, CBD has taken the world by storm.
Now, you can find CBD in just about everything. From CBD gummy bears and candy bars to supplements and food infused with CBD oil, there seems to be no end to the many ways this “super product” can be sold to the masses. Yet, why has this cannabinoid taken everyone by storm? More importantly, what is CBD, and how is it best used to improve your health and wellness?
So, What is CBD?
The cannabis or marijuana plant is made up of more than 80 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. The most popular is THC which is a compound that produces psychoactive effects in the body that are commonly associated with the feeling you’d get if you smoked a joint. It creates a euphoria of sorts, soothes anxiety or stress, and of course, makes you pretty hungry (What most refer to as the munchies).
CBD is another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. However, it does not have psychoactive effects like THC. As it does not cause those same effects it provides all the benefits of other cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant without getting you high. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also legal to sell.
What Makes CBD Great?
Though the medical and scientific research on marijuana is still in its early stages, there have been a progressive amount of studies completed on CBD. Those studies have shown positive results for patients who suffer from a number of ailments and illnesses ranging from aches and pains to mental health issues like those found in this post on paranoia vs anxiety to chronic stress and depression. As pain and mental health are often the core cause or symptom of many medical problems, it would seem that CBD’s healing properties make it a necessary ingredient for curing or treating an array of medical problems including but not limited to the following:
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Epilepsy
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Reduces oxidative stress
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Chronic pain
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Reduces inflammation
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Healthy weight management
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Supports heart health (Reduces cholesterol, high blood pressure, and stress-induced cardiovascular responses)
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Treats eczema and acne
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Fights cancer (stops or slows tumor growth and spreading)
As it is still in the beginning stages of research, it is very possible that this powerful cannabinoid can treat many other illnesses and conditions. So, you can imagine why the interest would have peaked so much in the past few years.
How Should CBD Oil Be Taken?
CBD is made into an oil which can then be infused into about any product on the market. How you use CBD oil will depend a lot on your preferences and health goals. Here is some information on the various ways you can take CBD.
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Inhalation – You can add CBD oil to a vape pen and inhale. This is the fastest way for the cannabinoid to enter your body. It quickly enters the bloodstream and into other areas of the body. Those interested can generally find it at vape shops.
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Topical – If inhaling isn’t your thing, you can also apply CBD oil to your body in a cream or lotion. These are best used by those suffering from localized pain as you can apply it directly to the affected area.
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Sublingual – concentrates of CBD oil can be taken by placing it under the tongue. This method is best for those who need immediate and long-lasting relief. As allowing the mucous membranes to absorb the oil, it quickly enters the bloodstream for fast relief, but the remainder is swallowed like a pill which would give you relief for longer.
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Ingestion – one of the more popular ways to take CBD oil is to ingest it. As the oil can be infused into anything from butter to candy, you can cook with it or indulge in a sweet treat.
CBD is a powerful cannabinoid that offers people an alternative solution to many of their health problems. People old and young can indulge in this compound from a marijuana plant without the psychoactive effects – which is probably why it’s gotten so popular. It has been known to treat everything from skin imperfections to mental illness and continued research only unveils more about it’s healing properties. If you want to give CBD a try, be sure to choose a method that is best suited for you, and follow recommended dosages for the best results.
