Following the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, legal CBD products are seemingly everywhere. But, what are these hemp-derived products about? What exactly is it?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of hundreds of compounds (cannabinoids) found in the cannabis plant, which is what hemp is. CBD is closely related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the famous compound that gets you high. These are the two most prevalent compounds found in the plant, and the most widely studied.

While THC and CBD are related compounds, they are quite different from one another. For starters, CBD does not cause a “high” or “stoned” feeling. In fact, it can actually reduce or neutralize the effects of THC. Many people want the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the high, and that’s where CBD comes in. This is also a great option for those who want to try cannabis for the first time.

The Benefits of CBD

CBD has a long list of benefits, including providing relief from:

  • Seizures / Epilepsy
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Acne
  • Inflammatory pain
  • Chronic pain
  • Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
  • Nausea
  • Nerve pain
  • Sleep disorders
  • Insect bites

How is CBD used?

It can be used in a variety of ways, so you can find the best method that suits you and your needs. The way you consume it plays a salient role in how long it will take to feel the effects, as well as how long they last.

Smoking / Vaping 
Inhalation is the fastest method of consumption for CBD because of how fast the cannabinoid is absorbed in the body. When hemp is smoked or vaped, CBD and other cannabinoids are sent straight to the lungs, where they are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Peak concentrations in plasma are reached within minutes of consumption, and can be detected over an hour after smoking or vaping.

Tinctures
There are several types of CBD tinctures, and are usually alcohol, oil, or vegetable-glycerin based. Because tinctures are packaged in eyedropper bottles, many people find them easy to use throughout the day in measured doses. Tinctures can be added to food and beverages, or absorbed under the tongue. The latter provides the quickest onset of benefits. Tinctures are discreet and easy to use, though it takes longer to feel their effects.

Edibles
There is just a vast selection of CBD edibles available in different dosage levels, from candy to capsules. Ingesting CBD rather than inhaling provides a longer-lasting effect, but it also takes longer for the effects to be felt. This is because the edibles have to break down in the digestive system before the CBD can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Topicals
CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the skin to provide relief for a variety of conditions and ailments, from acne to chronic pain. Additionally, topicals are the most effective way to treat localized pain.

Final Thoughts

Consuming cannabis is a highly personal experience that tends to vary from person to person. No method is better than the other, as they all provide the benefits of CBD in different ways. Trial and error is a big part of trying cannabis – but that’s the fun part! We recommend smoking quality hemp flower first, so you can get the fastest onset and see how it feels to you. It’s also easier to determine how much you’re consuming than some other methods.

CBD Glossary