What is CBD? Benefits and how to use it

The cannabis plant, and more specifically its substance, cannabidiol or CBD, has been and continues to be highly discussed and researched in terms of its benefits. In recent years there has been a constant growth in use and administration methods to alleviate symptoms of certain conditions and illnesses.

So why is such a big hype around CBD? Whether you have heard about it from your friends, family, or medical provider, there is more and more information in regards to its use and effects on reducing symptoms. The medical community has been vocal about patients using CBD in the form of oil, pills, gummies, or lotions to help them diminish pain, other symptoms, or disorders such as anxiety or depression. Nevertheless, medical professionals and academics are still undertaking research into its vast uses and how much it can improve someone’s health.

So, what is CBD?

The cannabis Sativa plant, or hemp, has hundreds of chemical substances known as cannabinoids. Cannabidiol, abbreviated CBD, is one of these chemical compounds found in the hemp plant which is used to produce CBD oil, pills, or even spray. If, for example, inhaling is more effective in managing your condition, there are even organic CBD nugs, which can be used for this purpose.

An important aspect to highlight is that CBD does not have similar effects on your body that THC has. The latter is delta-tetrahydrocannabinol, a substance found in cannabis that actually gives the euphoric feeling that makes you “high”. So, compared to THC, CBD is not psychoactive or addictive. For this reason, CBD remedies should only contain up to 0.3% THC, which makes them legal to sell and consume.

The benefits of CBD

Many research projects have shown that the use of CBD might be helpful in decreasing some symptoms’ intensity of various illnesses or alleviating pain. Although more research is needed, there is some evidence of its benefits.

Chronic pain management

The hemp plant has been used for its effects in managing pain as early as 2900 B.C. However, at that time, its THC concentration was in high amounts, an aspect that is illegal for CBD remedies, in states where medical and recreational marijuana use is also illegal.

However, if you have arthritis or other conditions where pain management is difficult to keep under control, CBD could help you manage your pain. It is essential to know that pain can be musculoskeletal or nerve, so pain is not similarly managed for everyone. Research shows that CBD is more effective with a higher level of THC to alleviate certain types of pain. In this case, you might still be able to take a prescription-based remedy, depending on the state’s legislation or country you’re located in.

Taking CBD sublingually can help with pain generated by multiple sclerosis, for instance. This, together with muscle tightness, can be slightly decreased. Although it doesn’t cure the disease, CBD can still improve the overall state of the patient.

Reduce symptoms as a result of cancer treatment

Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation can be quite harsh, and it can take a toll on your body. The treatment’s side effects, such as nausea and vomiting or pain, might be difficult to treat with other pills, in which case patients find themselves compelled to look for other options.

In this case, people using CDB spray administered in the mouth have seen some decrease in symptoms given by cancer treatment, as well as pain alleviation. You can visit paisley to learn more about the benefits CBD offers.

Useful for mental health disorders

Stressful life and overwhelming feelings generated by personal problems or other stressors are just some of the factors which can cause anxiety or depression. In the U.S., every year, anxiety affects 18.1% of the population. Not to mention that they can affect people of young age, especially if they have been through trauma. Treating mental health disorders is a long-term process.

Apart from therapy being one of the most helpful ways in which you can combat these types of disorders, affecting adults and teenagers alike, medication is another way of treating anxiety or depression. However, some people avoid taking it due to its strong composition and fear of dependency and side effects.

CBD is shown to help patients see some improvements with their mental health issues. CBD remedies, such as oil, are shown to have a positive effect on keeping anxiety or depression under control. In addition, it might be useful for insomnia and managing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Epilepsy

Although it is a lifelong condition, there are things that you can do to reduce epileptic seizures in intensity or frequency. Among people who suffer from epilepsy, around 30% of them are struggling to control their symptoms and seizures. Nevertheless, taken together with other medications, CBD remedies can help provide a decrease in epileptic seizures. A recent study has revealed that CBD can be effective in managing the symptoms of this disorder.

How to use CBD?

There is no single way of taking CBD, and it depends on what it is you’re treating. It comes as an oil, tincture, or lotion; it can be swollen or inhaled, as is the case with CBD nugs. For example, if your condition is more serious and more difficult to manage, you may prefer CBD remedy taken sublingually for a faster effect. Similarly, for pain management, CBD-based cream might be a better choice than pills, as it is applied directly to the painful area.

Taking CBD simply depends on your condition as well as your preferences – you might not like the taste of the oil, or it might be difficult for you to swallow the pills, in which case CBD gummies could maybe be your choice. What’s essential is that you consider your personal choice and your doctor’s advice.

It is highly important to mention that you might need a doctor’s recommendation on the right dosage and the kind of CBD product that is suitable for you. They will be able to give you professional advice based on your condition and to make sure that if you’re taking other medications, they will not interfere with your CBD treatment.