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August 8 is National CBD Day! The day is designed to help individuals recognize and celebrate the benefits of hemp-derived CBD (cannabidiol). With its increasing popularity, there is plenty of misinformation being spread about CBD. There’s no better time than National CBD Day to learn a little more about this powerful oil.
THC and CBD are not the same.
While both THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD are found in cannabis and they have the same molecular structure, their atoms are arranged differently. This might seem like a minor difference, but it gives them vastly different pharmacological properties. CBD is most often derived from hemp and THC is most commonly derived from marijuana. CBD is considered much safer, and it doesn’t come with some of the potential side effects of THC, like anxiety, cognitive impairment, or an increase in appetite.
There are two types of CBD.
When you go looking for CBD oil, you will have two options to choose from: full-spectrum extract and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum extract includes other cannabinoids and cannabis terpenes. Cannabis terpenes give this CBD oil anti-inflammatory properties. In contrast, CBD isolate does not have other cannabinoids or cannabis terpenes.
There are a variety of products.
There may only be two types of oil, but CBD takes a variety of forms nowadays. Not only can you buy the CBD oil itself, but you can also buy it in drinks, edibles, lip balm, soap, lotions, muscle rubs, and more. Which one you choose to use depends upon the result you’re looking for and how quickly you want it to affect you, as the dosages are different in each product and the CBD will affect you differently in each product.
There is no “high.”
While CBD and THC have similar therapeutic effects, CBD does not produce the “high” that THC does, which is something people worry about. With CBD, you can go to work, drive, and complete your everyday tasks without worrying about being incapacitated. There is the relief and relaxation that comes with CBD, but no impairment.
What is it used for?
People use CBD for a variety of purposes. Many individuals use it to calm anxiety, boost mood, ease aches and pains, and encourage relaxation to get better sleep. Some people even use it for their skin because it can improve acne and help manage eczema and psoriasis flare-ups.
Are there side effects?
Technically speaking, you cannot overdose on CBD and experts recommend taking it on a daily basis to increase its benefits. Unlike the side effects of THC discussed briefly above, the side effects of CBD are minor. The most common side effect is drowsiness, so it’s best to understand how each dosage affects you before leaving your home. Start at a low dosage until you reach a dose that gives you the desired effect.
If you have any other questions about CBD, we’d be happy to help!