Human beings began taking advantage of the cannabis plant for its medicinal and libation qualities hundreds of years ago. But relatively recently, progressive legislation surrounding cannabis engulfs us with information surrounding medical marijuana and CBD products.
With the abundance of information out there through marketing campaigns, confusion may set in when determining what kind of product makes sense for you. Starting with some basic information represents an excellent first step in deciding what sort of CBD may fit your health routine.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol or CBD represents one of the primary cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. The hemp plant comes from the same species of the Cannabis Sativa plant as marijuana. Marijuana’s most famous cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol THC, earned its reputation through its psychoactive properties. Besides producing a euphoric state or high, THC also possesses healing properties.
CBD derives from the hemp plant, which technically contains less than.3% THC. It will not give you a buzz, but it does offer therapeutic properties.
Cannabis offers us medicinal value because of our endocannabinoid systems or ECS. The ECS exists in all mammals. This fantastic system consists of a series of small acidic molecules known as endocannabinoids that run throughout the entire body.
The aim of the ECS involves balance or homeostasis. The ECS may suffer compromised due to stress, age, or poor lifestyle choices. Cannabis helps to assist an ailing ECS because its phytocannabinoid system mirrors the ECS. Depending on the strain or blend of the cannabis, the cannabinoids will penetrate the C1 or C2 cellular receptors when ingested or applied and target the problem area or system.
What do the different spectrums mean on the label?
CBD products continue to gain popularity partially due to their availability. Many people look toward cannabis for help with pain, inflammation, and stress, and anxiety. They find relief with CBD products without experiencing the unwanted high from marijuana or some of the adverse side effects THC might bring, such as dizziness and paranoia. When you purchase CBD products in a brick-and-mortar store or online, you should notice that the label reads Full-Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, or CBD Isolate. So, what do they all mean?
Defining the spectrums:
- Broad Spectrum contains virtually no THC, but you will find other components of the hemp plant in the product. These components include flavonoids, terpenes, and the antioxidants and essential fatty acids found in hemp.
- Full Spectrum also contains small amounts of other components. It may also come with THC that usually measures as trace amounts of under .3%. However, in states that legalized recreational marijuana, the THC levels may measure above .3%.
- CBD Isolate refers to a product that uses an extraction method, resulting in only the CBD cannabinoid going into the final product.
The basic extraction methods:
- CO2 Carbon dioxide extraction separates the CBD oil from the plant material, often resulting in high concentrations of CBD.
- Steam distillation uses steam to separate the CBD oil from the plant material. This method usually produces less effective results.
- Solvent distillation uses various solvents to separate the CBD and comes with a degree of controversy.
- Lipid extraction continues to gain popularity as many find it a suitable alternative to solvent or CO2 extraction.
Determining your needs when selecting a spectrum:
Your reason for using CBD will help determine which kinds of products to try:
- Are you looking to improve your overall health or achieve homeostasis? Broad Spectrum CBD most likely represents the best choice. Not only does this spectrum give you benefits of the entourage effect, but it also undergoes the most rigorous testing:
- Testing by a third-party laboratory to ensure CBD measurement accuracy.
- Verified to come from the U.S.A. grown organic hemp.
- Verified to contain less than .3% THC.
- The Certificate of Analysis or COA declares it passed the purity test for mold, insecticides, and heavy metals.
- If you suffer from chronic pain, sleeping disorders, anxiety or stress problems, or a severe condition, you may want to try Full Spectrum. Full Spectrum will give you the full synergy of the entourage effect since it contains all components of the plant material. The phytocannabinoids and terpenes particularly work well together in combatting pain and anxiety.
- If you happen to experience allergy symptoms from the cannabis plant or you’re just CBD curious, the CBD Isolate represents a good option. Trying the isolate will help determine the effectiveness of CBD on your system.
Most hemp-derived CBD enjoys a legal status in the United States due to the Farm Bill of 2018, which legalized hemp. If you’re traveling and crossing state borders, you may want to stick to the Isolate or Broad Spectrum products. The packaging or bottle should supply you with a visible COA. Not only does the COA ensure legality, but it also gives you confidence in the quality of the product.
FAQs
- Will CBD make me high if I take too much?
Unless you take a very high dose of a Full-Spectrum CBD product, you won’t feel any stoned or high feeling.
- How much CBD should I take?
Start by following the manufacturers’ instructions regarding dosing. If you feel you’re not getting results, increase the dose incrementally in small amounts. If you suffer from an ailment or chronic condition, check with a medical professional regarding dosing.