CBD 101
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating chemical compound produced by the Cannabis sativa plant and is also found in hemp. It is commonly found within Cannabis oil, which is contained within resin glands found on the surface of Cannabis flowers. The Cannabis plant produces more than 113 unique compounds known as cannabinoids, of which CBD is one. The term cannabinoid describes a unique class of organic chemicals, all of which feature similarities to the active components of Cannabis.
CBD, much like its more commonly known cannabinoid cousin THC, interacts with our body in a variety of ways. Its main role is to mimic, and augment the effects, of compounds within our bodies called endogenous cannabinoids. These endocannabinoids are part of a homeostatic physiological regulator, in less scientific terms the system keeping everything in the body just right, called the ECS. The ECS was technically discovered by accident, by a team of scientists working to understand how THC and CBD affects the body, who stumbled upon this important element of human health.
How to consume CBD
EDIBLES
Edibles are a great and discreet way to try CBD. You can find a variety of CBD edibles including gummies, truffles, or even mints that do a great job of masking any “weedy” taste.
ESUBLINGUAL PRODUCTS
Many edibles contain sugar and preservatives, so if you want to avoid additives, you might want to try a sublingual product. These are designed to be absorbed under your tongue. They include tinctures — solutions made by soaking cannabis flower in oil or alcohol — sprays, oils, and lozenges.
ETOPICALS
CBD topicals are designed to be applied directly to the skin. You can find CBD-infused lotions, balms, creams, salves, and transdermal patches. Topicals are a great choice when it comes to treating localized pain or skin conditions like eczema in a discreet fashion.
EVAPING AND SMOKING
You can smoke high-CBD cannabis flower in a joint, use a vaporizer with a cartridge that contains CBD oil, or even inhale CBD concentrates such as sugar waxes with any vape pen that has a chamber for concentrates.
Vaping and smoking allow the CBD to go directly into your bloodstream, so you’ll feel effects much faster than you will with other methods. In 10 minutes or less, you’ll absorb 34 to 56 percent of the CBD.
What are the effects of CBD?
CBD is said by many to have a relaxing and soothing effect, but you’re not going to feel this non-intoxicating cannabinoid the same way you would THC. Many consumers and medical patients report several positive effects after taking CBD, including feelings of relaxation and calmness. But the exact feeling you’ll get from CBD is contingent on several factors, including the type of CBD product, the total CBD dosage, and individual-specific factors.
How long do the effects of CBD last?
It varies based on all the same factors that influence how long CBD stays in your system.
The form used, dosage, and your body composition all play a role and make it hard to predict how quickly CBD will kick in or how it will affect you.
Generally, you can begin to feel the effects of CBD within 15 minutes of vaping or using it sublingually. Edibles and topical products can take as long as an hour or two to kick in.
Depending on your body, how much you take, and how you take it. Generally, the effects of CBD can last from 2 to 6 hours
