A comprehensive guide to CBD health benefits. This post is a great starting place if you're new to cannabinoids or if you are looking to get more out of your CBD.
Our knowledge of CBD is constantly evolving as new research becomes available. The CBD health benefits, popular administration methods, manufacturing trends, and government regulations are rapidly changing. In order to be an educated CBD consumer, you need to continue learning about the exciting new cannabinoid as the industry matures.
At CannaCubans, we hope to provide our readers with a reliable source of unbiased information, so they can be confident when making purchasing decisions. This post serves as a comprehensive guide to the world of CBD. After reading, you will have gained a fundamental foundation on the benefits of using CBD and how to maximize positive outcomes for your specific needs.
CBD 101
Before we get into the health benefits of CBD, it's important to understand a few essential terms and how CBD interacts with our bodies.
Cannabinoids
CBD is one of the over 100 known chemical compounds derived from cannabis called cannabinoids. The two most abundant are THC and CBD, but others like CBG, CBN, and CBC are gaining popularity as more people become informed about their unique beneficial properties.
Before CBD can be consumed in a tincture or topical, the compound must be decarboxylated (or activated with heat and pressure) from its precursor form, CBDa.
The Endocannabinoid System
Cannabinoids affect the body because everyone (including animals) possesses an endocannabinoid system or ECS. Experts believe that the ECS has a significant impact on regulating conditions like anxiety, sleep, mood, memory, and pain.
Below are the three essential components of the endocannabinoid system and a brief description of how CBD affects each.
Endocannabinoids – Naturally produced cannabinoid-like neurotransmitters that help keep our minds and bodies balanced. CBD delivers health benefits because the compound helps increase endocannabinoid production.
Cannabinoid Receptors – Located in our brains, central nervous system, immune system, and other vital areas, cannabinoid (CB) receptors release chemicals to create an environment favorable for dealing with external events. Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids serve as signalers to active CB receptors. CBD interacts with CB receptors primarily indirectly through enzymes that degrade endocannabinoid production.
Degrading Enzymes – People suffering from an endocannabinoid deficiency likely have overactive enzymes that break down the compounds before activating CB receptors. CBD increases production by inhibiting the enzymes that slow our natural flow of endocannabinoids.
All cannabinoids trigger a different reaction; for example, THC floods the brain with dopamine and serotonin because it directly activates CB receptors. CBD doesn't have this mechanism and, as a result, can't produce a high.
Basic knowledge of the ECS is critical in understanding the benefits of CBD and how to put yourself in the best position possible to experience the full potential of the cannabinoid.
Understanding CBD Health Benefits
The benefits of CBD are produced over time through consistent use due to how the compound interacts with the ECS. While THC's effects are instantaneous, CBD impacts the production of endocannabinoids, which can activate CB receptors and put our body in a better place to handle external and internal complications.
One of the biggest misunderstandings related to CBD is that it will deliver instant results. In some cases like taking high doses to combat anxiety, CBD could produce instant results, but most of the benefits are observed after consistent dosing over a period of time.
The Effects of CBD
Taking CBD can be intimidating the first time because of its close relationship to cannabis. However, CBD is derived from hemp and isn't capable of producing the notorious effects of marijuana (THC dominant cannabis).
Does CBD Get You High?
Hemp-derived CBD products can only contain up to 0.3% THC. While this isn't enough to get you high, it could result in a positive drug test after consistent use. CBD products with small amounts of THC and other beneficial cannabinoids are known as full spectrum. We highly recommend using a combination of cannabinoids to experience the most benefits possible.
Side Effects
According to the World Health Organization, CBD is well tolerated in humans and animals. There aren't any severe side effects associated with CBD, and the compound hasn't shown to lead to addiction. While these minor side effects are rare, some people have reported feeling an upset stomach or lack of appetite after using CBD.
How to Maximize CBD Health Benefits
As we mentioned above, understanding how CBD works is a significant part of experiencing the benefits. Because CBD has an indirect effect on the ECS, it's essential to use CBD every day, so your body can produce more endocannabinoids.
Choosing a full spectrum product will help activate CB receptors and deliver benefits faster. In addition, high-quality extracts will contain other beneficial cannabinoids and aromatic oils called terpenes. Using a CBD product with a range of different cannabis compounds is called the 'entourage effect' and has become the industry standard in recent years.
Bioavailability
Another crucial component in maximizing CBD health benefits is delivering the process of providing the compound to your bloodstream. The amount of CBD usable by the body is known as the bioavailability rate.
Different types of products will range in bioavailability. For example, CBD tinctures are taken sublingually (absorbed under the tongue), which has a much higher bioavailability than edibles which are broken down by the digestive system.
How to Use CBD
Maximizing the benefits of CBD is highly dependent on the user. Taking CBD every day is essential, along with choosing high-quality products, the proper dosage, and the delivery method. In addition, we must account for bioavailable rates when selecting how much CBD to take daily.
If you are trying CBD for the first time or switching products, we recommend starting with a small dose (10-20mg) and observing the effects. After a week or so, you can increase the amount if you feel comfortable. Most people find their ideal dosage between 25mg and 75mg.
Current CBD Research
While we are far behind on the progression of cannabis research, there are many scientific studies and anecdotal accounts to justify using CBD for its natural healing properties.
CBD and Pain
Pain treatment is the most common condition treated by CBD in the US. Unfortunately, while scientific research has been conducted successfully regarding the mechanism of pain relief, we are far from getting FDA approval for CBD as a treatment for pain.
Research on pain is complex; however, scientists are evolving how studies are conducted to get a more accurate assessment.
CBD for Sleep
Sleep is a much more manageable condition to conduct research. One of the most prevalent studies was done by the University of Colorado in 2019. 66.7% of the patients reported positive changes in sleep just after one month of use.
Anxiety and Depression
Mental health conditions are another common use for CBD products. Anxiety was also measured in the same study done by researchers at Colorado University. 79.2% of the patients reported improvements in anxiety just after one month of using CBD daily.
What to Look for When Buying CBD
Finding a reliable source for CBD is among the most challenging aspects of experiencing benefits. When looking for CBD products online, make sure you are buying from a trustworthy brand. Unfortunately, many companies take advantage of uneducated users, hoping to capitalize on the hype around CBD.
Only purchase CBD online if the retailer provides:
- Consistent quality
- A return policy
- USA grown hemp
- 3rd party lab tests
- USDA Organic CBD
At Canna Cubans, we strive to be a reliable source of information as well as premium CBD products. So, make sure to follow us and look out for more articles dissecting the latest CBD health benefits, scientific research, and trends in the industry.
