With the sudden rise of medical cannabis as an alternative to treat several physical and mental conditions, people have started to put their eyes into CBD as well, which is a variation of medical cannabis known for not getting people high. With that said, although it has been getting a lot of attention over the last couple of years, many people don’t know how it works, and what CBD actually is.
In this article, I am going to explain how CBD, also known as cannabidiol, works, and why it is a safe, efficient alternative to traditional forms of medication aiming to deal with anxiety, insomnia, pain-inducing diseases, and many other conditions.
I will also touch on what is known as a cannabidiol form, one of the many representations of commercial CBD-based products, and some of the alternatives you have at your disposal.
With that said, let us begin with understanding what cannabidiol is, and how it works.
Cannabidiol and the Endocannabinoid System
To properly understand CBD, we must talk about the cannabis plant, and a very special compound found in it, known as THC. Also referred to as tetrahydrocannabiniol, this compound is known for being providing the cannabis plant with its psychoactive capabilities. This, along with cannabidiol, are the most present form of cannabinoids found in the plant.
With that said, most CBD products come from a variation of the cannabis plant that is known as the hemp plant and contains very low levels of THC. This makes it a psychoactive-free plant, thus, these products won’t get you high, in comparison to medical cannabis.
But how does it work? Well, it works by toying and alternating something referred to as the endocannabinoid system. This system is a compound of neurotransmitters that are directly and indirectly linked to several functions of our bodies, including our social capabilities, our perception of reality, our 5 senses, as well as our appetite, and equilibrium.
Although there is much to know about it and research it’s still in its early stages, something is sure: both CBD and THC can affect the endocannabinoid system in a positive way, benefiting us in many different ways.
Health Benefits of CBD
Now, the most important aspect of cannabidiol is that it can provide you with health benefits without bringing the nasty side-effects of a traditional form of medicine and drugs when used for long periods of time. Some good examples of these side-effects include the depression caused by sleeping pills, as well as the irritation and mood swings caused by pain relievers.
With that said, what are the actual health benefits of CBD? Well, according to some studies as well as claims by the people who have found it as a panacea for their illnesses, cannabidiol works wonders when it comes to reducing pain and inflammation, calming anxiety, and aiding with sleeping disorders.
It has also been claimed by research that it is a great way to reduce epileptic seizures in people, and the benefits can also be enjoyed by animals since they are capable of consuming thanks to not containing THC, which is known for being toxic for animals. This has made it a really good alternative for pet owners!
Overall, cannabidiol-based products can be used to calm yourself when you are in the process of suffering a panic attack or a heavy case of anxiety caused by external stimuli. You can also use it to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by conditions like arthritis or joint problems, and you can also use it to fight insomnia and improve your quality of sleep.
If you want to read more detailed information about the benefits of CBD, you can read this article.
Cannabidiol Products and Differences
Now, there are many presentations you can find when it comes to cannabidiol, with oil being the most common one. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, and we will talk about them.
- Oils: oils are easy to find since they are the most commonly requested CBD-based products. Although their taste and texture are disliked by some, oils are easy to manage, and coming up with the right dosage is easier because of it. They can be used without any worries about your surroundings as well.
Oils might take some time to kick in because of how the digestive system works, but the duration of the effect tends to last for quite some time because of this. - Edibles: Edibles are pretty similar to oils, but with the good point of being combined with delicious snacks, such as gummies, cookies, baked goods, among many other options. They are more discreet than oils and flowers but have to be eaten before the expiration time. They also take some time to kick in. If you are a pet owner, you might want to consider getting your pet CBD snacks instead of oil.
- Flowers: if you are a cannabis enthusiast, or just want to have a faster, stronger effect coming from your product, this option is probably the best one for you. Flowers are smokeable alternatives that, although might not be usable on some occasions, provide a quick, strong effect of relaxation and pain relief.
Some of these flowers have a specific type of flavor, and a good example of this the special sauce flavor you can find over here https://cheefbotanicals.com/product/cbd-hemp-flower-special-sauce/, but they’re also some alternatives, with the most famous one being grape flavor.
Because of their nature, they tend to have a woody taste to eat that remembers you about nature, and its terpenes can also provide and enhance health benefits. The only downside to it is that it is not as discreet as the other choices and if you are not into smoking, you might dislike it.
Still, it’s a solid, durable choice that, because of its strong effect, can last you a very long time if you know how to use it and take advantage of its nature.
