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What is CBD? What are the best CBD benefits? Chances are you stumbled upon this article after hearing about CBD for the first time. You’re likely curious and want to try it, or you’re trying to convince your mom that you’re not a stoner and are looking for an article to back up your claim (lol). Or you’re just doing some research on what it is because you found out that your son is eating CBD gummy bears and you’re O-M-G freaking out.
Whatever your reasons for ending up on this article is, it will be sure to answer questions to what you need to know to educate yourself on what it is, and how to get started if you decide you want to try CBD.
Medical Disclaimer
Before we begin, I want to ensure that I provide you with the most accurate information but I also want to notate this disclaimer, as I am not a medical professional:
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a safe, non-addictive substance and does not get you high, and is NOT the same as THC. Here is a more specific definition:
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. While CBD is a component of marijuana (one of hundreds), by itself it does not cause a “high.”
Harvard Health
If you really want to dig deep into what CBD is, here is an incredible info-graphic from an article by Bojana Petkovic called ” A Budding Industry: CBD Statistics & Trends“, which covers everything you need to know about CBD, as well as a ton of other CBD-related content conveniently available at the following website: Loud Cloud Health
CBD will get me high, right?
No, it will not get you high – not at all, actually.
It can be a little confusing because CBD and THC (the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, which is responsible for getting you high) are made up of the same chemical formula. Although this is true, the atoms are arranged differently, and that difference in arrangement is what causes THC to be psychoactive and CBD to not be. So THC = high, CBD – not high.
Is it Legal? Will it Show Up on a Drug Test?
Yes, it is legal in all 50 states. and NO, it will not show up on a drug test, because it does not contain THC.
Check out this graphic that shows a few common misconceptions about CBD, including its legality and drug testing concerns:
CBD Benefits
So, if you look up the benefits of CBD online, you will find a lot of different potential benefits of its consumption. I will list the most prominent benefits that have been claimed and then give you my personal experience.
- Pain Relief – CBD may be effective in reducing pain associated with diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Anxiety & Depression – According to Medical News Today, CBD can help with conditions such as PTSD, anxiety/panic disorders, social anxiety, OCD and more.
- Reduce Risks of Diabetes – The Diabetes Council has found that CBD can reduce the occurrence, reduce insulin resistance, and potentially delay Diabetes from progressing.
- Reduce Acne – CBD can prevent the overproduction of sebum, which contributes to the most common type of acne.
- Insomnia – CBD is said to increase melatonin levels, while also relieving the symptoms of other conditions that cause insomnia.
- Helps Fight Cancer – CBD use in cancer patients can help by decreasing the energy production in cancer cells and more. Read more here: Anticancer Mechanisms.
- Can Help your Pet – Did you know CBD is safe for pets? It can help with their aches and pains, anxiety and loss of appetite. They even offer it in drops, specifically made for your four legged friends.
- Other Potential Benefits: include preventing or relieving the symptoms of multiple conditions, including: IBS, substance abuse, skin conditions such as psoriasis, reduction in seizures, high blood pressure, neurodegenerative diseases and more.
Possible Side Effects of CBD
The benefits of CBD are endless, and like things like Chlorophyll, a lot of the times more research is needed to solidify the many claims to its health benefits, so always do extensive research and talk to a medical professional before using CBD for a specific condition.
Potential Side Effects: dry mouth, drowsiness, light-headedness – are a few reported side effects, but CBD is ultimately safe, non-addictive, and you can’t overdose on it. Also – completely safe for pets.
I Want to Try CBD – Where do I Begin?
VAPING CBD
Before I let you in on some convenient and super-duper-easy ways to get started with CBD, let me share my personal experience with trying it for the first time. I decided to try CBD for the first time by consuming it with a disposable vape pen. Being a non smoker, it still seemed to be the best option, as well as the most effective option because it works better and faster than ingesting it.
I have tried many different disposable vape pens and the best one I have tried is offered by CBDfx. So, I didn’t want to dedicate myself to purchasing a non-disposable vape pen, because I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but I did! This vape pen is great for first timers to try because it is affordable and comes in the perfect dose for a first-timer. The Fresh Mint is my absolute favorite because it leaves a cooling, spearmint aftertaste and is incredibly smooth. Your. mind. will. be. blown. IT IS SO GOOD.
The Best CBD Vape Pen
Okay, I think I made my point – so here is where you can try this amazing vape pen: CBDfx Disposable Vape Pen – Fresh Mint 30mg
CBDfx also offers these in other uh-mazing flavors:
- Strawberry Lemonade – 30mg
- Tropic Breeze – 30mg
- Blue Raspberry – 30mg
- OG Kush – 50mg
- Gelato – 50mg
- Platinum Rose – 50mg
- Pineapple Express – 50mg
If you like the vaping option, and want to upgrade to something stronger, I recommend getting a rechargeable vape pen from Vape Brite, which offers a starter kit that comes with a 200mg CBD cartridge. I must also add that they have great customer service, and I had a great experience with them and their product.
Is vaping not yo thang? Well, you’re in luck because you don’t have to smoke CBD, you can eat it, rub it, drop it, soak it, drink it and more with tons of products. There are an overwhelming amount of CBD-infused products out there, but here are my recommendations:
CBD GUMMIES
Consume those CBD benefits by sinking your teeth into these berry yummy gummy bears. Om nom nom nom nom…. Get a pouch here: CBD Gummies
CBD COFFEE
Oh DANG. CBD AND COFFEE in 1 pod?! Now they are speakin’ my language.
Get a pack here: Diamond CBD
CBD LOTION
This is perfect for applying directly to painful areas on your body/skin.
Available here: CBD Topical Cream
Other CBD products:
- CBD Bundle – Try a vaping bundle set : CBDfx Bundle
You can find CBD in almost anything – bath bombs, shampoo, chocolate and more. It pretty much comes in any product you can think of, so you’ll be sure to find a product that works for your specific needs.
Try a CBD bath bomb from Amazon: CBD Bath Bomb
I have actually tried these and they are uber relaxing.
Final Thoughts
So, to the curious minds out there who may want to try CBD – obviously I definitely recommend it. For me, it helped specifically with anxiety and sleep. I have anxiety like nobody’s business and sleeping is always a hit or miss for me. CBD oil is a great way to experience relaxation without any side effects, discomfort, or effects that will make you feel high, disoriented or intoxicated. For me, vaping works best, but it may work better for you when ingested or applied topically.
Research!
Be sure to do your research, purchase from reliable companies, and read the lab reports like the ones that CBDfx offers on their products. (Example Lab Report: CBDfx) This gives you peace of mind so that you know what you’re getting and how much.
If you have any questions or comments on what I should include in this post on the best CBD benefits, or if you want to share your own experiences with CBD, please share in the comments below!
