A Guide to Buying and Using CBD for Your Health

It seems that no matter where you turn, CBD is there too. Having been crowned the new wonder drug, there are claims that it can treat everything from sore muscles to neurodegenerative disorders. Don't get overwhelmed by contrasting claims. Instead, get your questions answered in this guide to buying and using CBD for your health.

What Is CBD?

CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, a compound that is found in all cannabis plants, including both marijuana and hemp. The hemp that is grown for CBD extraction contains very low amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is what causes marijuana users to feel high. That means that most CBD products you can buy will have little or no THC.

Cannabidiol is only one of the many cannabinoids that are found in cannabis plants. There are more than 100 known cannabinoids in hemp, and they appear to work together on the many systems within your body.

Is It Really Legal?

Industrial hemp is legal to grow in all fifty U.S. states, which means that CBD extracted from it is also legal. However, trace amounts of THC may be prohibited in some states. That means you should always use care when you buy CBD online to ensure that sellers know and respect the laws where you live.

How Is CBD Taken?

There are many forms of CBD. You can find it in edibles like cookies, coffee, and gummies. Lotions and creams offer a targeted application for sore muscles and areas of pain or inflammation. Tinctures and oils made from hemp oil are also taken orally by placing several drops under your tongue or applied to the skin for spot relief.

What Is It Used for?

CBD has been used for a huge assortment of conditions, symptoms, and situations. While research is still out on how CBD can help with these conditions, these are some of the most commonly found uses for the compound.

Seizure Disorders

There is evidence that it is effective at treating seizures at very high doses. The FDA approved the first CBD-based drug, Epidolex, in 2018 to treat very specific types of epilepsy that do not respond well to traditional medicines. These doses are generally not attainable in over the counter products, and they may produce potentially dangerous side effects. If you have a seizure disorder, talk to your doctor about whether or not CBD could be a beneficial component of your treatment plan.

Anxiety and Depression

Both of these common mental health conditions have shown promising reactions to treatment with cannabidiol. The exact mechanism for its effects is not understood at this time, but it appears that CBD causes changes in the uptake and availability of serotonin by positively affecting the chemical's receptors within the brain.

Arthritis Pain and Inflammation

Chronic pain and swelling that is caused by conditions like arthritis may limit your activity and affect your quality of life. While there has long been anecdotal evidence that CBD from hemp oil may help decrease these debilitating symptoms, recent research has been confirming it.

Peripheral Neuropathy

This painful condition is characterized by tingling or burning sensations, numbness, extreme sensitivity to touch, and a loss of strength in the affected areas. It is the result of damaged nerves. CBD targets the CB2 receptors found throughout your body to disrupt pain signals between your brain and the damaged nerves. So, unlike with medications that cover up the pain, CBD acts to stop it at the source.

Are You Ready to Take Charge of Your Health?

Products containing CBD are widely available and, while researchers are still uncovering if and how the compound works, it is generally considered safe. Be sure to read labels to know if the products you are buying contain detectable levels of THC, since it may be illegal in your area. If you are adding it to a current treatment program, be sure to talk to your health care provider to avoid any interactions or complications.