Probably the first question that popped into your head the first time you considered taking CBD is, ‘Will it get me high?’ You’d also probably wonder about the product’s efficacy, the correct dosage for you, and which type or form of CBD is best.

CBD, one of the more than one hundred chemical compounds (cannabinoids) found in the marijuana plant, is non-psychoactive, which means it won’t affect your mind. The cannabinoid that can make you high is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). By law, all CBD products shouldn’t contain more than 0.3%. So, it’s doubtful that you’ll get high from any of the CBD products that are legally available.

An Overview Of CBD

As mentioned, CBD (or cannabidiol) is one of the compounds that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. At least 113 cannabinoids have been identified and isolated from cannabis, and CBD, along with THC, are two of the most well-known.

Cannabis has been used as medicine for thousands of years, the earliest record of which was around 2700 BCE (Before Common Era) in China. Cannabis, however, was effectively declared illegal in 1937 with the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act. It was classified as a dangerous drug, together with cocaine and heroin, in 1970.

Scientists, however, have been aware of the potential of CBD since its discovery in the 1960s. However, its classification as a Schedule I drug (drugs that have ‘no accepted medical use’ and with ’a high potential for abuse’) in 1970 put a stop to further studies. Views about cannabis, however, shifted. In 1998, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana.

Today, 18 states, including the District of Columbia, have made cannabis legal, while another 13 have removed criminal sanctions against its use. This opened the doors for further studies regarding the possible medicinal benefits of cannabis. CBD, especially, became popular as an effective treatment against some rare form of childhood epilepsy.

In 2018, the first-ever CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, was approved by the Federal Drug Agency (FDA) for epileptic seizures. For epilepsy, at least, CBD is scientifically proven to help. Other cannabinoids, including THC, have potentially therapeutic properties, but more clinical trials are still needed for any meaningful consensus among medical professionals.

Be that as it may, after Epidiolex, there had been three other cannabis-based medicines subsequently approved by the FDA for nausea and vomiting for patients undergoing chemotherapy: Marinol, Cesamet, and Syndros. All three contain synthetic THC.

Unlike THC, however, CBD won’t make anyone’ stoned,’ so it’s perfectly suitable for someone who’s trying cannabis for the first time. But, as the culture surrounding CBD can overwhelm anyone, the sheer number of choices can be very exciting. Companies like Buena Vida Botanicals even offer CBD products for both humans and their pets.

Below is a brief discussion of the different ways CBD could help health-wise and the various ways to take them.

CBD And Its Potential Benefits

The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018 declared CBD as safe for humans and animals. Moreover, WHO found CBD non-addictive and can even mitigate THC’s effects, such as euphoria or paranoia.

There are even studies that show the medical benefits of CBD, but clinical trials are still insufficient for an emphatic verdict. Beware, though – CBD isn’t a cure-all, contrary to the claims of some overzealous advocates.

Furthermore, studies show that CBD could help people with sleep disorders, including insomnia, and is typically used to treat anxiety. Some studies also suggest that CBD can be used to treat chronic pain and inflammation. It’s also a potential treatment for schizophrenia, glaucoma, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and others.

Scientists also believe that many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, besides CBD and THC, have therapeutic benefits, but more convincing clinical trials are still needed to substantiate these claims.  

Ways To Use CBD

CBD is available in many forms, and the sheer number of these forms can be confusing. But it really isn’t that complicated. CBD’s many forms allow people to choose what’s best according to their specific needs.

If you’re not sure where or how to start, read on:

1. Topical Applications Of CBD Products

The most common method used by those with an active lifestyle is applying oils, ointments, topical creams, and roll-ons on the skin. CBD in these forms is used to treat skin conditions, as well as for sore muscles and other body aches. It may also be effective for inflammation of the joints. Essentially, topical application is effective for providing relief to a specific area.

You can also find many topical salves infused with CBD and other vitamins in the cosmetics section. Also, look for topical products with analgesics, like capsaicin, camphor, and menthol for a more potent mix.     

2. Smoking

The method of consumption plays a part in how fast your body can absorb CBD. Inhaling CBD, either through vape or smoking, can quickly enter your bloodstream through the lungs. CBD’s bioavailability, that is, the rate and amount of a substance absorbed into your body are greater if introduced into the lungs compared to, say, your stomach. It’s estimated that about 50% of CBD you inhale reaches your bloodstream, compared to only 5% if you eat it.

Additionally, you can feel its effect immediately after inhalation. There’s a caveat, though – if you have asthma, smoking anything, even CBD, should be avoided. You’d have to try other delivery methods suited for you.

3. Vaping

Vaping is somewhat similar to smoking in the sense that you also inhale the product. But this method doesn’t involve smoke. Vaporizers, like vape pens, atomize CBD vape liquids, turning them into vapor. Since you’ll also inhale CBD, it can be absorbed by your body quicker, affording you an immediate effect.

If you opt for vaping, keep in mind that this means you have to purchase a vaping kit as well. Also, as with smoking, vaping can deliver a higher dose of CBD into your system. Unlike smoking, however, controlling how much CBD you want to take would be easy.    

4. Sublingual

 Oils and tinctures are consumed the same way: they’re usually used by placing a few drops under the tongue. These two are the most prevalent cannabinoid products, both for beginners and experienced users. It can let you measure out a precise amount of CBD to take by using the dropper attached to the bottle’s cap. This application method is effective and is also relatively fast-acting.

However, oils and tinctures can taste bitter and earthy. Luckily, these products are available in different flavors, such as mint, strawberry, and others.

5. Edibles/Pills And Capsules

CBD edibles are also becoming among the most popular, and it’s easy to see why. Edibles can be delicious, and they contain pre-measured CBD doses, like pills and capsules. Currently, CBD gummies are lording it over other edibles as they’re eminently convenient, not to mention tasty.

Moreover, when it comes to CBD products taken orally, like edibles, pills, and capsules, there are many choices for consumers. However, since the products will have to go through your gut, the effect won’t be immediate. The effect, however, will last longer since the product will be released slowly over time.   

Final Thoughts

There isn’t any best method when taking CBD; the most effective is the one that suits you. For a beginner, you may have to find the one way – or two – that would suit you best. You may have to try out a few products to discover the method that would work for you.

Before embarking on your journey, however, be sure to consult with your health professional first. This is to ensure that CBD won’t interfere with other medications you might be taking.