CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. For the last years, it has been growing in popularity across various industries, being used in the production of cosmetics, foods, dietary supplements, and more. It’s extracted from the hemp plant, but unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it affects mood and cognition in a non-intoxicating way. To put it simply, it doesn’t make you high.
Despite its increasing popularity, even in the health community, misinformation is still being spread about its nature, properties, risks, etc. However, considering how widespread it has become, it’s only reasonable to learn some basic facts about CBD. For instance, what exactly is it? How to use it? What are the types of CBD? Is CBD for athletes a good idea? Are there any side effects? Join us as we go through the answers below!
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol—CBD—is a cannabis compound found in the hemp plant, a variety of cannabis sativa, and linked to marijuana. The compound is extracted from the hemp plant’s flowers, leaves, and stems when the plant is harvested.
It has many therapeutic benefits but doesn’t intoxicate people and can actually counteract the psychoactivity of THC. The fact that CBD-rich cannabis is non-intoxicating makes it an appealing option for people looking for relief from inflammation, pain, anxiety, seizures, spasms, and other conditions without disconcerting feelings of dysphoria.
How to Use It?
CBD can be consumed in many different ways. For example, you can use CBD oil, vaporize it, or eat CBD edibles. You can also rub CBD-infused lotions on your skin or take capsules or softgels. The method of consumption depends on your preference and the condition you’re trying to treat. For instance, if you want to treat anxiety, it’s better to take CBD oil in smaller doses throughout the day. On the other hand, if you struggle with knee pain, simply apply one of the best CBD salves, balms, or lotions to the affected area
When it comes to speed, inhaling vaporized CBD oil (with the help of a vape pen) is the fastest way to experience its effects. The most important thing is to know how much CBD you will need per day. Higher doses can be expected to work best for relieving pain, while lower doses could work for treating sleep problems and anxiety. However, it’s recommended to start slow and increase the dosage step by step if needed.
The Types of CBD
There are three main types of CBD: full-spectrum, isolate, and broad-spectrum.
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC. This type of CBD is thought to be more effective because of the “entourage effect,” which refers to the hypothesis that all the compounds in cannabis work together to produce a more potent effect than any one of them can on their own.
Isolate CBD, on the other hand, contains only cannabidiol and no other cannabinoids. This type of CBD is often preferable for those who are drug tested for their job or for competitive athletes.
Last but not least, broad-spectrum CBD also contains several cannabis plant compounds, but it is typically entirely free of THC. Still, there may sometimes be trace amounts of THC in broad-spectrum CBD products, but no more than 0.3%.
Is CBD Good for Athletes?
CBD is becoming increasingly popular among athletes for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties; some also use CBD to manage anxiety and improve their sleep, which is vital for fast recovery. Still, some people have doubts about its use for athletes. If you’re one yourself, you should know about some of the benefits CBD can bring to you and how it can boost your performance.
CBD is a natural antioxidant, which means it can eliminate free radicals from the body. Free radicals are atoms and molecules that have a negative charge. They can cause damage to the body’s cells, including those in the brain. When the body is under stress, it produces more free radicals, worsening the damage and slowing recovery. As athletes are more exposed to stress due to the long and tiring practice, CBD can be a great addition to their training routine.
Are There Any Side Effects of CBD?
CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, lightheadedness, reduced appetite, and sedation. Some people may also experience gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea.
CBD has a lot of health benefits, but it’s not completely free of side effects. Moreover, it can interfere with some prescription drugs, so it’s always advised to consult a doctor before introducing any new substance into your system.
Conclusion
CBD is not a drug or medicine; it is a natural component of cannabis. It has an incredible healing potential, which can be helpful in many situations, e.g., regulating sleep and relieving anxiety, inflammation, or depression. CBD is legal in most parts of the world and can be used in the production of food supplements, cosmetics, and more. However, it is still being confused with THC, which is one of the main reasons why people are afraid to use it.
If you have not tried CBD yet but want to try it, you should definitely use it responsibly and consider the pros and cons. It all depends on how you use it and when you use it. So, if you have any type of health issues and want to try something new, you’re more than welcome to try CBD, but always be cautious and consider each case and your specific needs.