When it comes to the health benefits of cannabis, there’s no question that cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the top health benefits.
Cannabis has been used as medicine in ancient times and continues to be used today as a powerful treatment for everything from pain relief to anxiety reduction. The only problem with this is that many people are unaware of how CBD oil works or how they can use it effectively.
If you’re interested in learning more about CBD and its potential benefits, here are four simple tricks you can try out!
- Start small
The first thing you should do if you’re just looking at CBD for the first time is to start small. If you get overwhelmed by all of the information available online, then you might want to consider starting out by trying CBD gummies or edibles. These products come in different strengths and flavors so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
These products also offer an easy way to test your tolerance to CBD before committing to a full-fledged regimen. You can take a small amount of CBD and see how you feel after consuming it. This will help you determine whether you need to work up to larger doses, which can be a lot less stressful than taking a large dose cold-turkey.
- Try CBD tinctures
While these products may seem intimidating, they’re actually much easier to work into your routine than you might think. Tinctures are simply CBD mixed in with a carrier oil like hempseed oil, coconut oil or MCT oil. They’re also usually sold in dropper bottles so you don’t have to worry about measuring.
You can add 2 drops of CBD tincture to a teaspoon of a carrier oil of your choice, mix well, and consume. Because CBD tinctures contain very little THC, you won’t experience any psychoactive effects while taking them. However, since these products are still considered illegal in some places, make sure you check local laws before purchasing or ordering online. Otherwise, you could find yourself facing legal consequences.
- Mix CBD with other cannabinoids
There are two main types of CBD: non-psychoactive CBD and psychoactive CBD. Non-psychoactive CBD isn’t intoxicating in itself but it does interact with the endocannabinoid system. This means that it can affect how our bodies process THC and other cannabinoids. For example, when taken together CBD and THC are believed to increase the positive effects of both compounds.
Some people also believe that CBD and THC can work synergistically and produce even more potent results than either cannabinoid alone. This is especially true for patients who suffer from chronic pain. Other studies show that CBD may be able to reduce inflammation, so combining it with THC might provide additional pain relief.
On the other hand, if you’re new to CBD, you may want to stick to non-psychoactive varieties because they’re generally safer and less likely to cause side effects.
- Add a touch of THC
Many people prefer to take their CBD in conjunction with THC. One reason for this is that THC can help ease certain symptoms and it can also help calm anxiety and insomnia. It’s also possible that combining CBD and THC can enhance the overall effectiveness of each compound.
Most people prefer not to smoke cannabis because it produces a high that’s relatively short-lived. Instead, they opt to vaporize it or eat edibles made with THC. Some companies now sell CBD oils that also include THC. The idea behind these products is that you can enjoy a relaxing evening without having to deal with the uncomfortable feelings of being stoned.
Although adding THC to your CBD regimen won’t necessarily change the way CBD affects you, it can certainly enhance its therapeutic value. In fact, it’s probably best to take your CBD in tandem with THC. Doing otherwise could lead to unpleasant side effects.
In addition to these four CBD tips, there are also several things you should know about THC. Below you’ll learn what you need to understand about THC before using it.
How Does THC Work?
THC is best known for its psychotropic properties, which mean that it causes a mind-altering effect on users. But, if you’ve ever smoked marijuana recreationally, you already know that THC doesn’t always feel great. It can also cause paranoia, anxiety, vomiting, nausea and disorientation. So why would anyone want to use THC instead of CBD?
For starters, THC is a more effective analgesic. That means that it relieves pain more quickly and effectively than CBD. And, depending on what kind of pain you’re dealing with, THC’s analgesic properties can be quite strong. For example, some individuals report feeling relief from menstrual cramps within minutes of smoking or vaping THC.
But, THC also has some drawbacks. Namely, it can cause drowsiness and dry mouth and eyes. While these side effects aren’t common among recreational consumers, they can be bothersome for those suffering from chronic pain. As such, many people prefer to use CBD in tandem with THC.
How to Use THC Safely
If you plan to use THC, it’s important to be aware of the following safety precautions:
Don’t smoke or vape THC unless you absolutely have to. Smoking it can cause severe headaches and other unpleasant reactions. Vaping it can cause lung damage, dry mouth and dizziness.
Do keep your THC away from children, pets, pregnant women and anyone else who might be sensitive to the drug.
Avoid taking supplements containing THC. Some people mistakenly believe that these supplements are safe and potent enough to serve as a replacement for marijuana. However, this is dangerous and potentially harmful.
Always remember that THC has a long half-life. That means that you can easily build up a significant level of THC in your body after smoking or vaping it. This can cause serious problems, including respiratory depression.
Keep in mind that THC is a Schedule 1 controlled substance under federal law. That means it’s illegal for recreational purposes in all 50 states. Even though CBD is legal in all states, it’s still federally classified as a Schedule I substance. Therefore, you shouldn’t buy it online or anywhere else unless it’s specifically approved as a medication.
Finally, keep in mind that CBD and THC have somewhat different effects based on your genetics. People who carry certain genes are more susceptible to the negative side effects associated with THC, including anxiety, paranoia and memory loss. On the other hand, CBD seems to work better for people with certain kinds of epilepsy.
How to Choose Your CBD Product
Now that you know a bit more about CBD, it’s time to figure out where to look for it. There are countless brands and variations of CBD products out there, and you probably have dozens of questions about each product.
Here are 4 of the most important factors to consider when choosing a CBD brand.
Brand reputation: Many websites claim to sell CBD products, but few have earned a solid reputation for quality. A reliable website should clearly state where its products came from and what they’re made of. Look for lab tests showing the presence or absence of THC and other contaminants.
Ingredients: Make sure the product is 100% natural. Do you really want to put something into your body that contains synthetic ingredients? Natural CBD oil usually contains nothing more than plant-based extracts or whole flower plants.
Strength: The strength of a product refers to the potency of its CBD content. Most reputable brands will offer at least three different levels of strength. Don’t be afraid to ask for the highest grade of CBD oil available.
Customer service: Ask if customers are happy with the company. Do they have a good return policy? Can they ship to your location? Are they willing to answer any customer questions?
With these guidelines in mind, you’ll be ready to shop safely and confidently. Now all you have to do is find the right CBD product!
5 Tips for Using CBD Oil Safely
As you begin exploring CBD products for sale on the internet, keep in mind that you’re entering an unregulated industry. Since CBD is still illegal in most places, you can’t be sure that the product you purchase is going to be pure and free of contaminants.
Still, some CBD sellers go above and beyond to ensure that their products are safe and effective. Here are five tips for buying CBD oil online that will help you avoid getting burned.
Checking Certifications
Before you purchase anything, make sure to read the label carefully. It should tell you exactly what the product is made of and any precautions you should follow.
Also, look for certifications to make sure that the seller is legitimate. The most popular certification is the “US Hemp Production Act” (USHPA). According to USHPA standards, sellers must verify that they meet all requirements set forth by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Getting Test Results
Another great way to make sure that your CBD oil is legit is to ask for lab tests so that you know exactly what you’re putting into your body. Lab testing ensures that your product is free of impurities and that it contains the amounts of CBD listed on the label.
Ask the Seller About Side Effects
Don’t assume that every product is going to have the same benefits for everyone. Each person experiences CBD differently, so it makes sense that your experience will vary as well. Assuming that you notice unfavorable incidental effects, make certain to converse with the vender. Some CBD venders represent considerable authority in offering CBD items for explicit circumstances, so you might need to get some information about aftereffects well defined for your condition. For example, on the off chance that you’re encountering heart palpitations in the wake of taking CBD, you should talk with somebody who represents considerable authority in treating cardiovascular problems