CBD is the latest rage, but not without reason. When people look for supplements to achieve certain health benefits, they want natural products without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.
Cannabidiol (CBD) meets this need.
1. Cannabidiol products don’t always taste like cannabis
Since CBD is derived from the hemp form of the cannabis plant, some products tend to have a strong cannabis flavor. This flavor is a deterrent for many. If you’ve never tasted unflavored cannabis products, it’s pungent, strong, and overly earthy. Some people like the flavor, but it’s definitely an acquired taste.
The good news is that plenty of CBD products don’t taste like cannabis. For example, Hemp Bombs makes CBD gummies that are both fun and delicious. Flavors vary by manufacturer, but most CBD gummies come in tasty flavors like blue raspberry, green apple, lime, strawberry, and berry.
You can also get CBD oil in various flavors, but many people say they prefer gummies because it’s harder to hide the cannabis flavor in oil. If you like regular gummy bears, you’ll like CBD gummies better than oil.
2. CBD isn’t the only useful ingredient in cannabis
Everyone knows about THC and CBD, but there are other useful cannabinoids. Technically, these cannabinoids work best when not isolated. However, each play a unique role in the human body. For example, CBD-A has been found to have anti-emetic and anti-proliferative effects along with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Cannabinol (CBN), like CBD, is non-psychoactive and is used to help with insomnia and to stimulate appetite. CBN can also be used as an analgesic.
Cannabichromene (CBC-A) is yet another non-psychoactive cannabinoid that helps relieve pain and suppresses nausea and vomiting.
3. The human body has cannabinoid receptor sites
Cannabinoids are received by the human body through cannabinoid receptor sites. These receptor sites, referred to as CB1 and CB2, are found in the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, and throughout the central nervous system.
While THC binds directly with CB1 receptors, creating the “high” feeling, CBD does not. Instead of binding directly to the receptors, CBD stimulates those receptors. This stimulation creates a different effect than the “high” created when THC binds to CB1 receptor sites.
4. CBD won’t get you high
Some people hesitate to try CBD products because they’re worried about getting high. However, CBD does not contain any psychoactive properties, so you can’t get high. THC and other cannabinoids are responsible for psychoactive effects.
5. CBD lessens the psychoactive effects of THC
There are a variety of products on the market containing mostly CBD or THC, and a combination of both. If you’ve ever consumed an edible or capsule with both THC and CBD, you’ve probably noticed that you don’t feel a big high, yet you still get the relief you were seeking. That’s because CBD negates some of the psychoactive effects of THC while allowing THC to express its therapeutic properties.
Some people want the strong therapeutic effects of THC, but don’t like feeling high. When edibles contain both THC and CBD, you can get the benefits of THC without having to deal with the unwanted feeling of being high.
Those who enjoy the feeling of being high should avoid THC products containing high levels of CBD.
6. CBD works in tandem with THC
Just as the presence of CBD minimizes the psychoactive effects of THC, it also works with THC.
Cannabis contains over 120 phytocannabinoids that work together to create natural balance in the body. CBD is beneficial, but research has shown that it’s even more beneficial to take CBD products that also contain terpenes. The only way to know if your CBD product contains terpenes is to ask for the lab results if the company performs regular testing.
A group of researchers reviewed studies from the British Journal of Pharmacology and found major benefits associated with taking cannabinoids and terpenes together. Among the studies, they discovered evidence that taking cannabinoids with terpenes can relieve pain, anxiety, and can even help fungal infections.
7. CBD is affordable
Perhaps the best fact about CBD is that it’s affordable. You can get just about any CBD-infused product you want without breaking your wallet. If you live in a state that has legalized medical or recreational marijuana, you’ll find affordable CBD products at medical dispensaries.
As both THC and CBD are legalized, more companies can enter the market, which drives prices down.
CBD is here to stay
The evidence is clear. CBD is a natural, therapeutic alternative to beat stress, anxiety, insomnia, and other common issues. It may seem like a fad, but its effectiveness says it’s here to stay.
