As a result, products are popping out like mushrooms everywhere - virtually found in everything from skincare to pet products to candles to cheeseburgers.

Still, controversy and stigma around a harmless thing persist. Cannabis consumers like you, however, can educate themselves and be empowered to use it without shame. The general public, skeptical at first, now appears to be willing to look into it as CBD gained stamps of approval from rappers like Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Drake, and Snoop Dogg. If celebrities like Kim Kardashian take CBD gummies to fall asleep, while Martha Stewart considers it as "an additive to a daily routine," why should you hesitate?

What is CBD?

To set the record straight, Cannabidiol (CBD) is safe to use and non-addictive. That is despite its attention-grabbing therapeutic profile. It is one among a hundred varieties of compounds known as Phytocannabinoids, uniquely found in cannabis (marijuana and hemp). It is closely associated but not to be confused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), whose stark difference might confuse the heck out of those who don't bother to check.

CBD is an anticonvulsant, and research shows that it can be used to alleviate anxiety, soothe inflammation and pain, and offer relief for epilepsy and depression. Because of this, it's gaining popularity in the market. Health-minded people are now seeing a better alternative compared to pharmaceuticals with often harsh side effects. Promisingly, extensive scientific research from the US highlights CBD'S vast potential as a treatment for a list of worrisome diseases.

CBD is a potential treatment to:

● Multiple Sclerosis
● Psoriasis
● Alzheimer's
● Diabetes
● PTSD
● ADHD
● Parkinson's
● Rheumatoid Arthritis
● Dermatitis
● Arrhythmia
● Autism

CBD VS. THC

To the untrained eye, these two might look identical, but in reality, they're not. Though often associated with each other, CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) often get mixed up for their purpose. If you are confused about their differences, you can easily find plenty of professionals in places like Las Vegas. The right Vegas dispensary will help you get the right product, and they are actually informed about their specific properties and differences. This is the reason why they are authorized to sell cannabidiol in the first place.

For starters, only THC gives you that kick, that sensation of euphoria often described by stoners as "getting high." With CBD, you won't get intoxicated, because unlike THC, it is a non-psychoactive compound; that’s why it's legal. To pass as hemp, it must contain no more than 0.3% of THC, and anything above that is considered illegal in most places.

For this, a fine line is drawn between hemp and marijuana. It's crucial to remember that CBD doesn't come from marijuana but from hemp plants alone. The two may be considered relatives, but they don't deliver the same effects. In comparison, although they could be found together, marijuana has higher concentrations of THC, whereas hemp has a higher concentration of CBD.

In the case of both compounds found together, CBD could even negate THC and the side effect of blurring short term memory. Depending on the strain of cannabis, either of the two can be dominant over the other, thus achieving different results once taken. Striking a balance, then, becomes of utmost importance.

A quality product of cannabis can have a delicate blend of CBD and THC to compliment instead of overpowering each other.

How Does CBD Work?

CBD works mainly by mimicking compounds found in the body known as "endogenous cannabinoids," which are part of the endocannabinoid system. CBD enhances this system to provide overall well-being and plays a role in achieving homeostasis or equilibrium of physiological functions. This modulatory system keeps a close watch on endocrine, brain, and immune tissues to keep them functioning at their best. Despite the regulated status of marijuana, consumers continue seeking it because they feel healthier for the said reasons.

To understand how this works, you can look into the system itself, highlighting the function of both CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB1 receptors, for example, are mainly found in the brain and the central nervous system, whereas the CB2 receptors are mostly found in the peripheral organs. Together, they both regulate a purview of physiological processes ranging from mood to metabolism, to energy level, and even gut fortitude. Through an intricate process of modulation, CBD affects how we experience hunger, pain, stress, and more.

Endocannabinoids, in short, function like neurotransmitters. They could either trigger or dampen electrical impulses in the brain. Similar to dopamine and serotonin, they influence your thoughts and behavior, almost like radio antennas.

Legality

There exists a blind spot in most federal provisions, a piece of good news for cannabis enthusiasts like you. Technically, it is legal for a store to sell CBD as long as no health benefits are being claimed. On top of that, remember that only the drug Epidiolex is thus far approved by the FDA, so everything remains illegal. Luckily, DEA isn't keen on monitoring hobbyists but largely concerns themselves with drug traffickers and larger operations so that discreteness will be of service to you.

The federal government only notes a few side effects that include fatigue, diarrhea, and liver problems. As a responsible user, be cautious and pinpoint the concentration of CBD in the product so as to determine the extent of safe intake. For the most part, it's the only overdosage that worries the FDA, so the restraints they impose are understandable as it only protects you further.

As of 2019, only 11 states and Washington, D.C, have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes. It remains heavily banned, so you must navigate this provision as if you're stepping on a landmine. To render the law in its simplest terms, remember that legal CBD comes from hemp, and illegal CBD comes from marijuana. Marijuana itself is illegal on a lot of levels, but because CBD can both be found in either hemp or marijuana, it's crucial to tell them apart for legality.

Things to Consider for Legality of CBD

● State law
● Interpretation of Federal law
● THC content
● The type of product CBD has been added to
● Source of cannabis (hemp or marijuana)

What to Look For in CBD Product

All things considered, this product still presents risks that you can't simply ignore. Right off the bat, you must determine the reputation of the manufacturer, then rely on your own research to see if you can indeed trust the transactions. Murky sources are highly questionable, so don't be too eager to spend money against your better judgment. You have to make sure that they manage their own materials, do their own extractions, and hire a third-party to inspect the product.

If they pass these criteria, then you're good to go. You can even request a Certificate of Analysis (C.O.A) from those third-parties to ensure that no harmful toxin, contaminant, or heavy metal gets transported from the product into your body.

This inevitably leads to the question of where your dispensary's manufacturer sources their hemp. You have to be very careful on this matter, for the hemp plant is known for its ability to clean up the soil. That, of course, leads to the suspicion that your hemp might come from the contaminated soil of Chernobyl and other nuclear disasters. Investigate and conduct thorough research, and make sure that your hemp is responsibly grown with good manufacturing practice (GMP).

The Best Way to Take CBD

Since THC and CBD are commonly found together, it's only a matter of determining the ratio between them. Your desired outcome will greatly affect your choice of CBD product. Remember, CBD can negate the side effects of THC (anxiety, dizziness, paranoia), so the precise amount is the key.

If you aim for the euphoria but want to spice it up with health benefits, a high THC level (10-30%) and trace amounts of CBD will do you good. Otherwise, if you lean more towards the health benefits, then 5-20% of CBD partnered with THC under 5% is the ideal. If you're neither and want the perfect balance with a clean-cut in half, then both THC and CBD must come in 5-15%. In any case, it is your choice, your needs that should be met.

1. CBD Oil

CBD oil is extracted then diluted with a carrier oil like hemp seed. It's among the most popular products in the market today because it can be infused with fragrances to boost one's experience in using it. It's also accessible in this format, as opposed to the usual dried resin form. No wonder the masses are raving about this product, for the way it enhances one's life.

Benefits of CBD Oil

● Pain-reliever
● Helps with symptoms of cancer
● Reduces depression and anxiety
● Neuroprotective properties
● Enhances heart health
● Acne reduction
● Manages sleep disorders

Other Possible Benefits

● Helps with substance abuse treatment
● Prevents diabetes
● Demonstrates anti-tumor effects
● Brings Antipsychotic effects

2. CBD in Your Skincare Routine

CBD, for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is highly beneficial for skin inflammation as well. It even reduces the production of sebum to help with acne. And in extreme cases, helpful to those suffering from Psoriasis and Eczema. If you're interested, incorporate it into your skincare routine from the wide array of skin care products available in the market.

Methods of Taking CBD

One more great thing, CBD is super convenient! Smoking cannabis doesn't offer many choices to choose from, but CBD offers many, depending on where you are, the time you have available, and the overall convenience. CBD products come in a lot of varieties nowadays, and you just have to follow instructions on how to consume them. Below are the usual ways CBD can be consumed:

1. capsule-form
2. paste-form
3. spray (under the tongue)
4. mixed with food
5. with a dropper

CBD Breakthroughs

Breakthroughs in cannabis have changed the opinion of the masses over the years. What was once frowned upon by the general public riddled with conservatives now gets to be reevaluated. For the most part, the discovery that it can treat a rare form of pediatric epilepsy known as Dravet's syndrome lifted the miasma off of it.

In 2018, the FDA approved a drug that serves as medicine for both Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. This historic decision changed the entire course for the cannabis market, still shifting even now. Still, even though pharmaceutical CBD earned merit, the notion that weed is "evil" remains to circulate. But at least that one event could trigger a chain of events, hopefully leading to the entire legalization of cannabis.

Suddenly, legislation is now seeing potential breakthroughs, thereby allowing certain medical cases to be legal. This rekindled the interest of corporations and prompted scientific research to delve into the matter. As the reputation of cannabis gets demystified, you can then take advantage of the legal measures being taken to satisfy your recreational needs. Keep updated on the latest progress in the law, especially in your state, and comply always to avoid trouble or jail.

CBD is no child's play. Consult your doctor or a certified CBD clinician before you consider taking it for its health benefits. If you, on the other hand, are keen on the recreational side of CBD, at least be responsible for doing so. Evaluate your intentions and make sure that you're not violating the law. Some unfortunate people are medically dependent on cannabis for serious illness, and you benefit from this as well, so don't take it for granted.

Don't see CBD as a miracle worker or an instant fix. It depends a lot on how you make use of the product to maximize its medical wonders. You can educate yourself by researching and relying on scientific facts, so you don't get easily swayed by claims. The future of CBD may remain obscured for now, but as far as the market is concerned, it's looking bright and promising.

SmokersGuide.com disclaimer:

SmokersGuide.com takes pride in featuring high quality articles to its readers, however does not assume liability for the claims and medical facts presented by the author. Please check with your doctor or medical practitioner, before consuming any products containing CBD, THC, herbs and Smart Products, or any other products recommended here. Make sure to always check for advised dosages, and please keep all THC and CBD products (including vapes, flowers, oils, concentrates or edibles) away from children, animals and any persons who may not desire to consume them. Make sure to clearly mark all products with warnings about the contents, and store all products in locked, child-proof containers, to avoid accidental ingestion. Please check your own country's laws regarding CBD and THC, and make sure shipping is allowed. SmokersGuide.com content is always created in countries where cannabis products are legal, for medicinal and/or for recreational uses. Smokers Guide does not encourage the use of cannabis in countries where its consumption is illegal. This page may contain affiliate links that earn SmokersGuide.com comissions, with no extra cost to our readers.