Most of us have heard about the medicinal properties of cannabis, or, at the very least, are familiar with the effects of cannabis on the brain – whether from personal use, or from reading and hearing about it. I’ll let you guess which category of people I fall into.
The two most abundant compounds in cannabis plants, responsible for the effects on the brain, are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). And as cannabis products become legal and more mainstream in the US and across the world, products claiming to help with everything from inflammation and pain management, to sleep and becoming more accessible.
Difference between THC and CBD
First off, it’s important to note, that although THC and CBD are both psychoactive, they affect the brain differently. Unlike THC, CBD does not make you high. And that’s a big part of the attraction for people like… my mom, who has never enjoyed feeling high – even when it’s totally legit or necessary. I, on the other hand, don’t have that problem.
I’m not going to get into a big ethical discussion about the use and abuse of drugs, nor am I claiming to be any sort of expert on cannabis – I’m not – but suffice it to say that when a natural product promises to help with anxiety and sleep, I’m definitely interested.
So, THC and CBD. Both compounds are in marijuana and in hemp. And, marijuana and hemp are both cannabis plants (in the same way that oranges and lemons are both citrus fruit) but here’s where they differ. Marijuana contains a lot more THC than hemp and is generally used for medicinal and recreational purposes while hemp contains less than 0.3 % THC but has lots of CBD and is farmed for its therapeutic uses and industrial uses like animal feed, fiber and building materials.
How CBD Works
We have two types of cannabinoid receptors in our bodies. THC binds with receptors that control pain, mood, and other feelings. That’s why THC can make you feel happy and high.
CBD works with other elements in the body also linked to feelings of well-being. People take CBD products to help with everything from arthritis and Crohn’s disease to diabetes and multiple sclerosis. And, for the sleepless lot, it helps with anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain.
According to the Sleep Association, CBD may “interact with specific receptors, potentially affecting the sleep/wake cycle…and may also decrease anxiety and pain, which can both interfere with restful sleep.”
Is CBD Legal?
The short answer is – yes. Mostly. Cannabis-related laws in the US, Canada and around the world are evolving and changing quickly. In the US, hemp is not considered a controlled substance at the federal level as long as it’s produced at levels below 0.3. Therefore, hemp-derived CBD is accessible in most of the 50 states. In Canada, most provinces follow the federal legal limit for possession of 30 grams of dried CBD flowers or the equivalent. So, hemp for personal use – legal.
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Ways to ingest CBD
Tea
I’ve just begun my CBD journey. I’ve been drinking Alta Farms’ new Hemp Infused Teas before bedtime and have found them to be soothing and effective. The Chamomile and Lavender Infusion is their sleep tea (in which there’s also Valerian Root, known for its calming, sleep-promoting benefits), and there’s 18mg of Hemp in each bag. Also check out their Orange and Cinnamon Infusion (good for reducing stress and anxiety, two major contributing factors of sleeplessness) and their Mint Infused Herbal Tea (to reduce pain and inflammation to help you relax) while you’re there. In my experience, taking the time to enjoy a warm beverage before bed has a much-needed, calming effect. And, if you drink tea, as is, without milk or sugar, it’s absolutely calorie-free!
CBD Edibles
Edibles are another way to try CBD. There’s a variety of CBD edibles out there including gummies, truffles, or even mints that do a good job of masking any “weedy” taste. Sadly, edibles aren’t for me. I love candy so much I’m likely to eat the whole jar in one sitting. Seriously. And impulse control issues aside, I’m not a fan of keeping edibles in a household with children. Think you hid them well? Think again. Your kid(s) will find your “candy” and eat it.
But if that’s not your issue, edibles might be just right. You can buy CBD Edibles from your local drugstore if your state allows it. A common dosing in drugstore gummies is 20-30 mg of CBD per gummy.
CBD Tinctures
That said, according to Dispensary Guide Canada, CBD tinctures are the most commonly consumed of all CBD products. CBD tinctures is one of the more potent and efficient ways to ingest cannabidiols. Tinctures are developed by merging CBD herbs or flowers with high-proof alcohol, then heating the two compounds over low-heat until essentially, all that’s left is a very potent and concentrated liquid form of CBD. In its purest form it tastes horrible and so it’s often mixed with orange rinds to make it more palatable. Users take a couple of small drops under the tongue via dropper. Tinctures work quickly and are broken down by the body more quickly than gummies.
How CBD Works On Your Skin
As for CBD lotion, the body immediately starts to absorb both the CBD and the other ingredients in the lotion as soon as it’s slathered on. So, it tends to be used more to relieve pain and inflammation locally, which can often be a contributing factor in sleeplessness.
Lotions act faster on the targeted area of the body than CBD oils because they’re absorbed through the topmost layer of skin, so they’re able to get to work right away on the inflamed area. This differs from ingested CBD, which is digested by the body and works its way into your bloodstream. CBD topicals do not enter the bloodstream, which means they won’t affect the rest of your body, just the area in which they are applied.
Before Trying CBD
It’s virtually impossible to overdose from taking too much CBD. It would take astronomical amounts of the stuff. That said, regular, heavy use (more than 20 mg per 1 kilogram of bodyweight) could have other unwelcome effects such as body lock where your body and mind relax so much that it would be difficult for you to walk or work.
According to a CNN report, in 2015-2016 the average American male weighed 197.9 pounds (89.7 kg) and the average American woman weighed 170.6 pounds (77.3 kg). So the average American would have to ingest between 1546 and 1794 mg on a regular basis to experience negative side effects. That’s like drinking about 85 cups of CBD tea or ingesting over 51 (30-mg) CBD gummies to experience a negative side effect like body lock.
Is CBD Right for You?
Talk to your doctor before trying CBD, especially if you’re currently on any medication. CBD can interact with prescription medications such as antibiotics, antidepressants and blood thinners.
Are CDB products legal in your state? Have you tried CBD products? How did you feel?
I’ll keep you posted on my CDB journey as I try it in its different forms.