CBD: What it Does, Types of CBD, Side Effects, and Dosage [2020]
Like marijuana, CBD can treat chronic pain and reduce anxiety. However, even though both products are taken from a cannabis plant, CBD differs from cannabis because it is a cannabinoid. Cannabidiols are non-intoxicating extracts from cannabis without any THC, which has a psychoactive effect. Simply put, it cannot get anyone high.
To get a bit more technical, the CB1 receptor mediates most of the psychotropic effects of tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC. Meanwhile, CB2 receptors are found in immune cells. Instead of binding to the cannabinoid receptor, CBD impacts the opioid receptor, which regulates pain, and the serotonin receptor, which is involved in the regulation of the “feel good” hormone.
What is the Difference Between Hemp and CBD?
Although CBD oil and hemp oil are used interchangeably, they aren’t actually the same. Hemp seed oil is used for cooking and skincare products. Meanwhile, CBD oil is made from the leaves, buds, flowers, and stems of the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD oil is commonly created by extracting pure CBD from a cannabis plant, then diluting it with hemp seed oil, which comes from a hemp plant.
However, hemp-derived CBD also exists. Industrial hemp is a type of Cannabis sativa plant that dates back to the 1960s. CBD hemp oil comes from industrial hemp plants grown for their fiber and seeds. Meanwhile, Marijuana-derived CBD is grown from marijuana plants with thick leaves known for their intoxicating properties. Whether CBD is extracted from hemp or marijuana, it remains identical on a molecular level.
Types of CBD
There is more than one type of CBD oil product on the market. Different people will prefer different methods based on what they can afford, what dosage they require, and what they are trying to accomplish. For instance, someone hoping to ease their chronic pain might benefit from a different CBD product than someone who is suffering from mental health issues and anxiety. Similarly, someone who plans on taking CBD every single day might want a more affordable product than someone who is only going to take CBD when their symptoms are severe. Here are the different types of CBD available for consumers to purchase:
A CBD capsule is a small pill that contains 25 milligrams of CBD. It can be taken with or without food. It’s an easy, convenient way for someone to add CBD to their daily routine. Each dose is pre-measured, so there is no need to worry about how much is being consumed. The same amount will be given every single day.
A CBD gummy is a discreet way to take CBD. It is an edible that is commonly disguised as gummy worms, gummy bears, or gummy rings. Gummies are helpful to take when experiencing anxiety, depression, pain, and inflammation. They are also effective when it comes to improving sleep.
A CBD tincture is an alcoholic cannabis concentrate. It is created by steeping CBD hemp flowers in a mixture of water and alcohol. In order to use this product, simply use the dropper to place the necessary amount of oil or tincture beneath the tongue. Wait about ten seconds and then swallow.
CBD cream infuses high-quality cannabis plants with coconut or olive oil. The ointment can be applied directly to the skin for pain relief. CBD cream is incredibly easy to use, and unlike most other cannabis products, it doesn’t have to be digested. Simply apply the cream to problem areas in order to soothe joint pain or reduce swelling.
Vaping CBD is the fastest way to experience the effects of CBD. The dose will enter the bloodstream and brain much quicker than with pills or gummies. However, vaping CBD requires a bit more preparation than other methods because more materials are involved. It is important to buy a CBD cartridge as well as a CBD vape pen. This pen can be used multiple times, but the cartridge will only contain a certain amount of CBD oil.
CBD isolate powder is a white, crystalline powder that contains ninety-nine percent pure CBD. While other CBD products contain nearly all of the compounds found in a marijuana plant, such as CBC and CBG, CBD isolate only contains pure CBD. This powder can be sprinkled in a drink or on top of food. This makes it easy to consume throughout the day.
What Does CBD Do?
CBD has a wide range of effects. It can be helpful when dealing with mental health problems, like anxiety and depression, as well as physical health problems, like high blood pressure and nerve pain. If someone is uncomfortable with the thought of taking medical marijuana to cope with their pain, CBD oil is an excellent alternative. It provides all of the benefits of cannabis with none of the drawbacks. To prove its use, here is a list of the biggest CBD benefits:
It can help manage chronic pain
CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties. This is because the endocannabinoid system regulates the immune system, and CBD impacts endocannabinoid receptor activity. More than one study has shown CBD is capable of reducing inflammation and easing the pain in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis and arthritis. After taking CBD, multiple sclerosis patients reported improvements in pain, walking, and muscle spasms. This is arguably the biggest health benefit of CBD.
It can ease anxiety and depression
Medical marijuana is known to ease anxiety. However, CBD can also help with anxiety and even depression. During a human study, men exhibited less anxiety when given a CBD product before public speaking than men who were given a placebo. This is because CBD causes the body to create more serotonin. Whether someone is suffering from chronic anxiety or temporarily has anxiety due to stress, CBD can be helpful. This is an excellent alternative to medications like benzodiazepines, which could lead to addiction or an overdose.
It can lower blood pressure
Some people believe the best medicinal benefit of CBD is its ability to aid the heart and circulatory system. CBD can reduce resting blood pressure. It can also reduce blood pressure in response to stress. This suggests that the product has the ability to reduce cell death associated with heart disease. Although more studies are needed, there is a strong chance that CBD can benefit heart health.
It can prevent Alzheimer’s disease
Since CBD oil is known to help treat neurological disorders like Dravet syndrome and multiple sclerosis, there is a possibility it could impact other brain signaling systems. In fact, an animal study has shown CBD oil can prevent the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It can also improve the quality of life and sleep in patients.
It can break bad habits
People suffering from addiction have an easier time getting over their issues when they are taking CBD oil. The product can successfully get rid of cravings. It can also make it easier to endure the withdrawal process. Overall, the relapse rate is lower for people who take CBD. Plus, CBD is non-addictive, so there is no chance of them swapping one addiction for another.
It can reduce nerve pain
Medical marijuana is used to reduce pain. CBD can do the same. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce nerve pain as well as accomplish more superficial tasks, like cure acne. It also has neuroprotective properties that can benefit anyone who is suffering from a neurological disorder. On top of that, it even has cancer-fighting properties. This means it can reduce nerve pain and potentially prevent more pain in the future. Not to mention, it has stress-reducing and anxiety-reducing properties. Overall, CBD oil can reduce physical pain and mental pain to make life easier.
Side Effects of CBD
Although CBD oil has a wide range of health benefits, there are potential side effects, too. It can cause more anxiety, changes in appetite, changes in mood, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting.
Anyone who decides to take CBD should discuss the decision with a doctor beforehand. Patients should also exercise caution when taking CBD along with other medications, such as Warfarin, Theophylline, or Clobazam. It also shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol. This could cause extreme sleepiness and sedation.
How to Choose the Correct CBD Dosage
CBD consumers should be careful about their dosage. Taking too much CBD is unhealthy. However, not taking a strong enough dosage will not have any effect. Unfortunately, there is not a universal dosage. The amount needed will change based on the individual person.
The average consumer will take between 20 milligrams and 1,500 milligrams of CBD oil per day. Bodyweight, body chemistry, and the condition that is being treated should all be taken into consideration. It’s also important to note the concentration of CBD in a pill or gummy.
Consulting a doctor is the best way to figure out the right dosage to take. However, when figuring out a dosage alone, it’s always best to start with a small dose, such as twenty milligrams. Then gradually increase the amount by five milligrams every week until seeing adequate results. 
