We can agree that CBD has popped up EVERYWHERE these past few years, right? Right. Ok, we’re all friends here now, so let’s jump right in with the burning question…
“What on EARTH is CBD and why do I keep seeing it everywhere?”
Not to worry, you are not the only one who has noticed an uptick in CBD products outside of cannabis products.
Recently, CBD products have been popping up everywhere. From your local Whole Foods featuring CBD lotion at the registers to the coffee shop down the street bragging about their CBD lattes to salons and spas offering CBD soaks and facials, these products have become the next big trend in health.
“But isn’t CBD a type of weed?? How can they sell it in regular stores??”
Well, yes and no. Although CBD is derived from the same plant, it is completely different. So what is CBD exactly?
That’s what we’re here to discuss. After this article, you will understand what CBD is, the benefits of CBD, the difference between THC and CBD, how to use CBD daily, and the different types.
Let’s start with the origin story. Where did CBD come from?
CBD, or Cannabidiol, was first discovered in 1940 and is one of and over 100 known cannabinoids in cannabis plants. It makes up to 40% of the plant extract, and unlike its cousin, THC, it’s non-psychoactive, which means that it doesn’t cause the high THC does. Many people prefer CBD because there is no ‘high’ associated with the CBD products, making them the go-to for people who just need pain relief, or who want to relax a little.
Did you know that CBD was discovered about 20 years before THC but that THC has dominated research until very recently?
Now that we are spending more on researching CBD, we are finding that there are a multitude of ways to use CBD to assist in finding non-invasive and natural solutions for mental and physical ailments.
These studies have assisted in the fight to end the stigma around CBD and as the studies (and potential benefits) become more publicized, CBD products have exploded. It seems like just overnight, you can get everything from a CBD Bath Bomb to a CBD coffee at your local coffee shop.
So, why can you purchase CBD everywhere but not THC?
That’s a great question. Let’s look at the differences between CBD and THC.
CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of the cannabis plant. It can be extracted from hemp plants (cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3 percent THC) or marijuana plants (cannabis plants that contain higher concentrations of THC).
Although both THC and CBD interact with your brain and body receptors, they do so in very different ways. CBD does not bind with your receptors in a way that can make you feel ‘stoned’ or ‘intoxicated’ like THC, and it can actually lessen the effects of THC on your body!
CBD can be ingested or smoked, just like THC but offers a solution to those who want the benefits of cannabis without having to get high.
However, CBD is still not available everywhere, but you will be able to find it in any states that have marijuana legalized medically and/or recreationally. Additionally, CBD and THC are used to treat different conditions.
CBD is used to help with conditions such as seizures, inflammation, pain, psychosis or mental disorders, IBS, nausea, migraines, depression, and anxiety. THC is used to help with conditions such as pain, muscle spasticity, glaucoma, insomnia, low appetite, nausea, and anxiety. Obviously there is a little bit of overlap (they both come from the same plant!), but one you can find browsing the aisles of a Whole Foods and the other (THC) you still have to go to a specific store or make sure you are legally allowed to purchase it.
If you are specifically looking for a CBD product, it will be marked as such. Anything containing THC will have a warning label letting you know that there is THC in the product.
You should now be able to understand the difference between THC and CBD. With that knowledge, let’s dive deeper into learning about what CBD can do for you.
What CBD Can Do For You
There are many ways that CBD can help you. Are you noticing muscle pain? Perhaps you have anxiety or depression?
Many people claim that CBD products can help with physical and mental issues such as muscle pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Often times, those claims are backed up by non-scientific anecdotal evidence, but some research facilities (like Harvard and the University of California) are finding hard scientific proof that CBD can help with mental illnesses and pain. In 2018, the FDA approved of CBD medication called Epidiolex, meant for the treatment of certain types of epilepsy. That is the first medication to market that has CBD in it as part of treatment.
CBD products can be used to help ease the aches and pains that are generally caused by injuries and diseases. Which is why about 40% of people who use CBD are using it to manage pain. CBD’s anti-inflammatory effect makes it perfect for people with arthritis and general muscle soreness. It has also been known to help ease aches and pains from treatment for cancer patients.
CBD has also helped those suffering from mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, manage their symptoms. CBD has been shown to have a natural calming effect that helps with relaxation. There have also been studies that have shown the benefits of CBD in those suffering from autism, schizophrenia, and alcoholism. has a natural calming effect that helps people relax and can calm their minds.
In case that isn’t enough, there have also been some claims of specific CBD creams helping with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, while specific oils and tinctures have been found to help with slow digestion or IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome).
There are so many CBD products, and most of them are constantly being hailed for the variety of positive benefits they offer. So now comes the big question, what CBD product is right for you?
For the most part, the CBD product you use comes down to personal preference. Asking yourself these questions can help you figure out what you want:
- Do I want to ingest the CBD, or would a topical be okay?
Some people don’t like the idea of eating or drinking CBD. In this case, you might prefer a topical CBD product, rather than an oil, vape or pill.
- What do I want to achieve by using CBD?
Some people use CBD for anxiety and depression. Others use it for pain relief, and other people use it to relax, find a calm headspace and get to sleep. What you need it for could determine what the best CBD product is for you.
- How quickly do I need to see results?
If you’re in pain or you can’t sleep, you might want to find relief in ten minutes rather than an hour. However, if you just want to relax, it can sometimes be beneficial to wait a little while.
As you choose your CBD product, just keep in mind that the main difference between all these different forms of CBD is the speed in which you’ll feel relief. Now that you know what CBD can do for you, it’s time to pick the right product.
There are five main CBD products.
CBD can be delivered orally and topically. Of those two delivery methods, there are five basic forms of CBD products. The first is oils and tinctures, the second is vape, the third is edibles and the fourth is capsules/pills. The fifth is the only topical method: creams and lotions.
- Oils and Tinctures
Oils and Tinctures are one of the easiest ways to take CBD and are a good choice for those who aren’t able to take pills or capsules but don’t want to vape, however, it can take anywhere from one to six hours before taking effect but can last from four to six hours.
Generally, these are placed under the tongue because the oral mucosa (the slightly rounded area where your tongue meets the floor of your mouth) has hundreds of tiny capillaries that absorb the compounds, which allows the CBD to take effect quickly. These oils are made primarily of CBD oil, but they also often include other essential oils, vitamins, and extracts for added benefits.
This is a great option for those looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy CBD.
- Vape
Vape is probably one of the most popular CBD products. This is a good choice for people who want immediate relief, and don’t mind smoking CBD. It takes as little as ten minutes for CBD to take effect, but it only lasts about two to three hours.
Vaping involves inhaling vaporized CBD directly into your lungs through a vape pen or e-cig. You can get CBD to vape in a variety of flavors and dosages, but you do have to have your own vape pen.
This is a great option for those who are interested in smoking something less intense than THC.
- Edibles
Edibles are a fun, casual, and discreet way to take CBD. Often times, CBD oil is used to create CBD butter or jam, but it can also be added directly into things like pasta, lattes, brownies, and more. Edibles take anywhere from two to three hours to take effect but can produce some of the longest-lasting effects. Some have mentioned experiencing effects for up to FIVE days after ingesting the CBD edibles.
This is a great option for someone interested in taking CBD but wants to enjoy the benefits without any of the taste.
*With Edibles, it’s important to keep track of your dosage, so never take a CBD edible that doesn’t have the amount of CBD in it on the label.*
- Pills/capsules
CBD pills and capsules are not the most common method, but still a great alternative for those who want to effortlessly incorporate CBD into their daily lives. CBD pills can help stomach and bowel issues and more recently, the treatment of seizure disorders (The Food and Drug Administration recently approved Epidiolex, the first high-potency CBD drug to treat seizure disorders.)
It’s incredibly easy to manage dosage with pills and capsules, but it takes around five to six hours to start feeling the effects of CBD.
This is a great option for those who want continuous and prolonged effects of CBD.
- Topicals
CBD topicals are everywhere! They come in the form of lotions, balms, salves, and ointments for facials, bath soaks and scrubs. CBD oil is infused into these products and they are absorbed through your skin where the CB2 receptors in your skin cells (a specific receptor that’s designed to accept cannabinoids) absorb the CBD.
CBD-infused topicals are generally used to treat muscle pain, muscle spasms, and joint pain. They tend to take longer to take effect, but the pain-relieving effects last for at least five hours. All you have to do is apply the CBD lotion, cream or ointment to an area to get a localized release. Studies have shown that some topicals can also treat some skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis.
This is a great option for those who enjoy baths or others can use CBD for topical issues.
Time to wrap it up.
You’ve learned about the different ways to ingest CBD and you know now that the biggest difference between these five CBD products is the speed of delivery and how long the effects last. We just have one last note…make sure you know how many milligrams of CBD you are taking before consuming a CBD product and ask a doctor before proceeding with the use of any CBD in combination with prescribed medicine.
It’s important to know that CBD is not a treat-all-end-all. Much like common painkillers, different forms of CBD may have different results depending on the person. It may take some time for you to explore what CBD product works best for your body.
We hope that this article helped you learn a little bit more about CBD and which CBD products are right for you.
If you have your medical card and are looking to purchase either CBD, THC or Hybrid products please find an Everest location nearest you (or scope us out online). We are always happy to answer any additional questions.