Does CBD Actually Do Anything?

What is CBD?

CBD is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, also known as cannabidiol. It is responsible for alleviating the negative effects of too much THC, such as anxiety and racing thoughts. CBD is used in two basic forms, one being an isolate that contains nothing but the CBD itself, and in a broad-spectrum form which incorporates minute traces of THC and other cannabinoids and terpenes.

It is extracted from the plant using a distillate process and is usually bred in certain strains of cannabis. Unlike some strains that have a high THC content, some genetics are made to produce high CBD and a low THC percentage that is perfect for medical patients who require the therapeutic effects of CBD.

Once the CBD has been extracted, it is usually infused with edible products or tinctures that can be used orally and topically. This makes CBD very versatile and easily incorporated into a daily regimen that does not produce a high that is associated with THC. CBD is legal in almost every state across the US, making it highly accessible to adults.

What CBD Can and Cannot Do

The truth is that CBD is not a cure-all. In fact, CBD is used to help patients heal as they make lifestyle changes and use CBD to ease their suffering. While CBD can help people to overcome certain ailments, it is best to take a combination approach and incorporate other medicines into a CBD regimen to get the best possible effect.

If one suffers from physical pain on an area of their body for example, one may consider taking CBD in either a tincture or pill form, and then apply CBD directly onto the affected area. Combining this with anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric or ginger can help to bring down pain and swelling. Always consult a doctor prior to doing this or any other form of self-medicating.

CBD will treat issues like anxiety which can help ease patients out of prescription drugs which can prove to be quite harmful over time. Care must be taken to have a doctor’s supervision to prevent a patient from experiencing the side effects of stopping their prescription meds. CBD travels along the same pathways of THC and therefore has a direct effect on our mood and physical wellbeing.

CBD Side Effects

Those who are new or particularly sensitive to CBD will find that starting out at a very low dose and working their way up to one that is effective in treating their condition will be the best approach. CBD can provide relief for many physical and mental ailments, though care must be taken not to overdo it, as this can lead to a few unwanted side effects.

Users who end up taking too much, report experiencing fatigue and drowsiness. In some sensitive users, dry mouth and diarrhea have also been reported. This can be quite negative for those who are chronically dehydrated or must travel using their vehicles to get to and from work.

It is best to go slow and see how CBD will affect you prior to going out and about for the day. Never operate heavy machinery until you know how CBD will end up affecting you. The same holds true if you must remain focused and aware of certain things. While CBD will not get you high, it is highly advisable to exercise caution while using it.

Using CBD Long-Term

CBD has an accumulative effect that increases over time the more often you use it. This means that in time, you can use less to still achieve the desired result. Unlike THC which has the opposite effect of building up a tolerance, CBD users become more sensitive to it over time. This can be a very good thing since a little goes a long way.

It will save you time and money as well since CBD is quite expensive. The more CBD you use daily, the more pronounced these effects will be. In either case, you will likely need to cut down your dosage over time as it will not be necessary to use as much. Depending on what your issues are, some users will opt to continue their regular dosage despite the sensitivity.

Over time, CBD can create a sense of wellbeing throughout the mind and body that is perfect for treating neurological and even psychological issues such as PTSD. This can mean less prescription meds and more time enjoying yourself instead of feeling doped up. Long-term CBD usage is still being studied but has shown many promising results.

Final Thoughts

There is no denying that CBD is one of the most therapeutic compounds found in modern medicine. CBD can be easily found throughout the US as most states have chosen to adopt this compound as a natural and legal approach to promoting alternative healthcare. Because CBD does not get you high and you don’t feel anything specific aside from being a bit more relaxed, some people feel it does not do much.

Those who suffer from debilitating illnesses and have found relief through CBD will tell you otherwise. Consider yourself lucky if you do not suffer from epilepsy or some other ailment that affects your quality of life. CBD has given many people hope in being able to heal themselves from these types of issues.

In time, CBD will likely be adopted everywhere with THC and cannabis legalized on a federal level. Until then, most people acknowledge the effects of CBD to be a literal godsend and has given many people a new lease on life.

Related Blog Posts

Benefits of THC-Free CBD Oil

What Should CBD Topicals Be Used For?

Guide to Consuming CBD Oil for Pain and Inflammation