Please note: the use of CBD for medical or recreational purposes may be illegal in your country.
CBD is short for Cannabidiol which is extracted from the hemp plant. CBD continues to make headlines as more research is gathered and studies are conducted.
For those that are new to hearing about CBD, here’s a rundown of some useful information.
What is CBD?
CBD is a chemical compound from the Cannabis sativa plant, which some people refer to as either marijuana or hemp. While many use the terms interchangeably, there is a slight difference. The cannabis Sativa plant has two different species – marijuana and hemp. While both plants contain CBD, hemp plants contain a higher percentage of CBD and a lower percentage of THC, the psychoactive ingredient known to cause a “high.” It’s also important to note that hemp as a plant is different than hemp oil. The plant contains CBD, while the oil has been extracted from the seeds and does not contain any cannabinoids of CBD or THC for that matter.
The Benefits of CBD
There are several benefits of choosing to take CBD. For starters, CBD can improve your physical performance as it can help you manage pain. CBD affects the endocannabinoid receptors within the body, which are neurotransmitters that are responsible for the way the body receives messages and perceives pain. CBD is full of cannabinoid receptors which in turn create different interactions with the brain and body, allowing you to perceive pain in a less severe way.
Another way in which CBD improves your physical performance is by being beneficial to your body as part of your post-workout routine. Workouts require a lot of oxygen throughout your body and blood flow is redirected to muscles and skin, which causes your body to produce lactic acid. The increase in lactic acid can potentially cause people to get an upset stomach, feel weak, or like they’re going to faint. To counteract this, CBD is an anti-emetic and analgesic. Additionally, it’s anti-catabolic, which reduces levels of the stress hormone caused by working out – cortisol. Cortisol reduces protein synthesis and prevents the growth of new tissues, thereby causing potential muscle pain or damage.
It’s not just about physical benefits, CBD can also improve your mental state by reducing anxiety. Many mental health disorders have to deal with serotonin, the neurotransmitter that produces calm and happy feelings. CBD seemingly activates serotonin receptors, prompting an uplifted mood. This is a great option for those who many feel uneasy about turning to prescription medications.
How to Take CBD
There are several ways to take CBD, and it’s really all based on preference. People can choose to either use CBD oil or tinctures where they ingest it under their tongue, or choose a capsule method. There are also edible forms including gummies, mints, or brownies and topical creams based on what you need the CBD for.
What are the Side Effects?
Oftentimes the side effects that are reported occur in people who are taking other medication. In some cases, the interaction of the medication and CBD itself can create potentially harmful situations if used long-term, such as liver damage.
CBD is becoming increasingly popular in health and wellness, and could potentially be something you want to try. It’s important to make sure you do your research to make the choice best for you.
