Trying CBD Products For the First Time: A Detailed Guide

For CBD first-timers, the world of CBD is a new and fascinating adventure. And like any other adventure, it’s not without its pitfalls. If you’re unsure where to start, this detailed guide on CBD has some basic questions every first user needs to know to start their journey on the right foot.  

How Does CBD Work?

Cannabidiol, abbreviated to CBD, is thought of as an exclusively hemp-based plant. However, most people know that CBD is also found in other plants like cabbage and broccoli. 

All cannabinoid molecules, including CBD, interact with the Endocannabinoid system to produce therapeutic effects. The Endocannabinoid system is a sprawling system of complex cell-signaling receptors that help maintain homeostasis in several critical systems. 

An easy way to understand this is through a simple explanation. Our bodies produce their compounds. We call them “naturally occurring” compounds. But, sometimes, these run out, requiring the body to gain replenishment from external sources. This is where hemp-derived CBD steps in to fill this vacancy and boost starved bodily mechanisms. 

Are CBD Products Made from Hemp or Marijuana?

Both terms — Hemp and Marijuana — are interchangeably used. While both these plants belong to the Cannabis Sativa class of plants, they differ in some key aspects. For instance, one of the most critical differences between the two lies in their composition. Both species produce CBD; however, only one has very high levels of THC.

THC is the intoxicating, psychoactive substance known for creating a “high.” Its concentrations in marijuana can be up to 30%, due to which it has mind-altering effects. THC in hemp, on the other hand, is in trace amounts (.3%), and therefore inadequate to trigger psycho-activity of any kind. Because of this, many manufacturers consider it an optimal source for producing CBD products. Meaning, with CBD, you get all the beneficial effects of cannabis without worrying about any adverse side effects. 

Are CBD Products Intoxicating or Addictive?

As mentioned above, CBD doesn’t contain high concentrations of THC and, therefore, doesn’t cause you a high.

The World Health Organization (WHO) published a comprehensive review recently to analyze CBD’s safety profile and found it to pass with flying colors. The health regulatory authority also verified that CBD doesn’t exhibit any potential for substance use.

 So, if you’re worried that CBD will be your gateway to a whole new world of other drugs, you have nothing to worry about. But, make sure you’re buying your CBD products from a reputable source. Currently, the CBD industry isn’t well-regulated. This has led many low-grade CBD products with harmful additives to swarm marketplaces and contributed to rampant misuse of CBD paraphernalia. 

Is CBD Legal?

After the 2018 Farm Bill, several states legalized CBD for widespread commercialization. The farm bill was a big stride forward for the cannabis industry. It green-lit hemp-derived products for growing, selling, and consuming. Marijuana-based products are still awaiting legalization. Because of this, their legality varies by state. Some states allow them for recreational use, while others do not. 

There are some nuances you need to familiarize with to understand CBD’s legalities fully. Before you pick up any CBD product on the shelf, make sure it adheres to strict quality standards. What does this mean? This means that the responsibility of ensuring that the product you’re choosing doesn’t contain any banned ingredients is up to you. To be on the safe side, check the manufacturer’s website for third party lab results. Most reputable and transparent companies have this information to help their customers make educated decisions. 

Are There Any Special CBD Terminologies?

When you enter into the world of CBD, you’ll come across many confusing terminologies. Some of these include:

Broad Spectrum CBD: Broad Spectrum CBD contains no THC. Instead, they contain every other cannabinoid and terpene indigenous to the cannabis plant. Why? Because Broad Spectrum CBD undergoes a rigorous processing phase to reduce THC levels to a bare minimum while ensuring all the useful compounds are retained. 

Full Spectrum CBD: Full Spectrum CBD differs from Broad Spectrum in one thing: they contain .3% of THC.

CBD Isolate: CBD isolates are highly purified extracts. They contain none of the cannabis’s beneficial cannabinoids, including terpenes, vitamins, and minerals. Their only ingredient is pure CBD crystals. 

Which CBD Delivery System Should I Choose?

Although CBD dosage and timing vary from one person to another, choosing a delivery system best-suited for your preferences and needs can help you get the best out of CBD. 

CBD is available in many forms. This includes tinctures, oils, vapes, and edibles. Each has its pros and cons. For instance, if you’re using CBD to treat joint pain, a topical application of a CBD lotion or cream will suit you best. On the other hand, if you’re looking for immediate effects, vaping is the best way to go.

It’s also highly convenient and doesn’t need processing or preparation, as is the case in other delivery systems. Edibles are another popular choice; however, they have been known to cause certain side effects, such as dry mouth, hallucinations, and delirium.

This is mainly because CBD edible products contain high THC levels, which can trigger these unfavorable symptoms. CBD tinctures (oils) come with a dropper and are administered orally, under the tongue. Keep in mind that the scent and smell of CBD oil are unpalatable for some people — if you’re one of these people, opt for a CBD capsule as an alternative. 

 How Do I Know If CBD Products Are Working?

Many physiological factors determine CBD’s absorption and subsequent longevity in your system.

It would help if you considered weight, height, metabolism, tolerance to cannabis, and many other things to analyze how long CBD will stay in your system accurately and the changes it will make while there. As long as you choose a high-quality CBD product, one thing’s for sure: you’ll not have to worry about any adverse side effects. 

Make sure you consult a physician before self-medicating with CBD. Although scientific evidence backs CBD’s potential to treat various conditions, it’s still not conclusive to paint a complete picture.