CBD may sound like a new phenomenon, but it has been around for much longer. The legalization of hemp farming has led to a discovery of a variety of Marijuana-derived cbd products. While they all come from the same plant, there are different ways to take cbd with varying effects.

CBD oil is a popular treatment used for a variety of ailments. However, it has other benefits. Here’s a look at how to take CBD oil and its benefits.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD Oil, or cannabidiol, is an extract from the hemp plant variety, Cannabis Sativa. or popularly known as Marijuana. Marijuana contains two compounds; CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both compounds produce varying effects, with extensive research being done on the medical benefits of CBD.

Unlike THC, taking CBD does not produce psychoactive effects. However, it leads to noticeable signs and possible medical benefits.

CBD vs Marijuana

Cannabis plants contain a variety of compounds with the two most common being delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol. Marijuana is a different plant that belongs to the hemp family that also contains cannabidiol.

Due to high concentrations of THC, CBD is preferably extracted from hemp  rather than marijuana.

How Does CBD Work?

Interestingly, the human body contains an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that plays a vital role in the central nervous system. The ECS has cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. When cannabinoids are introduced to the body, they interact with the receptors producing varying effects.

While THC binds to the receptors, CBD works by stimulating a natural response for the body to produce endocannabinoids. As a result, most CBD users see it as a pain relief alternative to the highly-addictive opioids.

Is CBD Oil Legal?

The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the farming of hemp. This also allowed the production of hemp-derived CBD oil under agricultural regulations, but with a twist – hemp used in the production of cannabinoids should contain no more than 0.3 percent THC.

Marijuana-derived cbd products are legal under state laws; however, it is illegal at the federal level. In states like Illinois, CBD products are permitted only for medical use. However, note that the FDA does not approve of nonprescription CBD products.

How to Take CBD Oil? 

You can enjoy CBD oil in a variety of ways. However, it depends on the oil concentration. Here are a few ways to take cbd.

Capsules

If you want to maintain a fair amount of CBD in your body, a capsule is safe and a good way to take CBD. Capsules may take longer to kick in causing a first pass effect, since it is absorbed through your digestive tract. Some cannabinoid users report feeling the onset effect 30 minutes later.

Before stocking up on CBD capsules, it is best to research the best and safe options available in the market.

Tincture

A tincture is not the same as cannabis plant oil. The former is a herbal extract immersed in alcohol, while the latter is a Marijuana extract in oil form. In making tinctures, high-proof oil is used to extract cannabinoids from the plant, and it is also used in the final product.

The process requires a series of refining and filtration, which often leaves a bitter taste in the tinctures. The bitter taste makes CBD tinctures uncommon. Some manufacturers use sweeteners, herbal extracts, or supplements to sweeten it up. However, the Food and Drug Administration restricts the sale of CBD as dietary supplements since its interaction with the drugs is not yet known.

To get the best out of a tincture, place a few cbd oil drops under your tongue. The place has a high network of capillaries, giving the CBD a head start in your bloodstream.

Salad Dressing

You can use CBD oil to bring life to your salad for a nutritious and healthy salad treat. First, you need to add a few tablespoons of olive oil, then add two to three teaspoons of CBD. Squeeze in some lemon juice and add salt and pepper for a savory taste.

Using hemp oil in salads can release an entourage effect due to the infusing of CBD, THC, and terpenes.

Vape Pen

Notably, you cannot vape pure CBD oil; you can only take it orally. CBD Oil is made using food ingredients just like regular vape juice for vaping.

There are various ways of vaping CBD juice, and vape pens are an easy and cheap way of doing it. Vape pens are portable cigarette-style pens containing CBD vape juice with a built-in battery and coil.

Generally, disposable CBD pens can run empty after a few hundred inhales. Alternatively, you can opt for refillable CBD vapor pens, which you can refill using your own CBD vape juice.

If you’re new to vaping, it is best to read through the manual to ensure you’re doing it right.

Smoothie

A great way of adding CBD into your diet is by infusing it into a smoothie. A CBD smoothie can help relieve joint pain, especially after a strenuous workout. The hemp- extract infused smoothie can also help you get a good night’s sleep since it reduces anxiety and calms your nerves.

For a great kick start to your day, add half a teaspoon of CBD oil to your smoothie.

Topicals

An alternative way of taking CBD oil is by using CBD topical products. There are different forms of topicals on the internet infused with CBD. You can opt for a balm, body oils such as CBD coconut oil, or salves. CBD topicals are an excellent option for pain management and can also reduce inflammation.

CBD contains antioxidant properties that help the skin prevent inflammation caused by the sun’s environmental pollutants. Topical products have a direct way of managing joint and musculoskeletal aches. More so, a topical application is effective in treating arthritis. Furthermore, a study on rats revealed that it is also effective in reducing joint swelling.

Although CBD topical provides concentrated relief, you may achieve a high if you apply a generous amount. For a more therapeutic feel, it is advisable to use a topical application that contains capsaicin, menthol, or camphor.

Cocktail

Bartenders and mixologists are always on the lookout for how to pep up their cocktails. An exciting way to achieve this is by adding CBD to cocktails. CBD cocktails are a popular choice low-ABV drink since it doesn’t get you high but give you the right calm after a long hectic day.

A mix of weed and alcohol may cause a momentary dysfunction. However, pairing CBD with alcohol has no psychoactive effect since CBD does not contain THC. You can add different kinds of CBD to cocktails, but the perfect pair is CBD with Gin. Gin masks CBD’s earthy aroma and flavor.

CBD-infused cocktails can help reduce the risk of diabetes and improve your heart’s health. Since CBD is rich in antioxidants, it helps your skin maintain its glow and beauty. It can also keep away acne and other dermal diseases.

Furthermore, if you want to be the party’s life, a few drops of CBD in your cocktail can help reduce your social anxiety.

Coffee

Coffee shops are quite popular in the United States. There are about 20,000 stores in the United States, and coffee consumption is higher in the North East, where 60% of the population consumes coffee.

For coffee lovers, adding CBD oil to your morning cup can give you the right calm to start your day. Coffee is a popular drink thanks to its flavorful aroma. The aroma has anti-anxiety properties, which explains the irritable feeling when you miss your morning cup.

CBD’s calming and sleepy effect evens out with coffee once you make a blend. You can make your cup of CBD-infused coffee at home. It is best to use dairy-free milk that contains CBD and add a few CBD drops . This helps you control your CBD dosing. Alternatively, you can visit one of the CBD coffee shops that line the Nation’s street.

Edibles

According to a study by New York University students, CBD effectively treats anxiety disorders with a cbd oil dosage range of 300 to 600 mg. Another study concluded a dose of 300 mg reduces anxiety in people who are public speaking. Generally, when taken orally at a higher dosage, CBD effectively treats anxiety in patients.

Edibles are also a safe way to take cbd oil. However, similar to capsules, it contains the first pass effect, which means it takes longer to kick in. Once you ingest CBD, your digestive tract and liver partially metabolize the CBD. This means your body absorbs approximately 20 to 30 percent of it.

How to Choose CBD Oils

CBD is still undergoing testing and is yet to be approved by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), though some prescription medication are legal. However, you can still make a wise and informed decision when purchasing CBD products. Here are a few tips to help you get the best available CBD oil.

Research the Product

CBD comes in two varieties; full or broad spectrum and isolate types. To unlock the full benefits of CBD, choosing CBD products made with full or  broad-spectrum oils is advisable instead of isolate or distillate oil.

Broad-spectrum cbd oil has THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids in hemp plants. Taking THC and CBD will deliver an entourage effect and release a range of health benefits. Furthermore, full-spectrum oil is less processed, which means it retains most of the hemp’s volatile organic compounds, such as terpenes.

Additionally, if you’re on prescription medications, you should talk to your doctor to advise on the best CBD oil for you. For instance, patients suffering from Dragnet syndrome may receive a prescription for a CBD oil capsule. However, CBD oil can have side effects and may cause an adverse reaction with thinning agents.

Try Out Low Concentrations First

If you are new to CBD oils, a small dosage is a good start to give you a relaxed feel. You may feel worse if you take a  high dose of cbd at once. It is advisable to start with 250 mg concentration products as you monitor how your body feels.

Over time, you can increase your dosage and experiment with high potencies. However, you should note that the CBD effects may vary from person to person.

You should also note it is possible to find CBD oil products with a lower concentration than stated on the labeling.

Check Label for Ingredients

Reputable CBD oil products will have a list of ingredients on the package or box. Check to see whether the product has listed all ingredients that the CBD product contains, such as hemp seed oil or whole hemp extract.

If you can’t find the information on the box, the manufacturer may have it listed on their website. However, chances are the product is of low quality, and you are safer finding a CBD oil product that declares its ingredients.

Check for Third-Party Lab Testing

To ensure what you’re consuming is safe, look for CBD oil products with a third-party verification mark. Third-party labs verify the purity and concentration of CBD oil. Furthermore, the labs also check for harmful additives or toxic chemicals in the product.

The product’s packaging will have testing information that guarantees it is safe to consume. If you don’t find testing information, the CBD product may contain impurities that can cause long-term adverse effects.

Find CBD Oil with CO2 Extraction

Carbon dioxide extraction is a safe way of obtaining cannabinoids from hemp plants. While other manufacturers may use toxic solvents, CO2 extraction is a safe process that does not add harmful chemicals to the final product. Furthermore, CO2 extraction removes a significant percentage of CBD.

Before taking CBD oil, check the product box to find details on the extraction method used. Avoid products that do not disclose their extraction methods as they can expose you to contaminants or long-term effects.

How Much CBD Oil Should You Take?

CBD dosage remains a gray area, with more peer-reviewed studies needed to ascertain the proper dosage. Specialists advise starting with a small dose and gradually increasing the amounts. You can start with half a gummy or a drop of CBD oil while getting a doctor’s advice on navigating through the process.

A CBD gummy is generally expressed as a unit with approximately 50 milligrams each. Unlike capsules, you can split the gummy for a slow observed reaction. However, for capsules, you must take an entire one, doubling the dose.

For CBD oil, it may also be daunting to determine your dosage. While some brands may market their products using percentages, you should be keen on the milligrams.

Typically, a 30-milliliter bottle may contain 1500 milligrams of CBD, meaning it has 50 milligrams of CBD per milliliter. With a drop of 0.05 milliliter, you will consume 2.5 milligrams of CBD with every drop.

With this calculation, you can determine the number of CBD oil drops to consume in a day and what quantity will be adequate for you. At the end of the day, CBD oil affects people in different ways.

CBD Oil Health Benefits

Despite not having FDA approval, medical studies reveal that CBD has many health benefits. Furthermore, while CBD products may be illegal at the federal level, some state laws consider them legal. Therefore, you should check your state law’s applicability and note that only CBD prescription medications are permitted.

Here’s a list of evidenced-backed health effects that CBD oil delivers.

Relieves Pain

The human body contains an endocannabinoid system responsible for helping the body achieve homeostasis. The system achieves this by regulating functions, including pain sensation, appetite, sleep, and the immune system. The body naturally produces endocannabinoids which bind to cannabinoid receptors.

Peer review studies show that CBD alters the endocannabinoid receptor respond to reduce inflammation. Also, a separate study revealed that CBD is an effective relief against fibromyalgia.

Reduces Mental Health Disorder Symptoms

Generally, pharmaceutical medications are a treatment for mental health disorders. However, they tend to cause various side effects, including insomnia, lethargy, agitation, and drowsiness. More so, these drugs have a high chance of addiction and dependency.

CBD oil can be used as an alternative for anxiety disorders. Clinical studies suggest 300-600 milligrams a day can significantly reduce anxiety.

Promote Heart Health

Cannabis plant oill can lower blood pressure, according to a series of research conducted. A study undertaken with a sample of 9 healthy individuals revealed that 600mg of CBD oil reduced resting blood pressure.

Furthermore, the same group participated in a series of tests that would normally increase their blood pressure. Results indicated that their blood pressure slightly increased, which is not the norm. The study also revealed that repeated dosing improved the individual’s blood flow.

Treatment for Cancer Symptoms

According to the National Cancer Institute, CBD oils can increase the potency of cancer drugs that doctors give to patients. A 2019 peer review study revealed that various studies support that cannabinoid products can reduce cancer cell viability and multiplicity.

Cancer patients are more likely to experience nausea, pain, sleep disorders, and lack of appetite. Using CBD oil can help alleviate such symptoms offering relief. However, it is worth noting extensive research is yet to be done on CBD. Much of the current evidence is from lab-based studies.

Experts suggest a maximum of 30 milligrams daily, equivalent to 12 sprays, for cancer-related pain.

Can I Take CBD at Night?

Yes, you can take CBD oil at night for a much needed sleep. CBD lacks psychoactive ingredients, which means it won’t get you high, but you will sleep through the night. Consider the above ways to take CBD as an alternative to your sleep routine.