What is CBD, and How Does it Differ From THC?
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Cannabidiol or CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants, hemp and marijuana. It is the second most prevalent compound found in cannabis plant.
Sorting out these three-letter names can be confusing. Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is found in the cannabis plant, but doesn’t “get you high” or have mind-altering effects like THC. CBD doesn’t change your behavior. However, it is chemically active and does produce a wide range of benefits, including helpful effects on mood and sleeplessness. As a wellness supplement, it is booming world-wide, and for good reason.
Where Does CBD Come From?
CBD is a cannabinoid that comes from hemp. Hemp plants are packed with dozens of cannabinoids that work in harmony. They support the immune system and help with maintaining overall homeostasis and a balance. The hemp plant is rich in these helpful supplements because it’s composed of almost half CBD.
Industrial hemp never has any more than .3% THC, and has no psychoactive effects. Hemp and cannabis come from the same family of plants and look similar, but are completely different.
At CBD Remedies, our hemp-based products all have less than .3% THC, and many have no THC. They meet all federal standards for legality are perfectly acceptable in social settings. These days, hemp-based CBD is popping up in everything from artisan cocktails to lattes- see our blog, "Bon Appetit."
Are Your Products Safe?
CBD Remedies is like a craft brewery - we carefully hand-select our products, unlike other sites that sell whatever is most profitable, regardless of purity or safety. We have personal relationships with small, top-rated purveyors of CBD products. It doesn’t leave behind harmful chemicals, preserving the full range of helpful phytochemicals in the plant. Unsafe products from other sites can contain metals, pesticides, or very little CBD. They may even be home-made, with questionable ingredients. In contrast, our products come from carefully sourced farms that only sell batches subjected to ongoing testing. We carry only top-of-the-line, quality products you can trust. Our products like Barlean's, Charlotte's Web, WYLD CBD, and Pachamama are award-winning and regularly listed in the “top 10” of all CBD products. For more information, see "Our Philosophy."
How Can it Help Me?
CBD is a natural remedy, sparing consumers the unwanted side effects of over-the-counter or prescription drugs. CBD is a natural supplement known to heal and provide therapeutic effects. We have a brick-and-mortar store as well, and our customers have also reported positive effects of CBD. In fact, customers report that it often helps with more than one problem. A recent customer said she couldn’t sleep for more than 4 hours per night. She took our CBD Tincture for relief, and now sleeps soundly. Many customers use our products to stay calm amid the hustle and stress of modern life. CBD has been reported to help with social and performance stressful situations, It “takes the edge off” everyday stress in a natural way, without pharmaceuticals.
What Does the Medical Science Say?
The research on CBD is growing daily. Studies have demonstrated CBD’s effectiveness for some conditions in mice. Limited, smaller-scale studies indicate that CBD may have beneficial effects on humans for a range of conditions. It is being widely studied by the The National Institute for Drug Abuse. They stated that unlike psychoactive THC, “CBD appears to be a safe drug with no addictive effects, and the preliminary data suggest that it may have therapeutic value.” The World Health Organization has stated there is “preliminary evidence” that CBD should be useful in healing and wellness and other serious conditions. The WHO added: “Several countries have modified their national controls to accommodate CBD as a medicinal product.” The NIDA has cited promising animal studies on CBD that helps curb addiction. Research is starting to grow in this field, prompted by the FDA’s recent approval of the first CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, to treat epilepsy in children.
What is the Correct Dose for my Product?
CBD doesn’t work in exactly the same way for everyone. In our shop, our customers receive one-on-one consultations to meet their needs. We have learned some important lessons from this. If you’re new to CBD, start with a small dose and work your way up. If you are using an oral tincture, for instance, you will feel the effects in about an hour, and will know whether or not you should increase your dose. It may take a few doses to find the perfect amount for you. Another effective method is to divide the dose (take a smaller amount in the morning, and again in the evening.) If you want the fastest results, vaping and tinctures result in the quickest absorption. If you are a senior citizen, you might try creams or balm for a slower release. As always, you should consult your doctor if you have a medical condition.
What Forms Does CBD Come in?
The most popular method is to put CBD oil under your tongue for a few minutes, and then swallow. This is called the sublingual method. It is one of the fastest absorption methods. Vaping with a vape pen or vaporizer is the fastest way to absorb CBD, which enters the bloodstream right away. Edible CBD can be found in anything from gummies to capsules. It’s a slower method of absorption, but convenient, and often tasty! CBD creams and lotions are used for the slowest absorption. Our customers say these are helpful for relief and for treating topical skin conditions. For instance, one of our premium brands, Medterra, carries a topical cooling cream that soothes giving a sense of calm.
